justjoseph63

Great looking set of armor, Scott! For some strange reason, RS has started using pop rivets for the ammo thigh pack which are not permitted at levels 2 and 3. You will need to replace these with either split (bifurcated) or double cap rivets. It is actually a very easy fix... all you need is a drill with a bit (I would try a 7/64ths or maybe a 1/8th size) big enough to drill out the center of the rivet. That will break the bond, and then you can easily replace them. If you need two of either I will send them to you no charge, just PM me your info. See you at EIB soon! HINT: Use bits made for drilling metal, like cobalt or titanium tip. Start with a smaller bit for a "pilot" hole and then move to the larger one. Be VERY careful when doing this. It's pretty easy to do, just take your time.

The CRLs have recently been changed to reflect a number of things, and to set some standards. Are they 100% accurate? In a word, no. I understand your concerns about accuracy, believe me, and I have stated many times before that the pack (as seen in the game) would be extremely difficult for the average Trooper to build if constructed to match the screen caps exactly. If that were the case, none of the packs currently being used by any HWT would be permitted. We work with what we have available, which includes oil pans, cardboard, plastic containers and PVC. We have to allow for the fact that not everyone has access to the same materials, and therefore some minor variations are permitted. There are also other impracticalities to going 100% accurate at this time: Many HWTs use their current armor for "double duty", which gives them the ability (and luxury) to use it as both as that and as a regular TK when the need arises. If the tube stripes and lenses were black, this would be impossible without purchasing another helmet. Besides, no one currently makes black lenses. The same thinking is considered for the black buttons on the ab. If we wanted to get really precise, the following would be mandatory: 1. TDs are not round, but octagons. 2. The thigh ammo pack is not rounded at the bottom of the rear bottom corner, 3. There are no buttons on the ABS belt. 4. The top of the lower cannister has horizontal ribs. The bottom is is smooth and conical. 5. The only 2 colors allowed on the pack are black and bluish gray. The bluish gray is only located on the bottom of the lower cannister, the top cannister, the vents and 4 buttons. 6. The pack frame would need to be at least 7 to 8 inches thick, as shown in the game. 7. The pack would have to have squared corners, not rounded. Canvas MP40 pouches were allowed at first, probably because of the cost factor. In the screen caps, there is a distinct "shine" on the tops. Leather can be shiny and reflect light... canvas can not. The vast majority of packs currently built do not have room for a TD, which is why this is an option. The present CRL states that all pauldrons must be orange for all new approvals. Those with other colors have been "grandfathered" in, the same for those who currently use canvas MP40 pouches. I completely understand everyone's concern regarding accuracy, but again, we have to be practical. Our main goal as HWTs is continuity, and perhaps one day many years from now things will change but for now we have to set some standards while still allowing for a few variations. We are such a small number of characters that I highly doubt that the general public (or even the majority of Troopers) will notice the small inconsistencies. At the end of the day, It's all about getting out there and having fun trooping.

You'd be surprised to see how many eBay and Amazon sellers say that their kit is "501st approved" or the like when 99.9% of them are not. Unless you are just looking for armor to display, I would go the extra mile and get one that can be approved. You will meet a lot of great people, be a part some awesome events, and get to use your armor for more than a prop or to use at cons. Chris (themaninthesuitcase) will be a GREAT help in your TK journey..

I feel your pain, Pedro. Even though I am "grandfathered in" with the canvas ones, I am upgrading to the leather ones.

Have you checked out this thread? http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/tutorials/article/31-howto-create-a-neckseal/

The tube looks a lot better, but if your GML follows the CRL you will definitely need to remove the cog and decal at the bottom. Also please note that you will need two MP40 ammo packs, one for each side. Ammo Pouches For 501st approval: Belt Pouches Two three slot German MP-40 style ammo pouches shall be worn on the hips with one on each side of the belt. Ammo Pouches For 501st approval: Belt Pouches Two three slot German MP-40 style ammo pouches shall be worn on the hips with one on each side of the belt.

That's a lot of money for a Halloween costume...

Troopers helping Troopers!

Do you have another link? This one says: This site can’t be reachedhttps’s server DNS address could not be found. DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN

Really nice job on this build, Gareth, and great job on that blaster!

If you are not in a hurry, I can mail you enough to do both sides (no charge). Just PM me if interested.

You might try (slowly) running a razor knife right along the seam of the cover strip to break the bond of the glue a bit, and then try to carefully pick it off one small section at a time. It may take a while, but it is worth a try.

For those who volunteer for 2 or more shifts (4 hours total) they apparently will have a special patch and possibly a coin. Here is a quote from the volunteer organizer: Re: Volunteers Needed For All 501st Activities!by FANGS » Wed Mar 15, 2017 2:52 pm Fun news everyone! I'm told that for volunteering for 2 shifts in the 501st room and Blast a Trooper, you'll earn yourself a special volunteers only patch! (Total of 4 hours over the weekend - for example 1 shift at the 501st info booth and one shift as a target with Blast a Trooper or another example, 1 shift in costume with the Trash Compactor and 1 shift at the Droid Hunt table). (1 patch per member) For every 2 shifts with Roxy and Lemy - scheduled times (2 hour shifts) or setup/tear down (set up counts as one shift/tear down counts as one shift) or a combination gets you a special volunteer coin! (1 coin per member) Volunteer to help with any of the Hyatt area truck unloading for the bash and banquet, banquet set up and tear down or bash set up and tear down and get another special volunteer coin! (1 coin per member - Bash and Banquet volunteering)

SUPER nice job on your build, Jon! You might want to see about replacing the white elastic that holds your shoulder bridges down in the back. It looks a bit thin, and may not hold up too long. If you like, I can send you enough of the 1/4 inch wide elastic to do both sides (no charge). If interested, just PM me. See you at at Centurion soon, brother!

Awesome, Eric, and thanks for signing up!

Thanks!

Do you mean the 1/4 inch ones for the shoulder straps? If so, try the sewing section at Wal-Mart or any fabric store such as Joanne's.

Welcome, James! Posting photos (ideally close-ups) is always a great help in these matters. What maker did you get the kit from?

"Troopers helping Troopers"!

Looking SHARP, Trooper, and CONGRATS!

My mistake, Kalani. I meant 3/4 inch. I just ordered several hundred and will be selling them at cost in a week or so.

For the teeth I recommend as others have picking up a needle file set like this one: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Project-Source-6-Piece-Needle-File-Set/4777067 For the eyes, you can certainly use regular file, but I suggest taking a piece of sandpaper (about 120 grit) and wrapping around the file. That way, the ABS (which is fairly thin in that area) won't "wobble" as much. Using this method also gives you a bit more control IMHO, so you don't end up taking too much off with the Dremel. For the outside corners you can wrap the paper around a pencil, and for the inside corners you can wrap the paper around the round needle file.

Way to go, Dave!!!! Congrats, sir, and I look forward to seeing your Centurion submission soon.

The exact ones you will need are 6/32 x 3/4 inch Flat slotted screws (with nuts and washers).

Welcome, Sharizman! If you are not yet an official member of the 501st Legion yet, you should go to the Malaysian Garrison's website: http://www.my501st.com/ You can volunteer to be a "handler" at one or more of their events and get a better idea of what trooping is all about. They can also help you find the right armor and answer a lot of your questions, but know that we are all here to help!