justjoseph63

A big CONGRATS on a job well done, Centurion! Welcome to the ranks, my brother-in-arms!

Only ten more days, folks...

Suh-weeeet! I remember seeing this in the film and thinking "I wonder if Kuat Drive Yards will cover this under warranty"?

I would go with at least a standard model, Jason.

It's about time, LOL!!!! Looking great, trooper! Outstanding job on the armor weathering... not too much, not too little. The only thing I would do is weather up that pack. It looks a bit "new out of the box". I suggest using the "dry brush" technique on the edges, and for the the flat surfaces: 1. Take a can of silver spray paint and a can of flat black spray paint (both enamel for durability). 2. Spray about half a teaspoon of each into a wide plastic container, keeping them separated. 3. Using a smooth rag, dab it into the silver, then the black. Smear it onto a piece of cardboard to mix, then gently rub it on to the surfaces. You can test out the look on the cardboard first. 4. If it doesn't look exactly like you want, you can always hit the surface with the black and start over. You can use the pure silver in the tray for dry brushing the edges, but I suggest doing the rag thing first.

There are also other differences in the Sandie and the HWT.. HWT's, while permitted to carry an E-11, do not wear a holster, and are required to wear a pack, and they differ greatly from the Sandie ones. Sandie armor is also different, as in the sniper knee plate and ab-button set-up. Normally, regular OT TKs do not wear pauldrons. There are several GREAT HWT pack builds available here... I used a mash-up between Tony's (ukswrath) http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/30034-hwt-backpack-build-part-1/ and Charles' (Templar726) http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/30222-templars-hwt-pack-build/. If you need any info. on becoming a Heavy Weapons Trooper, just PM me, and I'll be glad to help you out.

Hi Dave... First, a big congrats on your EIB approval! Glad to hear you are going HWT, and I will throw in my 2 cents worth on your questions and hopefully offer a few tips that will help you get approved. The ammo pack and pauldron you have should be just fine. You will need one additional ammo pack though, one without the extra small one hanging off the bottom. The boxes on the back of the oil pan you have now should also be fine, except for the one on the bottom left. This is actually not a plastic box, but a paper "craft" box, available at Michael's for less that 5 dollars. The corners are not rounded, but square. I would not recommend the method you are considering to attach the other boxes to the pack. It takes a bit more time, but using the method Tony and my friend Charles (Templar726) will look 100% better. http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/30222-templars-hwt-pack-build/. The reason being is that you would be able to see the lid snaps very clearly when finished, and it would be obvious what they are. I would also suggest using white PVC fittings for the top and bottom of the tube, unless you are planning on sanding/priming and painting them white. If I can be of any help, just PM me. All the best on your build!

All shall revealed on May the first, I promise! There is quite a bit of "behind the scenes" stuff I have to take care of to get everything set up for this, as we are expecting several hundred orders, so I appreciate everyone bearing with me.

It's beginning to look like these will be somewhat popular....

I personally went with nylon for all the torso connections, and have had no real problem with flexibility. My main concern was the gap issues. If you do decide to use elastic, be sure to double over the ends before attaching the snaps, as they will tear out after a while from the constant snapping and unsnapping from disassembling your armor.

May the first, and it will run through June 1st.

I did the exact same thing as you, Scott. Before I knew about the 501st and FISD, I ordered a set of eBay armor. After finding out it was total crap, (makerofthings), I decided to go ahead and put it together, just to get the basics of building one while I waited for my AM kit to arrive. I then re-listed it on eBay as a "Stormtrooper Halloween costume, NOT approvable for the 501st", (those exact words). It sold in 2 days, and although I didn't make any money on it, I gained some valuable experience.

You should stick with the CRL, Dan. Where did you read white canvas? It states in the CRL that it it should be "White fabric or preferably elastic". The only exception I know of is for SandTroopers. Elastic is your best bet as that area gets a lot of movement, and elastic gives you a better range of motion.... BUT.. be sure to double it over before attaching the snaps, as that area gets a lot of wear and tear from constantly snapping and unsnapping, and if you use one layer they will eventually tear out and have to be replaced.

Wow, Jack! Gotta say that I am blown away by both your video and heartfelt post, sir. A big CONGRATS on your approval, and I am sure you are going to be a true star in the Star Garrison. Very glad to hear that you are aiming for Centurion, and if we can be of any help, just let us know. Way to go, Trooper, and thanks for sharing!!

Great ideas, Jeff! While I agree that there are times (like canon events) that one needs to retain an aura of seriousness, I personally like to have fun when I'm mixing with the masses! I normally spend most of the time at most troops looking rather staid, but when I do something like the bunny ears or photo-bomb it throws people off guard and always gets a grin! On many troops, there are very small kids involved, (who have no idea what a Stormtrooper is) and I would rather clown around a bit to put them at ease and make them smile rather than scare the bejeezers out of them. I am TOTALLY borrowing your "Don't make me shoot in your general direction" line.... Hilarious!

Sinmply AWESOME! Just like Wibowo said in the second post... WE... ARE... BACK, OT troopers!!!

Glad to hear things have been sorted out, Shane. Tim has been in touch and explained the situation, and you will both be included on the upcoming run!

Try this post for everything E-11 related, Shay: http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/32111-fisd-e-11-blaster-reference/ As far as the Doopydoos turnaround time, it's just a waiting game with them. You can pretty much forget hearing anything via email, no matter how many times you ask, but know that it will eventually arrive at your front door. My first one took almost 9 weeks, the second about 7.

I think your best bet would be to not only check out, but study Tony's (ukswrath) incredible Anovos build thread located here: http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/35086-ukswraths-anovos-tk-build/page-1 He is building it to Centurion level right out of the box, and everything (including a materials list) is explained in detail. Note that he is using the "classic" (movie accurate) strapping system, but there are many builds on here that use nylon straps. My buddy Jeff (wingnut65) has a great diagram (below) that shows the placement of snaps/rivets, etc. If you need any further clarification, just ask!

Way to go, Steve, and welcome to the double EIB club! Great job!!

Quite humbling when you put it like that, Aaron! I especially like the fact that you mentioned "Paying it forward"... In a nutshell, that's what we do here. We all started out our TK life as recruits, and those ahead of us helped get us to where we are as full fledged members of this great community. I genuinely hope to see you stay active on the boards, and share all you've learned with those just starting this awesome journey. So when can we expect your EIB submission?

From what I've heard, it's best to Google Tandy line 24 snaps. This will bring you to sites and sales not readily available if you go straight to their site. Glad to hear you are going for the double snap system! Yes, it takes a bit longer and is a bit pricier, but you will feel more secure knowing that things won't pop off unexpectedly. Edit: I am sure you have heard it before, but make SURE you purchase quality snaps. On my first build, I "cheaped out", and ended up replacing every single one. Not a job I would recommend.

I agree with Taylor. I have a ton of Tony's items throughout my armor, and have always been more than pleased with everything!

Unfortunately the EIB rank cannot be added to the shirt, Nick, but glad to hear you are headed for the next level! (Great question, by the way)! Instead, once you reach EIB, you can purchase a "rocker" badge, which can be attached above the logo on the sleeve of the shirt, as seen in the photo. Side note: The shirt in the pic is mine, and although it comes with the FISD logo printed on it, I sewed a matching patch over it. I'm just weird that way.

So VERY glad you are replacing the Velcro with snaps, Jason! Those who don't may will end up having pieces fall off, and probably at inopportune times. Velcro only lasts so long. As for the Tandy stamp on the snaps, I can't foresee a problem with it, as like you said, no-one can see them anyway!