justjoseph63

In this video, he has the techniques down, but IMHO he takes it a bit too far. Showing up on camera is one thing, showing up on a satellite photo is another! (Sometimes less is more)... Also, the scope should be (minimally) done in brass colored paint, not silver. Weathering is one thing, having it look like it went through a garbage masher is another!

I heard from Charles a couple of days ago, and he is checking into it for me. Will update as soon as I hear something. Promise!

At least they match his vest.

I always wanted to use a set of these in my bucket for Halloween, to go for that "Steve Buscemi" look. ---------

Great to hear you are going for HWT EIB, Jonathan! There are a lot of great tutorials about shimming the kidney, and many have made it all the way to Centurion doing this. Does it take some time and effort? Well, yes, but the end result will make both your TK and HWT look MUCH better. Best of luck to ya, and keep me informed of your progress. If I can be of any help, just let me know..

They're not scratches, Shaun, they're battle scars! (Unless you were stationed on the Death Star, then they're probably marks from mouse droids running over your boot). Seriously, though.. you can hit them with some white leather dye if they look too bad. Scratches are inevitable, especially as the calf armor rides against the tops. Not sure what the CRLs are for Greedo, but they could very well work for that.

What on earth happened to this weapon??? Looks like it was painted with tar, to be honest. It seems you are going to have to take all that paint off, unfortunately, (a job which I don't envy you), Nhan. If you don't mind telling us, where did you get it from?

I say go for it, Dan! We got your back, sir..

Spectacular job, Steve, especially that crinkle paint the barrel and the weathering on the sight.

ADVANCED TACTICS info. So what exactly are EI (Expert Infantry) and Centurion levels? These programs were designed for those who choose to take their armor above and beyond the minimum requirements for basic 501st Legion approval. It gives you the chance to show a level of dedication and pride that takes your armor closer to being as "screen accurate" as possible, without as much extra work as you may realize. (You may surprise yourself with what you are capable of)! It also works on giving a better look to the Legion as an entity, and you can bet others will take notice of your hard work. The 501st has a list of detailed requirements for Basic approval, EIB (Level 2) and Centurion (Level 3) which can be found here in the Costume Reference Library, (CRL) http://databank.501s...tuming:FISD_CRL Here are a few of the questions people may be wondering about: 1. "I am a (tall/short/heavy/thin) trooper. Can I still apply? Of course! These programs are open and encouraged for all sizes of TKs, as long as the costume is correct and meets the guidelines. There are many specific build tutorials to every option, as well as a vast network of fellow TKs on the FISD to help you out and offer suggestions. 2. "How much extra will I have to pay for extra items"? The cost is actually quite reasonable, considering the few extra supplies you will need, which are listed in the requirements area. While it may run you a little more to implement these additions to your costume, they will go a long way to improving accuracy. All needed items can be found for sale on this thread: http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/forum/16-ongoing-sales-project-orders/ Another thread which will be invaluable is Caleb's @MaskedVengeance, located here. While blasters are not required for Basic 501st approval, for EIB and Centurion levels they are, and may need upgrades (also listed in the CRL). 3. "I haven't even got my kit yet, is it too early to start planning"? Actually, aiming for Centurion is easiest to do right out of the box. 4. "I have my basic TK approval, can I still get in these programs"? In a word... absolutely! 5. "Are there any "perks" to this extra work and cost"? Besides knowing that you have a great looking set of armor, the 501st and FISD believes you should be deservedly recognized for your achievement(s), and allows you to wear the appropriate embroidered "rocker" badge of rank (when available) on your shirt, helmet bag, etc., as well as rank decals to put on your armor bin. You will also have access to select "challenge coin" runs, receive (free) a cool certificate for your new rank, and have your title posted below your name in your FISD signature. Plus, once you reach these levels, you will have the extra knowledge to help out those who are looking to apply as well. 6. "Is it hard to apply, and what happens then"? After Basic approval, all you do is make sure your armor is up to the standards set forth in the appropriate CRL, post a thread with the required photos in the appropriate area (see below), and wait a bit for the D.O.s (Deployment Officers) to address it. (Hint: Studying other people's threads before you submit can be a GREAT help). These are also listed on the main page of the FISD site. While waiting for approval, you will get some comments from others who will offer suggestions and constructive advice to help you out. If you should need any changes, the DOs will let you know, so you can adjust accordingly. Don't be dismayed if you do need changes... it's all for your benefit! After you are approved for EIB, then you can submit for Centurion. 7. "Can I achieve additional awards"? Yes and No, you can achieve extra awards at EIB for each additional version costume approved, this will be shown on the thread title as [APPROVED 2nd], [APPROVED 3rd] and so on and you will receive an extra star for each EIB approval on your profile. NOTE If you are approved with a second version of a particular costume you do not receive an additional certificate, there is only 1 issued for each costume version ie: only 1 Hero, 1 Stunt, 1 HWT, 1 ESB and so on. If you have a second/additional version costume approved you will see "2nd version" and [APPROVED] added to the thread title, no additional profile stars (more info on profile awards here) For Centurion the award program is a little different, you are only issued the Centurion award once no matter how many additional version costumes you have approved at that level. EIB - http://www.whitearmo...ntryman-status/ Centurion- http://www.whitearmo...nturion-status/ Note: You will see some suggestions in the existing submissions/approval requests by the D.O.s and other Troopers that, while not actually part of the CRL, are highly suggested items to enhance the accuracy of your armor. Note that the D.O Staff does not rely only on the CRL, but screen caps and official references as well. Those small details all add up to make your build look it's absolute best! Here is a thread that will answer a lot of your CRL questions: https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/48335-quick-crl-reference-guide-for-your-ot-build-pics-notes-tips/ Just remember that the FISD is here to help you every step of the way with whatever other questions you may have, but if you can't seem to find what you are looking for in your research, just post the question, (or PM me if you like) and best of luck on your build!

You should think about building your own if you have the time, Paul! The two tutorials I used were from Charles (Templar726) and Tony (ukswrath). I sort of "mashed" the 2 builds, as there are great ideas in both. The total cost was less than $60.00, (the most expensive things were the plastic containers), and I had a blast doing it! Just be sure that it ends up looking like the one in the lower photo in the CRL. There have been some "rogue" packs built as of late, and while they look really cool, they can not be approved for HWT. Here are the links to Charles' and Tony's build threads: http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/30222-templars-hwt-pack-build/ http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/30034-hwt-backpack-build-part-1/

Holy cow, James! You did an absolutely incredible job on this armor, sir, and that paint job is spectacular. Should be an easy pass, I would say.

Great idea starting a build thread when you get your armor, Phil! There are a plethora of AM builds on here you can use, and I think you are going to like the kit, (I did). Just try to be totally prepared before you open that big box of Stormtroopery goodness. Have your supplies ready and available, and of course keep on researchin' !

I can see a few things that may need attention, Christoph... 1. The ABS belt does need to be longer to accommodate the buttons, as you mentioned, but it also need to sit much higher on your ab. It should be touching or even overlapping the ab button plate just a hair. 2. The canvas(?) belt seems really loose. Can you tighten it up? 3. The rivets on the thigh ammo belt need to be painted white. (Easy fix) 4. I noticed there is a 1 inch elastic strap holding your chest plate to the back plate. This I would get rid of. 5. The calf closure on your right leg has the overlap on the wrong side. This should not be too hard to change. 6. I would try to even out the level of your drop boxes, they should be touching or really close to the ABS belt. (Not a necessity, per se, just aesthetics). 7. Your left thigh and shin should have the cover strip facing the front to match the right ones. Some foam padding strips could help. (I had the same problem). 8. The tops of your thighs are not really symmetrical, or at the same height. Break out the Dremel! LOL Just some constructive advice to help you make your armor look better... Hope it helps!

REALLY nice job, Aaron... Lookin' sharp, sir, and fantastic job on those fixes and that paint job! Should be an easy pass.

Welcome, Dominic! Use this link http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/11538-the-various-types-of-armor-and-where-to-find-them/ to find a list of all the vetted armorers you can use.

Great pics, Christian! I haven't been to the gym in...... well... ever.

Some people use the 2 inch black industrial strength Velcro in addition to or in place of snaps, especially on the kidney/ab connection, as it provides stability, and keeps them level. Also, it is a valuable thing to keep in your armor bin, in case you need last minute repairs.

You could make the belt yourself, Luc, but there are several folks selling them here on the FISD. I have purchased 2 from Robert, (TKittel), and they are high quality, made to order, and ship fast! You can find his thread here: http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/19803-fs-white-canvas-belts/. As for the 2 inch black nylon, it is used for the "double snap" system (which I personally swear by for strength). The main connections I used it for were the kidney/ab, kidney/back, and kidney/butt, (see photo). You would need about 48 inches, which includes extra to make the snap connections that glue to your armor. The one inch white Velcro is used for the calf closure, so 36 inches should be more than enough.

Thanks for the kind words, Tony and Xavier. Much appreciated!

All of the sellers on the vetted list supply quality armor, Christopher, and the prices can reflect differences in the way they are sold, i.e. trimmed or untrimmed, various included accessories, helmets built or not built, etc. You will be happy with anyone that you choose, but some can take a longer time to get to you, (as much as 11 months), and some you can have in a few weeks/months, depending on supply and demand, (which is high right now because of TFA).

First, you are not pestering or being an inconvenience, Christopher... it's what we are here for! All of the sellers on the vetted list supply quality armor, and the prices can reflect differences in the way they are sold, i.e. trimmed or untrimmed, various included accessories, helmets built or not built, etc. You will be happy with anyone that you choose, but some can take a longer time to get to you, (as much as 11 months), and some you can have in a few weeks/months, depending on supply and demand, (which is high right now because of TFA).

Really nice job, Michael! Those kidney/ab seams line up perfectly, especially with that tab system you have, and great job on the painting! I noticed that you used a snap on the cod, and they may call you on this, as the CRL calls for a "Single split rivet or brad". If you need one, just let me know, and I will send it to ya'. Best of luck, future EIB trooper!

"Anybody have any Bantha oil, Vaseline or something....this is gonna be a tight fit"! Great photo, Ken!

Perfect explanation from Dan, there, Phil, and I am sure you will be happy with the AM kit. They have upgraded the chest and back pieces, so now you can make it to EIB and then Centurion with this armor without having to replace them like I did.