justjoseph63

Doopydoos is indeed often out of stock on the E-11s, but there is a small area right below that where it says "Email me when this product is back in stock". Fill that out, and they will send you an email. BUT, the email will mention nothing about the E-11. It will be a generic email, and when you get it, act immediately. I have seen them sell out in a matter of a few hours. Expect at least 30 days for delivery in the US, and do not bother contacting them after you order it, as you will probably not receive a reply. The kit will arrive, but you will need some patience.

I agree their shipping is pretty slow to here in the states, but since DD is located in the UK, it may be much quicker.

"Yes sir, Admiral... a few repairs, a little Bondo and some paint and she'll be as good as new in a week or so".

That is awesome!!! I can see it now... "And now, a report from our Death Star correspondent, TK 73427.." "Nothing to see here... move along"

Good Heavens, are we down to the last 65 numbers that haven't been chosen? This is driving me CRAZY!

You are definitely in good hands there, Johnny, and a big congrats on Big Brown Box day! You have two great influences there, (Chris and Steve) so we are expecting to see your EIB and Centurion applications as soon as you can! All the best on your build..

Don't feel bad about being lazy, Jefferson! Binders can be a great item for getting the public involved in a great photo op. "I am placing you under arrest in the name of the Emperor"! You would be surprised how many grown people will drop down to their knees and put the cuffs on to have their pictures taken, (usually those who side with the rebellion). Just don't point your weapons at them.

Welcome, Hassan! Please forget that you ever saw that website, (originalstormtrooper). There are many sites and sellers online that claim to be "authentic" and "501st approved". Do not believe them. The only current approved "vetted" armorers can be found here: http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/11538-the-various-types-of-armor-and-where-to-find-them/. As far as building the armor yourself, it is honestly not as hard as you may think. Does it take time, patience, and research? The short answer is yes. The good news is that there are hundreds of tutorials, build threads, and people here to help you out every step of the way. You should also sign up at the German Garrison: http://www.501st.de/news.php. They have 5 Squads, and will certainly help you out as well. Best of luck to you, future Trooper!

Outstanding job by everyone, especially those involved in the Daniel Fleetwood troop. Buckets off to you all..

I personally trimmed down the inside of the biceps to a degree, but not all the way. The return edges on the wrist part of the forearm should be removed entirely, not only for comfort reasons, but it is a requirement for Centurion, (which hopefully you are aiming for). The top part inside can be trimmed as well, as this can (and will) chafe the heck out of you.

It's not that they are being "ripped off", it's just that some folks simply do not know that the 501st exists, and just want the armor for Halloween or a special event. Then, when they do find out about us, and find out that their costumes are not able to be approved, they get disappointed. There is actually one UK ebay seller who advertises his kits a "501st approvable", (they are not).. I will not mention his name,.. that would be rude... (but it's rattlehead). Can Rubies' armor be approved? Yes, but to be honest, it takes a lot of effort, and for the price they charge and the time it takes to modify it you are better off purchasing quality armor from one of the vetted vendors here.

Welcome, Bob! If you are interested in joining the 501st, please steer well clear of anything you find online, ESPECIALLY Rubies and jedi robe!!!!! Yes, they are that bad... Your best bet is to get in contact with some of the sellers found here: http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/11538-the-various-types-of-armor-and-where-to-find-them/ I would also highly suggest that you get in contact with some of the great folks in the UK Garrison, explain your situation, and they can certainly help to steer you in the right direction. They can be found here: http://www.ukgarrison.co.uk/

In the mail, sir. You should have it tomorrow!

Le'ts not forget the term "beer goggles" can take on a whole new meaning here. Your field of vision while wearing a bucket is limited, to say the least, but add a few brewskis, and you could be in for a bad experience.

Good choice!!!!

A lot of it depends on what you are looking to use the armor for, Ian. If you are looking for a high quality kit from a reputable vendor, which can be made "screen accurate" and eventually join the 501st, you will need to visit this area: http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/11538-the-various-types-of-armor-and-where-to-find-them/ Will it be inexpensive? Probably not. I believe there are kits from about the $650.00 range (and up). Take into account there are also other things you will need. such as a blaster, under suit, boots, gloves, neck seal, and building supplies. The good news is that once completed and approved, you will be able to use the armor year-round, and join a great group of folks trooping at various events with the 501st, putting smiles on literally thousands of faces. There are dozens of great build threads here to help you along the way, and we are always here to be of any assistance. On the other hand, if you are simply looking for an economical set of armor to wear on rare occasions, I would look online. Hope this helps!

Congrats on starting your build, Tim! Have you kept in touch with your Garrison? I am sure there is at least one member there who would be willing to help you out with the fitting, and many hold "armor parties" which are designed just for this reason. Big Brown Box day can be terrifying, but don't let it get the best of you. Just take your time, (this isn't a race), and remember the wise adage to "measure 3 times, cut once". When in doubt, cut less, you can always remove more as needed.

Good on ya', Scott! I can't think of anyone who deserves this more, and thanks for the update, Q!

Hi JD... I have some early Christmas presents for you! I have a spare AM 2.0 chest plate (with straps) and back plate that I can let you have. I think when you said "indent lines" that you meant the return edges, or slight inward curves found around the rim. These need to stay in place in many areas, including the bottom of the chest. Looks as if the back was cut way too narrow next to the OII plate as well. The 2 pieces I have are correctly trimmed, and got me to basic level, but I replaced them for Centurion. There may be a few slight scratches, but otherwise they are in really good condition, and the only thing I ask is that you pay for postage. Let me know via PM if I can help.

I assure you that AP is a great set of armor, Connor. Believe me, if it wasn't, it would certainly not be on the vetted sellers' list! You can always opt for the "ready to wear" kit, but with all the tutorials available here you can order the trimmed set and be confidant that you can do it yourself, and save some money in the process. (We are here to help). You will not only get a better understanding of how it is put together, which will make it easier if you need repairs or modifications in the future, but feel proud of a job well done!

You saucy devil....

Some great advice from pattrooper and Snaps there, Justin. Better to take your time, as you can always remove more if you need to. I would invest in a roll of 1 1/2 inch blue painters' tape for test fitting at each step, and then you can decide if more needs to come off. I would also think about starting a build thread, that way you can post photos if you should have any questions about fitting. Don't worry, we are here to help!

Welcome, Brandon! Some great information from Taylor there.. Like he mentioned, the armor you are looking at on that site will definitely not meet 501st standards. I know a lot of people are getting SW fever, rushing out to purchase kits/pre-built suits, and then finding out that they can only wear them a few times, or maybe only at Halloween. However, if you purchase one from the carefully selected "vetted" armorers listed here, (chosen for their authenticity, quality, and reputation), you can join the 501st, and use it all year! (Our Squad alone does over 200 appearances per year). All those listed are either based here here in the states, or can ship them to you. Most are sold in kit form, so you would need to put it together yourself, but there are hundreds of tutorials and people here to help you out in any way we can. The main advantage to the kit is that you know that your armor will be "custom tailored" to you, and fit perfectly. Many Garrisons/Squads hold "armor parties" to help new folks with getting everything together, but like I said, you are always welcome to ask here. All the best in your TK journey!

I agree with Brad, Chris. It looks as if your thigh ammo pack could be a bit more level, and probably should come up to cover the ridge on the bottom of the thigh. A little E-6000 can remedy this, but be sure to blue tape off the surrounding areas, as I'm sure you know how runny it can be! Doing this should also help it from catching on your calf armor. And, like Pete mentioned, the shoulder bells could use a little shortening. It looks to me as if the right shoulder bell in the "action shot" is really sticking out. On a side note, I must say that I really admire your attitude in regards to getting things right! You have done a fantastic job on your build, (and it shows), and with a few tweaks you will be ready not only for EIB, but Centurion!