justjoseph63

Now I'm overanalyzing (as usual) and noticing all sorts of things here. Is it just me, or is there a tube with a cutout on the front bottom of the Hengstler counter? The scope greeblie shown in the video is a lot differently shaped than the one in the close-ups, but I'm sure this because it's so obscure and would be impossible to find. The one shown in the screen cap looks to be taller and rounded (sort of like a mail/letter box) whereas the one in the video is shorter, flat and wider. I don't think the metal prongs were there, as they would probably snag on the holster (which may be some they are missing on some, though). video video screen cap So here is the million dollar question: Can these odd parts be added as acceptable for Hero E-11s if they closely resemble the original?

On behalf of the D.O. staff, I would like to welcome the 2 newest Centurions to the ranks! 495- Starkiller_2021 (Guillermo) - TK 2201 496- Greg S (Greg) - TK 25034 Way to go, Troopers! Only 4 spots remain to make it into the "First 500", folks.

Hi Greg, and thank you for your application for ANH Stunt Centurion! CRL and Centurion Application Requirements: All required photos have been submitted, and on behalf of the entire D.O. staff we are pleased to welcome you to the rank of CENTURION. Congratulations! Other-Armor Fit/Assembly; In this area we review observations made by your fellow troopers and the DO team. Some observations may lead to suggestions to improve the overall look of your armour. Note that we consider both text (CRL) and pictures (screen caps/reference images) when reviewing submissions. Just one item here, Greg. In looking at the wrist areas, the gaps between the end of the forearm and tops of the hand guards are a bit uneven. The gap on the left is "perfect", but the one on the right is has noticeably wider. The rear shot may explain this, and lowering your right forearm may help. And that's it, brother, you did it... and know that we really appreciate all the extra work you put into the requested fixes! You jumped on those in fine style (and so quickly) so we are pleased to welcome you to the top-tier, sir. Well done. Well done indeed! Once we can get trooping again you will be able to show off this awesome looking set of AM armor with the SoCal Garrison as it's newest Centurion.

Excellent reference there, Arthur. That one is going in my saved folder to recommend in the future. Thanks! I would suggest having it printed with the highest level of detail and fewest print lines you can afford (like SLA or resin). Otherwise, you are in for a ton of filling and sanding.

Yet another awesome submission, my brother (but I would expect nothing less from you). My only comment so far is that your fence could use a pressure-wash. Fantastic job on this armor, and you should be proud.

I'm just jealous I didn't think to install one in my own ...

This is one of the best looking sets of armor I've seen in a long time, Jonathan. Lots of attention to detail, especially the paint work on the bucket and ab-plate buttons.. WOW! Well done, sir, and I can definitely see a Centurion badge under your name in the near future..

¡Puedes hacer esto, hermano, FÁCIL arreglo!

Hi James! To answer some of your questions: 1. Blasters are not required for Basic 501st approval, but are for Level 2 (Expert Infantry). Assuming you are going for ANH Stunt, the details/requirements can be found in the CRL: Based on a real or replica Sterling sub-machine gun, scratch-built, or a modified commercial toy Stormtrooper blaster. OPTIONAL Level two certification (if applicable): Folding stock (does not need to function). A real or replica ammo counter - based off of a Hengstler counter - shall be present. D-ring mounted on the rear. Sterling based blasters have the correct M-38 or M-19 style scope. Two power cylinders on the magazine housing. Scratch-built or cast blasters shall have a total of 6 T-tracks on blaster (leaving the lowest row on the magazine housing side uncovered). If using the Hasbro E11 toy blaster, it is modified to have the correct number of T-tracks (6 total), with a lower row of open vent holes on the magazine housing side. This is accomplished by covering the pre-existing rows of holes with T-tracks, then grinding off the lower integrated T-track on the magazine housing side, and drilling a new row of holes in its place. 3-D printed blasters can not contain visible print lines, and must be sanded smooth for a more realistic appearance. No ESB/ROTJ greeblies are allowed on the blaster. OPTIONAL Level three certification (if applicable): Bapty-style, Hasbro and Rubies blasters are not allowed, even conversions. The blaster may have minor weathering or base metal exposure however, T-tracks and grips shall have the appearance of black plastic. 2. I haven't done one personally, but they can be pretty expensive, especially the metal parts. There is a seller on ebay which I have used to replace many of the resin parts on my blaster with here. Pricey but well worth it if you are looking for screen accuracy. Hopefully someone can chime in here with some help. 3. There are a LOT of 3D printed files out there to choose from, (like these), but be careful. Many are simply not screen accurate and not up to 501st standards. The best thing to do if you find one (or more) you like is to post up a link here and we will be more than happy to give you advice. 4. The only kit I know of is Doopydoos, who sadly is not making them any longer. There is some fantastic information and lots of build threads here which may help, but always feel free to ask if you have any specific questions.

Hola, Roberto! I think Rudi is correct, it's the antenna that is stopping your approval. Although some packs in the beginning had them, they were phased out a few years ago because there are none seen in the videogame they are based on. Other than the antenna, you have a great looking pack there and I would have no issue passing it at EI and Centurion level! (GREAT weathering, by the way)!! As stated in the CRL for Basic approval: No video monitors, extra greeblies. lights of any sort or attachments not seen in photos can be visible..

PM sent

Nope, just push them down a bit and you are golden!

Hi Arthur, and thank you for your FOURTH application for Centurion status! CRL and Centurion Application Requirements: All required photos have been submitted, and on behalf of the entire D.O. staff we are pleased to welcome you to the rank of CENTURION..... again Congratulations! Other-Armor Fit/Assembly; In this area we review observations made by your fellow troopers and the DO team. Some observations may lead to suggestions to improve the overall look of your armour. Note that we consider both text (CRL) and pictures (screen caps/reference images) when reviewing submissions. Not much to say here, my brother. As usual, you are making our jobs as D.O.s too easy, lol. The only thing we noticed is that the clip on your TD should be pushed down a bit more to where the bend is touching the belt. Not the biggest of deals, but being the perfectionist that we know you are it's just something to be aware of when suiting up. Reference image And that's it! Another fine job and a fantastic build sir! Now, we are wondering what your NEXT costume will be.... ?

Looks MUCH better!

Looking great, and nice job on those fixes, Guillermo! One thing that concerns me is your helmet height. It looks to be sitting far higher than "normal", and I am wondering how well you can actually see out it. In comparing the second 2 photos below, your eyes do not appear to be centered in the eye openings of the helmet, which may affect your ability to navigate safely. Do you have padding in the top? Do you find yourself constantly tilting it forward to see? Removing any padding would help bring it down and greatly increase your field of vision, as well as look a lot more screen accurate. ESB reference images

Hi Greg, and thank you for your application for ANH Stunt Expert Infantry! CRL and EIB Application Requirements All required photos are now in and, after review, we are pleased to welcome you to EI! On behalf of the entire DO staff, congratulations!! Other-Armor Fit/Assembly In this area we review observations made by your fellow troopers and the DO team. Some observations may lead to suggestions to improve the overall look of your armor. Note that we consider both text (CRL) and pictures (screen caps/reference images) when reviewing submissions. Really nice work on this AM armor, sir! We have a few items to go over, but nothing major. On that note, let's get started! Not the biggest of deals by any means, but for some reason your kidney plate and ab plate are a tad askew. If possible, you might want to adjust the strapping to get them a bit more vertical. Reference images Another item that is more from a comfort standpoint is the gap between your biceps and forearms. Raising your biceps about 1/2 and inch would not only look a little better, but might make it more comfortable to bend your arms when holding your weapon. Reference images This is another simple dressing issue. As seen below, your left thigh is riding a bit higher than the right and should be lowered about an inch. Reference images Centurion Requirements In this section we prepare you for Centurion. More photos may be requested in the future that allow us to make better decisions on possible adjustments. If there are any areas of concern they will be discussed here. Because Centurion photos show much more detail than EIB, items to pertaining to Centurion might be seen there and not here. We try to point out all that we can from what is seen, but the final accuracy is the responsibility of the trooper. As seen below, the tops of your shoulder bells are about an inch away from the shoulder straps. As per the CRL, There should be a minimal gap between the shoulder armor and the chest/back plates . We know with larger Troopers that this can sometimes be a challenge, but we are asking that you adjust the strapping to bring them in as close as you are able. Reference images Something that may help is to remove all the return edges from the bottom as well, which will help them sit closer to the biceps. Return edges are not required and doing this is actually screen accurate. Reference images Your ABS belt will need to come up about half an inch or so to where it partially covers the bottom ab plate button(s). It may very well be the photo, but the left side looks a bit lower than the right but that could be due to the issue I mentioned at the top. Either way, a pretty easy fix! Reference images This may be a bit of a challenge, but your TD is riding about an inch higher than your belt and the clips are pretty visible at the bottom. Adjusting them should remedy this, though. Reference images Last up, we are asking that you reduce the gap on your right ab/kidney connection. Tightening up the canvas belt will do the trick. Reference images And that's it, brother! It should take you less than an hour to take care of those issues, after that I really hope to see your submission for Centurion!! If we can be of any help, always feel free to ask.

Sorry for the delay, sir. I am working on this right now! Thanks for your patience.

Hi Ken, and thank you for your application for ESB Expert Infantry! CRL and EIB Application Requirements All required photos are now in and, after review, we are pleased to add another EI achievement for you! On behalf of the entire DO staff, congratulations!! Other-Armor Fit/Assembly In this area we review observations made by your fellow troopers and the DO team. Some observations may lead to suggestions to improve the overall look of your armor. Note that we consider both text (CRL) and pictures (screen caps/reference images) when reviewing submissions. First, I gotta' say GREAT job on this armor, brother! You certainly checked most of the boxes and your attention to detail definitely is to be commended... your cover strip alignment is among the best I've ever seen! Also fantastic to see that you used the "double snap" method on your strapping. You'll be glad you did... trust me. Not too many items in this area, but ones that should be easy to address, and you obviously have the skill to knock em' out fast. Your bucket seems to be riding really high and should ideally sit much lower as seen in the reference images. Not sure if you have padding in the top, but removing it would certainly help. Lowering it would also help your field of vision. I had the same issue with my first helmet, and was constantly tilting it forward just to able to see, so I just removed the padding and voila! Reference images Reference images We noticed that the tops of your ears are sitting a bit low. Ideally, they should cover the line of the cap (arrows) and the tops should sit slightly above the ridges as seen in the reference images. Reference images Your side tears are a little smaller than we like, but since Trooperbay is about the only game in town that sells ESB decals and all armorers have slightly different design details we understand but just needed to point it out. (Yeah, we notice the tiny stuff, lol). Reference images Your 45 degree corners are spot-on, but if you have an extra few minutes we are suggesting that you remove a little from the ends of your ABS belt keeping those same angles. The screen used ones had the square button plate covers much nearer to the edges. A small issue, but just one of those things that we notice. Reference images This is a first for me! Not a deal breaker, but your ABS belt is actually sitting just a smidge high. In a perfect world it should just barely cover the bottom of the ab button on the small and large plates. Reference images This one will take you about 3-4 minutes: The excess E-6000 that is seeping out from the large ab-button plate can be removed by (carefully) running a razor knife along the seam and then rubbing off the glue with your thumb. Although close, your right calf is a little higher than the left which creates an uneven gap, so just a simple dressing issue to keep in mind when you suit up. Dropping it down a bit would line them up perfectly! Reference images Just out of curiosity, we are wondering what the strapping (seen below) is for. It's not seen on your interior strapping photo or any screen references we can find. Centurion Requirements In this section we prepare you for Centurion. More photos may be requested in the future that allow us to make better decisions on possible adjustments. If there are any areas of concern they will be discussed here. Because Centurion photos show much more detail than EIB, items to pertaining to Centurion might be seen there and not here. We try to point out all that we can from what is seen, but the final accuracy is the responsibility of the trooper Just 4 items here, sir. 3 easy ones, and one that may take a bit of time and effort. The top 2 ear screws on each side of your bucket are perfect, but we need you to counter-sink the bottom ones to match as they are protruding quite a bit. Reference images We are asking that you bring the paint on the vocoder up to completely cover the ridges on top. Easy fix! Reference images It may be the angle of the photos, but as per the CRL the outside edges of the drop boxes must align with the outside edges of the ABS belt. A few drops of E-6000 under the straps in the rear should hold them in place nicely. Reference images And last up, the big one. Well not that big but something that needs to be addressed. As seen in the reference images, the plate on your TD needs to come down a bit. As of now, the underside of the clips is very visible and there is a lot of gray showing underneath. Instead of replacing the clips, one way to do this is to sloooooooly.... (and I mean sloooooowly) straighten out the bends on the top and then re-bend them as seen in the 4th pic. This should effectively drop the plate down. Reference images And that's it, brother. Nothing here that you can't handle, and I honestly look forward to seeing the results in your Centurion submission soon! NICE JOB!

Always a pleasure seeing a new set of armor from you, Arthur... your precision never ceases to amaze me! Thanks for taking care of those angles on the belt, but we need one more favor, my friend. Can you add some glue to the rear of the drop box straps so that they line up with the ends of the ABS belt? After that we can get started, brother, and THANKS!

Hi Ken! I will be starting on this first thing tomorrow... thanks for your patience, sir!

Ardeshir, Ardeshir, Ardeshir.. you are truly a TK building animal! Awesome job on this as usual, brother, and one of us will be with ya' as soon as possible. WELL DONE! P.S. I edited your title to add EI.

Lookin' SHARP, Greg! I will be with you shortly, sir.

Hi Brett, and thank you for your application for Expert Infantry! CRL and EIB Application Requirements All required photos are now in and, after review, we are pleased to welcome you to EI... again! On behalf of the entire DO staff, congratulations on your SECOND award !! Other-Armor Fit/Assembly In this area we review observations made by your fellow troopers and the DO team. Some observations may lead to suggestions to improve the overall look of your armor. Note that we consider both text (CRL) and pictures (screen caps/reference images) when reviewing submissions. Just a few notes here... mostly small nuances, but it's these sort of things that add up to a more screen accurate look. (Thanks for adjusting those drop boxes, by the way)!! With 2 builds under your belt, nothing you can't handle! Since you have the extra material, we are suggesting that you trim off the large tabs from the ends of the shoulder straps. Not a requirement, but just to make you more screen accurate. Reference images Your "Han" snap is sitting farther away from the corner than we like to see. To avoid having to fill a hole, you can remove it and drill one closer to the edge and let the side of the new one cover the old hole. Reference images The traps in the rear could use some of those awesome paint skills you have. The tops/top corners should follow the indentations a little closer. Reference images Centurion Requirements In this section we prepare you for Centurion. More photos may be requested in the future that allow us to make better decisions on possible adjustments. If there are any areas of concern they will be discussed here. Because Centurion photos show much more detail than EIB, items to pertaining to Centurion might be seen there and not here. We try to point out all that we can from what is seen, but the final accuracy is the responsibility of the trooper Although the black outlines are super crisp and clean, we need you to fill in the right trap above the ear to match the one on your left. Right Left (perfect)! Reference images The paint on the upper part parts of the vocoder should cover the tops of the raised areas completely. Easy fix!! Reference images The tube stripes on your right side are pretty close, but the ones on the left will definitely need to be a bit closer. The ideal space between the top of the line and the cheek is a standard pencil width. If you like, I can send you a set of decals, no charge. Just PM me if interested. Reference images As stated in the CRL, ideally there is "...no gap between the ab and kidney plate". The tops are spot-on, so I think just tightening up your belt a bit would do the trick! Reference images Reference images 2 quick items on your TD.. The plate is sitting too far back toward your armor and should be moved back. The top should also sit evenly with the belt. Instead of getting new clips or moving the plate, you can re=shape your existing clips as seen below which would solve both issues! Reference images Another CRL requirement for Level 3 is that the "..corners of the plastic ammo belt shall be trimmed at a 45 degree angle that meets the outer edge of the cloth belt". This should be a fairly straightforward fix by just trimming the ends as shown below. The square button covers should actually be closer to the ends of the belt, so doing this will kill 2 birds with one stone. Reference images As mentioned in your thread, there appears to be writing on your glove just above the hand guard. This is easily removed with any product that removes sticky residue. Last up is the Hengstler counter on your E-11. It may be the photo (as the blaster is on an angle) but it appears that the bottom is sitting right on top of the folding stock below it, when ideally it should sit around 1 cm above it and be a bit more vertical. The rear should be centered right above the center of the rear bolt just as you have it now. I know that the Shear-tech is rubber, but I have seen other examples of those that have the counter higher. I think just removing and re-adjusting it should only take about 10 minutes or less and will give you a much better looking weapon. And that's it, brother. You have another great looking set of armor here, and with your previous build experience we have complete faith that you can address the above issues with ease. After that, I look forward to seeing your submission for Centurion soon!!

Hi Brett, and thanks for your submission!! Before we can move ya' along we need a few additional photos, brother. 1. Lens color (backlit). For these, we are asking that you get suited up: 2. Clear. close up of left ab/kidney connection . (Your current one is a bit blurry) . Example 3. Full body pics should be as shown below, with the arms at your side for the front and raised for the side views. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. It may be the photo, but it looks as if you may have a crack in your lower ab plate. If so, this may be something you want to address before it gets worse. Also, the top of your left glove is peeking out under your wrist on the left. As soon as you can get those photos in we can start on getting you approved for your second EI badge, and then onto Centurion!!!

I can hook you up with one, just PM me.