justjoseph63

Welcome, Josh, and congrats on your WTF purchase! Walt makes a top-quality set of armor, so I'm sure you will be well pleased with it. As others have mentioned, starting your own build thread will help you immensely. Posting pictures will be a big part of that... trust me. Although there are several image hosting services out there, the best one in my opinion (especially for beginners) is imgur.com. It's free, easy to use, and you can crop, re-size, edit and there is no storage limit. We are here to help every step of the way and are more than happy to answer any and all questions you may have, but in many cases being able to see the issue is a necessity. The main thing is to take... your... time on the build. Measure twice (or 3-4 times), cut once, and always ask for advice beforehand if you are not sure. Here are 2 links that may help: https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/42381-howto-post-images-in-threads-using-imgur-easy/ https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/48799-posting-photos-using-imgur-101/

Hi Eric, and thanks for submitting this AWESOME looking armor! Definitely one of the best built Anovos kits I have seen in a long time, but I need a favor before we can move you along, sir. As per the CRL for Basic approval, the paint "...does not leave the teeth area". A small bottle of Goo-Gone, some toothpicks and some cotton swabs would clean up those areas perfectly and should take you all of 15 minutes. (The blue arrow points to one that looks good). Reference images Although not required for EI approval, I would like to give you a heads-up in case when you apply for Centurion . For some strange reason Avovos uses the correct ear screws in the top of the ears but not the bottom, so these will need to be replaced for Level 3. I will send you 2 sets (screw/washer/nut) at no charge if you pay the postage. If interested, just PM me. Reference images Looking forward to seeing the updates soon!!

Fantastic news, Cameron! You shouldn't be surprised about RS Prop Masters, though. Robert has a stellar (and well deserved) reputation here. Keep us posted!

You are super close on the forearms, but still a bit to go. 100% of the return edge will need to be removed for Centurion, so it's best to do it at this stage before final fitting/gluing. "Any reason I shouldn't cut all the way to the main surface edge and remove the returns completely on these next pieces, or should just a tiny bit be left"? My feelings on return edges are well known, lol. The examples below show that there were none (or very minimal) on the arm pieces. "I am personally right handed, but had planned on carrying my E-11 left handed, with the magazine pointed forward away from my torso, as is most common in ANH". That is an entirely personal preference, and since both biceps have dimples, are interchangeable and the tops are usually covered by the shoulder bells, do whatever works better for you! Odd Fact: The original Sterling machine guns had crazy long magazines on the left hand side, as they assumed most soldiers were right handed. When modifying them the prop makers cut down the magazine significantly, but the actors found that the magazine/power pack was still to long and awkward, causing it to constantly hit the chest piece when gripping it with the right hand. It was then decided that they should grip the blasters with the left hand for comfort reasons, thus, most of the TKs were "left handed" in the film(s). Since we don't do a lot of stunts, (well, not intentionally, lol) I carry mine right handed. It also helps me to keep my dominant hand free for adjustments, etc.

If you were making a copy just for yourself I see no issues. Think of it this way... if you were to purchase the original mask that Bane wore in "The Dark Knight rises" film and wanted to cast a replica to wear, no biggie. But, if you were to start selling them, DC comics (or especially one of their licensees that have them for sale) could have an issue. Even though you own the actual mask, they still own the rights to the image. Some companies can be very protective of their intellectual property, especially when there is money involved.

The best boots you can get at this point are Imperial Boots. They only take orders once a month (or so) but they really are awesome. When ordering with them, though, always get a size larger that you normally wear as they run a bit small. As for the Centurion hardware sets, check with ATA first to see if they include them. I do sell the flexible hand guards and rubber gloves (cheaper that anyone else) so I would be happy to help you out there. PM me if interested!

Congrats on your purchase from ATA, Jason! You will be more than happy with that kit, I promise. In the mean-time, I would suggest a few things: 1. Get all your build supplies in place. Once your kit arrives, having everything you will need in hand will be a big help. That way, you don't have to stop in the middle to order or go out and buy something you require. Link 2. Order your boots- Having these will really help when fitting your calf (lower leg armor) pieces. Link 3. Have your undersuit on hand- This will help when fitting your armor. 4. Most importantly, start your own build thread! This will allow you to ask as many questions as you want to and post up lots of photos (we LOVE photos) of not only your build progress, but any issues you may have along the way. We are here to help... Link

Welcome, Jay! There are a few sellers of Stormtrooper armor on Etsy who are above board and supply great armor like AP and 850 armor works, but here are also vendors there who sell kits that (despite what they may say) are not 501st approvable either at all or without a lot of work. Just know that we are here to help, and not to judge. Knowing which armorer you chose will help us determine which is the correct path to follow, and ALWAYS feel free to ask any questions you may have.

It may just be a strange camera angle, but are the bells the same length? The tops are pretty close to being level, but the right one looks a bit longer (at least in the photo) even taking that into consideration. I realize that this is just a temporary fit for now, but having the back plate level will really help determine this. The tops are touching the shoulder bridges (perfect) and the gaps between the bells and chest/back plate are excellent!. Nice work!!

Welcome to the home of shiny white armor, Kevin! Have a look around, explore the site a bit, and be sure to ask any questions you may have.... we are here to help!

I would keep going on the ear trimming, Caleb, especially in the front.

As for the biceps, in the grand scheme of things there are no hard and fast rules, especially since you have the "thumbprint" on both. What I would suggest is to use G for the left side. I really like the way ATA designed this (super practical) and the reason being is that it has more of an rounded shape. You will be spending a LOT of time with your arms bent (carrying your E-11), and your right arm will be bent at more of an angle than your left. Having that extra curvature may make it more comfortable. You are correct about the swoop on the bell being on the left.

I remember that troop well, Jeff! We teamed up to escort Lord Vader. Do you still have that sharp looking E-11?

You are in Makaze Squad territory, John, (my old Squad). When you get closer, I will put you in touch with a good friend there who lives in Clermont. He is one of our Imperial Attaches and will be happy to help you on a local level.

That looks to be a pretty rough pull around the lower part of the ears (both sides). If you look at the RS example next to it you will see what I mean. and you will probably need to do some trimming to get the ears to sit flush. I would suggest doing a rough trim on them (the ears) to see how they will fit and posting up some pics of that.

At this point you may want to rough-cut the ears to see how they will cover the seam. Can you post up some pics of the front/side views of them before trimming them?

No problem.. glad to help!

Now that's the spirit! Just keep posting pics and asking questions and you'll be a shiny white plastic spaceman before you know it!

Welcome to the FISD, Christin! The thread that Daniel provided will help you immensely, but I would also highly suggest starting your own build thread here. That way, you can post LOTS of photos as well as ask as many questions as you like. We are here to help

"The pin keeps bending while hammering instead of curling. Am I hitting it too hard? not hard enough? any tutorials on how to snap properly that I missed"? What I would try is this: Before hitting it with the pin, hit it with the point of a a philips screwdriver tip instead. This should split the shank into 4 strips, then hit it with the pin to flatten it..

Welcome to the FISD, John! Any questions you may have we are ready to answer, and best of luck on your white armor journey!

True story.

RS cleans up their bridges a lot better, and they come out of the box like this:

Hi Carsten, and thank you for your second EI submission! In the following review I will be going over items pertaining to your current submission, as well as those that will be required for Centurion level should you choose to apply. CRL and EIB Application Requirements: All required submission photos have been posted and I am very pleased to announce your armor displays all the necessary elements to qualify for Heavy Weapons Trooper Expert Infantry. On behalf of Sha Sha and myself, Congratulations! Other-Armor Fit/Assembly: In this section we review observations made by your fellow troopers and ourselves. 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 up, I gotta' say that it's a PLEASURE to approve a fellow HWT at Expert Infantry level, brother! You have a few issues in this area to work on, but nothing too major. Please note though that I have to consider not only the pics from this submission, but references from your ANH Stunt application as well. Also note that since this particular costume is based on ANH armor that references to that will apply. You are aware of the sniper knee behind the thigh, so we are good to go there. As seen below, the gaps between the shoulder bells and chest are pretty wide. We do take into account that Troopers come in all shapes and sizes, but if possible we would like to see the tops of the bells taken in to reduce that space. Video game reference image Just a strapping issue here, sir. Your right forearm could stand to come up an inch or so to match the left. The forearm/bicep gaps should be equal on both sides. Reference image Side note: SUPER nice job on that DLT-19, Carsten! That metallic finish looks incredible, and I'm impressed to see that you added the wires to the ends of the T-tracks. Most people miss this detail, so my bucket is off to you, sir! 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 those for Expert Infantry, 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 you are aware, being as it is a separate piece and not integrated into the helmet the vocoder is not acceptable for L3. Reference images I'm not sure how you have it attached, but your shoulder ammo pack is sitting way too high, and actually looks like it may be hindering your ability to look to the left. If you need a few tips on how to rectify this and improve your range of vision just shoot me a PM and I'll be happy to help you with that. Videogame references CRL reference Another issue I'm sure you know about is that a few of the buttons on SDS ab plates are not integrated but are separate, and not permissible at Level 3. Perfect job on the ABS belt placement, by the way!! Reference image The shim you installed on the right looks SO close to being perfect, but as per the CRL there can be no seam. Although the MP 40 ammo packs hide it, it will need to be addressed before we can get you to Level 3. Reference images Your cloth belt will need to be a bit longer. Although the pack hides most of the back, there is still a good size section of Velcro showing. Alternatively, you can also just remove the excess Velcro! Reference images Last up, unfortunately your mobility cuts extend beyond the raised ridge as seen below. Although not specified in the HWT CRL, as I mentioned before the costume is based on ANH armor so this is applicable. Reference images- Note that the top of the ridge is present Again, fantastic job on this armor, sir, Your weathering is spot-on, and I am more than pleased to welcome you to the rank of Expert Infantry as a fellow Heavy Weapons Trooper!

In addition to Jeff's awesome diagrams, this thread will help as well.