SlyFox740

Bare with me troopers I'm still just doing the rough trimming here, I started with the small pieces and moved on to the larger parts. I will post photos once I have something to show. I'm purposely taking my time with all of this as I know patience is key, they say slow and steady wins the race. Plus this is something I've wanted since I was about 16 or 17 years old, I'm 31 now so you can imagine the mixture of both anticipation and hesitation to start cutting my nice new shiny armor. Anyways after a bit of "first cut fear" I took the dive and started on the ABS hand guards, I plan on getting rubber/latex ones so I figured if I messed them up it wouldn't be a total catastrophe. Then the biceps, forearms and calves, and then I'll be onto the thighs.

I think the next order wave starts tomorrow, Feb 19th. You should be able to order then.

The next best thing beside a real Hengstler would be Dennis' (A.K.A. Blue Snagletooth) Hengstler Counter Replica's; http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/34954-fs-4-run-hengstler-400-counter-eagle-replicas/ I purchased one for my blaster build, they are super accurate and built to exact scale with correct dimensions, also the counter itself is functional. Definitely a step up from a resin cast! I chose to go this route for two reasons; 1. They look exactly like the real thing but they are lighter in weight which is something I take into consideration as I don't want a heavy blaster 2. They are hollow behind the counter socket unlike the real thing which leaves room for small electronic components.

The grip is wrong, it looks very square at the edges. Real Sterling grips are rounded and ergonomically correct. In fact I'm converting an airsoft gun and replacing the grip with a real one because the one it comes with looks almost exactly like the grip in that eBay add. Here's the airsoft gun I'm converting, fairly accurate aside from the grip; http://shop.ehobbyasia.com/beta-project-sterling-aeg.html#.VsU2QymKwy4

Bump. <br> Just a reminder to any troopers looking to get a new pair boots; these are on sale until Feb 29th, 2016.

Okay so today I went hunting for more supplies I needed for my build. Thanks to a tip from TK 2759 I was able to find a heat sealing iron at a local hobby shop, they actually had a used one on sale for $10 so I bought that one as I'm not sure if I'll need it yet or not. I am a big fan of the upper thigh notch so I may end up needing it one day. Also my father found a dremel for me so I don't need to buy one. My brother let me borrow his heat gun so I don't need to buy one. I was able to find most of the other supplies I needed so I'm almost ready to actually begin my build and start cutting. This kit has been a long time coming and I've wanted to join the 501st since I was just a teenager, so you can imagine I'm a bit nervous to make my first cut. I also recently converted my AP holster from ESB to ANH so I thought I should post that here as well for anyone following the build process. When I ordered my kit from Authentic Props I decided to add the Genuine Leather Holster to my order because it was a good deal. Also I'm in Canada and the exchange rate on $USD is not good at the moment so ordering one from the states would be that much more expensive. When I asked Mark about these holsters, he told me that he makes them this way so that his holsters can be used for either ANH or ESB. He also said It's way easier to convert ESB to ANH than it is to convert ANH to ESB. I'm building ANH Stunt so this is how I converted my holster to ANH style. This is how the AP Holsters come, the leather loops that go around the canvas belt and secure the holster are ESB style. The holsters in ANH utilized single straps that were fastened to the canvas belt from behind, not loops over the belt. These loops are held in place with Chicago Screws so removing and modifying them is extremely easy. Using this ANH holster template from Troopermaster as a reference guide I converted the straps to ANH style. This can be done by using the existing loops to cut straps and the little 3/4" leather squares that are fastened to them at the base. I've seen many centurion applications that have done this with their AP holsters and were approved just fine. I wouldn't say that using black straps to attach the holster to the belt is not "screen accurate" because I have seen posts on here where people were able to capture screenshots of at least one trooper with black straps on his holster, However most of the stormtroopers in ANH have un-dyed natural leather color straps securing their holsters to the belt, as well as most troopers in the 501st. So I made new straps using a scrap piece of leather I found, you can use an old belt or anything leather really. I then used the existing black loops to cut the little 3/4" leather squares that are fastened to the base of the straps. Using the template above I also trimmed the trapezoidal cut line where the blaster sits to be the same as Troopermaster's template, not sure if this is screen accurate but this seems to be the most popular shape among centurion applications. To do this I had to use a sewing needle to pull out some of the stitching on the right and re-tie the knot lower, a little tedious but it was pretty easy overall. It looks the way I want now, I'm happy with the results. Here is a comparison photo of before and after. ESB on the left, ANH on the right. Please don't hesitate to comment or critique my work

I think the only real issue is if your blaster will fit or not, the smaller details are probably mostly just personal preference. Other than how it's fastened to the belt, the CRL is pretty vague concerning the holster details. I've been looking through the centurion applications and there seems to be some variation around different details the of holsters. There aren't even any EIB requirements listed the let alone Centurion, neither for Stunt nor Hero. So again other than what it's made of and how it's fastened to your belt I think all that matters is that it holds your blaster and your happy with it. That being said I have seen the shape of the trapezoid cut brought up in a centurion application once before but it ultimately didn't prevent the particular trooper from being approved, but it was mentioned... at least one time that I've seen.

I used this exact same template from Troopermaster to convert my AP Holster from ESB to ANH. I may end up needing to use a 12" handle strap as well though, I will know once my blaster is complete. My AP holster came with chicago screws for the top strapping and a cap rivet holding the handle strap on too.

My blaster is actually still a work in progress so I'm not quite sure if it will fit or not yet, If not I may have to get a new strap and move the rivet and snap both a bit closer to the ends. That's the only solution I can think of as the strap is only supposed to be 11 inches, and this one is so that's correct. Also the location of the rivet holding the strap and location of the snap are also correct according to Troopermaster's template.

Hey Eric, Troopermaster's template does show this measurement, it's 5 inches from the top of the holster itself to the flap where the stitching starts.

When I ordered my kit from Authentic Props I decided to add the Genuine Leather Holster to my order as it was a good deal. Also I'm in Canada and the exchange rate on $USD is not good at the moment so ordering one from the states would be that much more expensive. When I asked Mark about these holsters, he told me that he makes them this way so that his holsters can be used for either ANH or ESB. He also said It's way easier to convert ESB to ANH than it is to convert ANH to ESB. I'm building ANH Stunt so this is how I converted my holster to ANH style. This is how the AP Holsters come, the leather loops that go around the canvas belt and secure the holster are ESB style. The holsters in ANH utilized single straps that were fastened to the canvas belt from behind, not loops over the belt. These loops are held in place with Chicago Screws so removing and modifying them is extremely easy. Using this ANH holster template from Troopermaster as a reference guide I converted the straps to ANH style. This can be done by using the existing loops to cut straps and the little 3/4" leather squares that are fastened to them at the base. I've seen many centurion applications that have done this with their AP holsters and were approved just fine. I wouldn't say that using black straps to attach the holster to the belt is not "screen accurate" because I have seen posts on here where people were able to capture screenshots of at least one trooper with black straps on his holster, However most of the stormtroopers in ANH have un-dyed natural leather color straps securing their holsters to the belt, as well as most troopers in the 501st. So I made new straps using a scrap piece of leather I found, you can use an old belt or anything leather really. I then used the existing black loops to cut the little 3/4" leather squares that are fastened to the base of the straps. Using the template above I also trimmed the trapezoidal cut line where the blaster sits to be the same as Troopermaster's template, not sure if this is screen accurate but this seems to be the most popular shape among centurion applications. To do this I had to use a sewing needle to pull out some of the stitching on the right and re-tie the knot lower, a little tedious but it was pretty easy overall. It looks the way I want now, I'm happy with the results. Here is a comparison photo of before and after. ESB on the left, ANH on the right. Please don't hesitate to comment or critique my work, also let me know if you have any questions. I'll do my best to answer them.

What's your opinion on "pushed in" teeth in the frown?

Me Too! I'm desperately trying to find one!

I like how the Anovos kits actually have the notch in the top of the thighs, very screen accurate!

I received my Imperial Boots in the mail this week, they look great! These are a high quality product, very nice white leather. The soles are actually completely black on the bottom, I seen another pair somebody posted with soles that were only partially black on the bottom so this was a pleasant surprise. I also noticed the "U" shaped elastic part on these Imperial Boots are a little taller than on the TK Boots. Now everyone including the company that makes these recommend that your order one full size up. I actually normally wear size 11, but my feet are size 10-1/2 exactly and will fit tightly into a pair of 10-1/2 shoes (Converse or Vans). I should also mention that my feet are not wide like most guys, and these boots fit narrow which is the whole reason they suggest ordering a size up. I've resorted to wearing a size 12 before when I couldn't find my regular size, but in my experience a size 12 fits a little loose and feels a bit too big on me. Not only does size 12 feel too big on me, it actually looks too big on me as well. To the point I've actually had people say something to me before while wearing size 12. So being that these are for a costume and appearances are everything, I REALLY wanted to avoid the clown feet effect! I'm not just picking out a pair of work boots here, people are actually going to see me in these so I was very hesitant to order a full size up, The website suggests using insoles if a full size up turns out to be too big as it's easier and cheaper than shipping back a smaller pair that won't fit at all, but I didn't feel this was the solution for me...I care about the appearance of my footwear and I wanted the correct size. So after much thought I decided to order them in my regular size 11 in hopes that they would fit somewhat comfortably. Turns out these boots fit me absolutely perfect in Size 11, I'm actually quite impressed by how comfortable they are! Like slippers They go on a little snug while slipping them over your heels but that's normal for any chelsea boots. Not too narrow on me at all, walking around in them feels good. I'm glad I ordered my normal size. Also it should be noted that the white color of these Imperial Boots match the AP armor perfectly, Major Bonus! One happy trooper here The boots also come with an embroidered patch from Imperial Boots. Free gifts are always a bonus

I received my Imperial Boots in the mail this week, they look great! These are a high quality product, very nice white leather. The soles are actually completely black on the bottom, I seen another pair somebody posted with soles that were only partially black on the bottom so this was a pleasant surprise. I also noticed the "U" shaped elastic part on these Imperial Boots are a little taller than on the TK Boots. Now everyone including the company that makes these recommend that your order one full size up. I actually normally wear size 11, but my feet are size 10-1/2 exactly and will fit tightly into a pair of 10-1/2 shoes (Converse or Vans). I should also mention that my feet are not wide like most guys, and these boots fit narrow which is the whole reason they suggest ordering a size up. I've resorted to wearing a size 12 before when I couldn't find my regular size, but in my experience a size 12 fits a little loose and feels a bit too big on me. Not only does size 12 feel too big on me, it actually looks too big on me as well. To the point I've actually had people say something to me before while wearing size 12. So being that these are for a costume and appearances are everything, I REALLY wanted to avoid the clown feet effect! I'm not just picking out a pair of work boots here, people are actually going to see me in these so I was very hesitant to order a full size up, The website suggests using insoles if a full size up turns out to be too big as it's easier and cheaper than shipping back a smaller pair that won't fit at all, but I didn't feel this was the solution for me...I care about the appearance of my footwear and I wanted the correct size. So after much thought I decided to order them in my regular size 11 in hopes that they would fit somewhat comfortably. Turns out these boots fit me absolutely perfect in Size 11, I'm actually quite impressed by how comfortable they are! Like slippers They go on a little snug while slipping them over your heels but that's normal for any chelsea boots. Not too narrow on me at all, walking around in them feels good. I'm glad I ordered my normal size. One happy trooper here The boots also come with an embroidered patch from Imperial Boots. Free gifts are always a bonus

Great find Jer! This is convenient, I figured there was probably a way to get the files from the server but I don't know much about code or programming. I'm good with computers when it comes to audio recording software or architecture software or photoshop, and the physical hardware. I've never really used google chrome so I didn't even know you could do this but you learn something new everyday I guess. Using google chrome to download the sounds is probably much easier than recording them, and this is an online soundboard free to the public so anyone can get the from the server as Jer stated.

So after much research, planning and some patience the initial wait is over. My dream of joining the 501st is now beginning to become a reality. Big Brown Box Day has finally arrived, It's here and I couldn't be more excited! This is the latest Authentic Props kit with the new upgrades and features, so I guess we could call this an "AP 2.0". While I was waiting I collected and ordered some other items for this build which I will list but first let's just get right to the good stuff and take a look at the new kit. Generic photo of the Big Brown Box as it arrived. Let's open up this box and see what's inside. Everything laid out. So much shiny white plastic! The only extra accessory I ordered is the genuine leather holster. New upgraded AB Plate complete with the notch in the bottom of the right vertical 4 button base. Also the center button base is complete with the indented rectangle near the top and the circle in the bottom right corner, these additions allows the choice of building either a Stormtrooper or Sandtrooper, Major Bonus! Mark has also added an extra 3" length to both sides of the AB Plate so bigger troopers don't have to use shims anymore, up to 38" waist! Another "big" bonus, no pun intended. Here's the new upgraded Kidney Plate which is now molded separate from the butt plate. Complete with accurate kidney notches for centurion! Also return edges similar to that of RS or TM. Mark has also added an extra 3" length to each side of the kidney plate as well. Back Plate. All this armor is cast very well, great detail! nice thick ABS. A very nice color white with a beautiful shine to it. Butt Plate complete with return edges similar to that of RS or TM, again this is now cast separate from the kidney plate. Chest Plate. All Leg Parts have been revised, including correct inner left shin. These new AP thighs and shins no longer use the "overlap" method. They are now designed to use the "butt joint" method (Centurion) and they line up perfect! Since they no longer overlap there is about an extra 2" on all leg parts when putting two halves together. Arm Parts. Shoulder Bells Thermal Detonator and Handguards. Thermal Detonator End Caps have been revised. Ears, Drop Boxes complete with inner drop boxes, Ab Buttons, Belt cover plates, Knee Plate, Shoulder straps, Thigh Pack, Ammo Belt. (Note: This Sniper Knee Plate is for a Stormtrooper only. Sandtrooper knee plates are sold separately) The Bucket and Face Plate. Holster, Thermal Detonator pipe, Decals, Rivets & various parts, Accurate Hovi Mic tips now included! I'm still collecting some of the things needed for my build, please feel free to let me know If I need to add anything to my shopping list. ADDITIONAL ITEMS: 1. White Chelsea Boots (Imperial Boots or TK Boots) 2. White Canvas Belt 3. Under Suit 4. Neck Seal 5. Holster 6. Latex/Rubber Hand Guards 7. Rubber Gloves 8. Metal Thermal Detonator Clips 9. Black Pan Head Machine Screws & Nuts 10. Aker Voice Amp 11. E-11 Blaster (Work In Progress) SUPPLY & TOOL LIST: 1. E-6000 2. Tandy Line 24 Snaps 5/16 Post 3. Snap Setter 4. Nylon Strapping 5. Elastic - Various Sizes 6. Velcro - Various Sizes 7. Testors Paints 8. Paint Brushes - Various sizes 9. Painters Tape 10. Exacto Knife 11. Dremel or Rotary Tool 12. Large Tounge Depressors 13. China Pencil 14. Coffee Stir Sticks & Popsicle Sticks 15. Tin Snips (left, right, straight cut) 16. Lexan Scissors (Curved & Straight Blades) 17. Heavy Duty Utility Knife (Notice the safety gloves near all the sharp tools) 18. Half-Round Steel File 19. Small Clamps 20. Needle File Set 21. Sandpaper 3M 220 grit 22. Sanding Block sponge type 180 grit 23. Rare Earth Magnets 24. Flexible Steel Ruler with Cork Backing 25. Long Adjustable Square 26. Small Handsaw 27. Cutting Mat 28. Paint Mixing Sticks 29. Plasti Dip 30. Lepage Super Glue with Primer Pen (for rubber handguards) 31. Heat Gun 32. Soldering Iron 33. Novus Plastic Polish #1,2,& 3 34. 8mm Split Rivets 35. Speed Rivets/Single Cap Rivets 36. Chicago Screws 37. Small Hammer 38. Electric Drill & Drill Bits OPTIONAL TOOLS: 1. Heat Sealing Iron 2. Rivet Gun Set with Aluminum Rivets I'm so excited to get started on this but I will keep my patience throughout the process. Please comment and follow my build, I appreciate any and all help I can get on this forum. Thanks in advance

Thanks for the interest everyone! I've been receiving lots of requests for the sound effects.

Thank you for your Interest everyone, getting lots of requests for these!

Hey Sorry Bobo, I had a really busy weekend. I'll send them right now okay.

Sure thing!, I will send them. What is your email address?

So I stumbled upon a flash based soundboard on StarWars.com the other day and I thought it was actually pretty cool. If you go to the "Films" category and click on "Stormtroopers" you can hear various clips of authentic trooper chatter from the films. ------------- These samples are directly from Ben Burtt himself, mixed at Skywalker Sound. The effects on the voices are exactly what was used in the films. Some people don't know this but some dialogue you hear in films is actually voice over dubbing done in a recording studio during post production, many scenes do not use not live voices from the actors during their performance. I believe some of these samples are actually original takes directly from the recording studio voice overs hence the complete silence of the studio environment in the background. Some of these samples are actually really clear and clean sounding with no background noises from other movie sound effects/voices that you would typically hear in sound clips sampled from a movie's final soundtrack. That would indicate these sounds are direct source material of the voice over recording sessions that were used for inserting into the movie's final soundtrack. You can really tell with the Darth Vader clips too as well as other characters. Some of them are so clear and don't have any other movie background noise or sound effects which would lead me to believe these sounds are direct source material from the voice over recording sessions. Very Cool!, and pretty rare to hear some of these lines outside of the final soundtrack. (Interesting note; I don't think Ian McDiamird/Darth Sidious did any studio voice overs! all his lines were recorded live during performace, he is a classical theater stage actor and he is very talented to the point he was able to offer George Lucas multiple versions of his lines to choose from later in editing) Anyways I thought these audio samples could be useful for those that are interested in having authentic trooper chatter from the films on their com system. Unfortunately Lucasfilm won't let us just download these sound effects and they are under copyright. Which means they can not be sold or distributed without the knowledge and permission of Lucasfilm Ltd. However just because there is no download option does not mean it's illegal for us to have a copy of the sounds on our hard drives nor does it prevent one from obtaining them. The fact that Lucasfilm has shared the sounds for free online streaming automatically means they are now in the public domain, omitting a download option discourages and helps prevent this but having a copy on your hard drive is not infringing any copyright laws and certainly not illegal. The sounds are not "Royalty Free" that's something totally different. The sounds themselves are still copy-written and possibly even trademarked, which means one cannot redistribute or sell them in any way without possible legal consequences. But it is definitely not illegal for you to simply record sound coming from your own computer, you just can't redistribute or sell that sound if it's copyright material you don't own the rights to. Anyways, as you can see I have a professional home recording studio in my basement. I was able to use digital optical audio to transfer a full high-definition 44.1kHz 24-bit quality data stream from my MacBook into my MacPro, essentially downloading the raw audio data directly from the website. Not an analog audio rip, but a digital data stream of the sounds. An exact digital copy of the audio waveform my sound card is playing from StarWars.com, Perfect! Here is a photo of the optical digital audio coming out of my MacBook, which I then plug into my MacPro. If anyone is interested in the samples PM me or post here, I am willing to share my recordings with friends in the community. Just remember you cannot redistribute or sell these sounds to the public without legal consequence as they are copyright of Lucasfilm Ltd. Also I recorded the official E-11 Blast and Stun sound effects from StarWars.com if anyone is interested in using them for their blaster build (thread here:http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/34892-official-lfl-blaster-sound-effects/ ) 501st Legion Sounds can be found here https://www.501st.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=28538 The owner moved most of his files to his personal site BUT the TK/TB chatter loop is too big so he's uploaded the audio to Youtube, to save this use a free online audio converter, just copy the Youtube link into the converter and let it go to work. NOTE: a lot of the online audio converters will open other pages when you click on boxes, just close these, your audio file should still download Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5I_N94dX97U&t=257s Youtube audio convertor: https://ytmp3.cc/en25/ NOTE: some of the free online audio converters open other pages when you click in them, just close these as the file should still download. Separate TK Chatter links Chatter links: To save - right click then "save audio as" http://play.starwars.com/starwars_soundboard/asset/audio/TRPR_stormtroopers/storm_01.mp3 http://play.starwars.com/starwars_soundboard/asset/audio/TRPR_stormtroopers/storm_02.mp3 http://play.starwars.com/starwars_soundboard/asset/audio/TRPR_stormtroopers/storm_03.mp3 http://play.starwars.com/starwars_soundboard/asset/audio/TRPR_stormtroopers/storm_04.mp3 http://play.starwars.com/starwars_soundboard/asset/audio/TRPR_stormtroopers/storm_05.mp3 http://play.starwars.com/starwars_soundboard/asset/audio/TRPR_stormtroopers/storm_06.mp3 http://play.starwars.com/starwars_soundboard/asset/audio/TRPR_stormtroopers/storm_07.mp3 http://play.starwars.com/starwars_soundboard/asset/audio/TRPR_stormtroopers/storm_08.mp3 http://play.starwars.com/starwars_soundboard/asset/audio/TRPR_stormtroopers/storm_09.mp3 http://play.starwars.com/starwars_soundboard/asset/audio/TRPR_stormtroopers/storm_10.mp3 http://play.starwars.com/starwars_soundboard/asset/audio/TRPR_stormtroopers/storm_11.mp3 http://play.starwars.com/starwars_soundboard/asset/audio/TRPR_stormtroopers/storm_12.mp3 http://play.starwars.com/starwars_soundboard/asset/audio/TRPR_stormtroopers/storm_13.mp3 http://play.starwars.com/starwars_soundboard/asset/audio/TRPR_stormtroopers/storm_14.mp3 http://play.starwars.com/starwars_soundboard/asset/audio/TRPR_stormtroopers/storm_15.mp3 http://play.starwars.com/starwars_soundboard/asset/audio/TRPR_stormtroopers/storm_16.mp3 http://play.starwars.com/starwars_soundboard/asset/audio/TRPR_stormtroopers/storm_17.mp3 http://play.starwars.com/starwars_soundboard/asset/audio/TRPR_stormtroopers/storm_18.mp3 http://play.starwars.com/starwars_soundboard/asset/audio/TRPR_stormtroopers/storm_19.mp3 http://play.starwars.com/starwars_soundboard/asset/audio/TRPR_stormtroopers/storm_20.mp3

Sure thing! I can legally share my personal recordings among friends in the community, as long they're not sold or redistributed publicly as I said before, that would be copyright infringement. PM me or post your Email here if you're interested in the E-11 Blast & Stun sound effects. I can record the other blaster sounds too if requested but I've noticed some of the sounds have multiple shots layered in the sample which would be pretty useless for a blaster build but maybe somebody might still want them for something else. I'm planning on using these official LFL E-11 sound effects for my blaster build, they are very nice clear samples!

Great job on the new molds Mark! I have a feeling you're going to be making a lot of people happy, I'm so excited for big brown box day! You deserve an award for all the hard work you put into these upgrades, the product definitely shows it. Everyone here should be thanking you for the painstaking effort, headaches, and all the hours you spent going crazy over the new molds. It has definitely paid off, the end result is Fantastic! All the upgrades and improved accuracy will definitely not go unnoticed on this forum. I commend you good sir.