Brattie

Adjustments Reduced gap Adjusted side Adjusted other side Adjusted belt Aligned drop box Adjusted strapping system Overall better fit but bad hair day.

Good Morning, T minus 6 sleeps and counting... Am I nervous.. it's my first major event with the 501st, my first time working through 2 costumes and going to be switching in and out the whole show.. my first time working the booth, and I still have work to do on my gear.. No.. not nervous.. and not yet panicking either. Today I have to get to a friends to make tweaks.. a couple return edges and a few other adjustments and well.. he has the better tools to do it with... can't have things falling apart when I'm at the show! Then Saturday I race out to another friends place to make a few more harness adjustments for my trooper and a few other adjustments... I tell ya.. there is no time to be nervous .. yet. Chalk up more gas for build items to the next couple days! Laugh. I do have to say that a few orders have arrived over the past couple days.. my Legion Name tags for one.. they are awesome.. a new wooden helmet stand that's totally amazing .. picked this up from a Garrison mate.. as well as an officers hat and a beautiful painting for my room. So it's been productive! I managed to sort out rides to and from FanExpo and I'm going with a more experienced person, so that helps a great deal. I am thinking of working out a strapping system so I can place my Jawa bin which is small onto my GIANT TK bin so I can hook them together when on duel troops like FanExpo will be. Will post pictures of this stuff when I get a chance!

Hey Jason.. thank you and welcome back!

In my post I mentioned I was talking about everything I needed. Not just the Jawa and TK orders, not just the Bins, not just the boots, bandoliers, bags, holsters, under armor, sweaters, shirts, patches, gloves, snips, knives, audio system, hearing assist system, fans.. not just the tools, not just the gas to get to far off stores, not just files, safety glasses, dremel, etc.. everything. I do analytics and tracking all the time and tracked everything down the the penny.. including shipping charges of items. I had nothing that was needed for building stuff.. no soldering iron, flux, solder.. no glues, no velcro, lights, paint for the bins, decals for bins, etc.. I also picked up extras.. 2 blasters.. the R3P0 head.. all the wiring, and items for that.. locks, you name it.. I have built 3 jawa masks and have another with a paintball mask being worked on to try to get more air. I have a detailed massive list on every thing right down to paint, washers and clamps. I planned to be doing some of the build myself. I'm proud of myself for doing so much and getting so far within my current limitations. yes I spent a lot of money, but every item I've purchased I've used or it has been used. It's the true look and cost of the builds so far.. not just the armor / material.

Very true.. and about planning.. doing little bits at a time.. spreading out the cost.. helps keep it all sorted.. I'm lucky.. I don't own anything on my builds or items. All of the costumes themselves are paid off. It's just amazing how much it costs when complete.

Alright.. so.. I have been keeping a very close watch when I am spending money on items needed for the TK or Jawa since January. This includes purchasing the items, tools needed, etc etc. I tracked it by month and tabulated it all so I could get a good understand of just how much of my limited resources I was putting into all of this stuff.. For those building or starting a build and are new.. I suggest you do this so you realize just how much money it takes and what you have put into your gear.. Total Money spent on Costuming and builds -> From January to Aug 24th, 2016 --> : ALOT - Cost removed because I got tired of explaining and proving to people where it went. Right now I can picture you going... HOLY SMOKES! Keep in mind I had NOTHING as far as anything for these builds and such. This includes Batteries, voice systems, hearing assist systems, padding, strapping, gloves, bins, etc. I am hurting for cash left right and center but I still managed to get this all sorted out. Just little at a time. If that scares you.. then you need to think about it before you take the plunge. Does that number bother me? Yes.. I have debt that needs to be paid off but the benefits both mentally and physically were worth it. Did I pay that amount all at once? No, we are talking about 8 months of the year - it was little bits at a time. Does it change what I've done? No.. This is a great cause, it's something I can do for others and at the same time do for myself. I needed something that I could enjoy in life and that dragged me out of my little room and back into the world. Volunteer work is about helping others, not yourself. Was it worth it? I have been fighting against an uphill battle of debt for 8 years since my X and I separated. Much of it from our relationship, but with him out of work and not making much money I can't expect any help there. That being said.. I am still making some progress on debts and I am pleased that I was able to pull off these two costumes, meet all these great people, have a new spark of fun in my life and social events to attend. My life has become better overall and every penny of what I have spent has already paid me back 10 fold in one way or another. In the end people, we all have debt, (alright most of us that aren't rich), we'll always have it.. it never goes away.. there are always car payments, mortgage payments, bills, etc.. it never ends.. so why ruin another 8 years of my life sitting on my butt in a dark little room praying to win the lottery and doing nothing but staring at walls? I won't let that happen anymore.. it's time to flip debt the finger and live life. Now in saying that I'm not going to run out and spend another $XXXXXX dollars on other costumes. I'm not going to run out and buy a house or go crazy. I will watch my money carefully as I have always done.. always weighing the "Needs" over the "wants" and the "will it help me" over the "will it hurt me", does it have value, will it gain value, can it be used on a regular basis, will it protect what I currently own, etc.. and I just keep going on from there. So if you are ready for this journey.. then expect the journey to have a price. Nothing is free. Everything costs in some manner or another.. and I haven't calculated in Gas to get to events. Do yourself a favor.. track what you spend and see where you end up.. the number might surprise you.. I considering opening a bank account called Costuming.. and dropping similar amounts into it each month like I was still building and then taking that amount every few months and paying off debt.. LAUGH.. That's all for now from the one with a big heart and empty pockets!

Thanks for the congrats guys! Fist bump A-Aron.. oh the journey continues.. the build is never truly done.. I have loads of work to do on it still.. heheh.. sto stay tuned.. your cup of coffee read isn't over yet!

hahaha.. Storm Jawa.. or.. Jawa Trooper.. or Jith (Jawa Sith) laughs..

~psst.. psst ~ It's red.. so it's R3-P0.. the one seen momentarily in HOTH

lol Chris... I had to read your signature twice.. for a second I thought it was parenting advice.. You either Swat or you not.. ~ chuckles ~ Need my Tea!

Thanks Here's my Reporting in Thread

I have loved Star Wars since the first time I saw the movie so very long ago, and I have always wanted to be a Stormtrooper.. or a Jawa.. Well I accomplished the Jawa.. and now... well... Now I'm a Stormtrooper!!!! It all started in FISD with the longest Introduction thread in FISD (or so I was told) -> find that here All 9 Pages Shortly after I began what has become the Longest Build thread in FISD (or so I was told) -> find that here All 54+ pages and counting ( the building never really ends and neither will my thread most likely) If Only I knew... the emotional roller coaster that was ahead when I started this journey. The ups and the many downs, the loops during times that I felt like I was going backwards, upside down and forward all at the same time, the cork screws of inner turmoil during times of frustration and waiting for things to arrive. The struggles with delivery times, due dates, glues, paints, research.. I could go on and on.. If Only I knew just how much all of this journey would affect my life. I would have started it sooner! I am stronger, more confident, more educated in so many new build methods and new tools. I have grown as an individual in so many ways and am having so much more fun. Was it worth it?? YES! Every moment of it.. it was worth the journey! Top 5 things newbs need to know (so here are 6!!) : 1) There are days it is going to suck! 2) There are times you are going to bang your head against the wall in frustration 3) You MUST research!!! 4) READ instructions, READ EM AGAIN, and AGAIN! Especially the Safety instructions on glue! 5) No.. you aren't different from the rest of us.. wear cut-proof gloves.. you WILL cut yourself! 6) Build it with friends and ask questions!! Oops!: I won't go on a long Rant about the set backs of my build. There were many. I won't talk about the difficulties with my order or different challenges I faced during that time.. you can read that in my build thread. I will talk about how getting people on the phone and talking to them goes a long long way. Hearing a persons voice, getting a better understanding, and reaching out to friends in the garrison was a great help. Especially if they are in the middle of a build as well. Experienced builders can offer insight that you would never have thought of, a different approach or angle on how to tackle a problem. The build goes so much smoother when you are surrounded by people that know and those that can offer their hands to help you. My Biggest oops was not massaging the putty I used to anchor my lenses to the bucket enough. I had this awesome set up, great posts to hold everything.. days past and it still wasn't dry.. I had to rip it all out and start again.. this time it worked and is solid.. again.. always read the instructions and be sure to massage "need to mix" stuff well before application! A funny thing happened on my way to the Death Star: At my first Armor party I had my bucket on hand and I tried to see if I could get it approved. Was a funny conversation with our very patient GML.. may be one of those "you had to be there" moments, but was something I'll never forget. Or perhaps at that same event a friend and I tested the theory on "cut proof" gloves to see if it was true.. it was.. Laugh Shout Outs: - There are so many that have been there for me during this journey - As there are so many of you.. Basically everyone in my build thread.. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING!! Knockerbot, TD42115, Clamps, Dart, Pyrates , 68Brick, ComradeDave, TK 2759, Airborne Trooper, dak, Sentry71, Scotty33, xanthis02, Barcatme, Barcoder, Scotty33, TKZombie, TK21029, Clamps, Dart, Dark CMF, C0bra_M3nace, r_garcia3rd, hupspring, spyder918, ABS80, Haso, THX1978, CDNGreenhorn, Pretzel, Jinsei, Cricket, Kaar121, zv288bot, SlyFox740, Tolo, sylverbard, gmrhodes13, and pewpewpew - A special shout out to Chilly and Torok -> You guys came to my rescue in the biggest way and I can't thank you enough for your friendship and support and helpful hands helping to get my gear done quickly with such a fast deadline. I was approved into the 501st with my Jawa.. and I'm now pleased to announce my Stormtrooper approval... Open the blast doors!!! TK70926 Reporting for Duty! First official Troop - Fan Expo TK March 2016! Should be fun! Laughs

So I went for a walk in the park to test out some modifications and as you can see.. had a malfunction of a drop box.. but no worries.. that'll be fixed toot sweet.. all in all pretty good 45 minute walk with only a few areas that need adjusting / trimming that tend to bite.. Areas for Adjustment: Left lower thigh behind ammo belt - outside edge trim found an issue with TK boot black loop that folded over creating a bump that rubbed on back of right thigh.. need to watch how those are sitting prior to putting on calf armor. Centurion Level shoulder bell straps are great at popping off when moving arms for any extended time. Small adjustment needed. Friends as handlers have no clue to help fix items or ensure things are as they should be.. they are too busy not paying attention Fix attachments for drop boxes.. Rivets and washers aren't holding when under stress. Adjust thighs - lifting by 2 cm on harness system with adjustments to shoulder harness and belt system. All in all it was a productive Test run considering the length I was out in the sun. The Fan system and such kept me cool and comfortable. I have to say the TK is cooler than wearing the Jawa costume! You can actually feel WIND! At first I was like.. wait.. what the hell is that cool feeling.. then it was like.. OMG! I can feel wind!.. AIR.. I have AIR!!! was a pleasant surprise. Lastly, As Fan Expo is coming closer I thought I'd ask my GML a couple questions but I truly didn't wish to bother him. Command is doing TONS of stuff for FE.. anyway.. long story short... Well.. I can tell you that TK70926 has Basic Approval. Now for the next steps! Also.. I just completed a 3 Troop Weekend in my Jawa however I received some tips for TK armor... Thanks for the padding tip -> Dan Sloman Thanks as always for all your help --> Chilly and Torok Big shout out to Jaki my Jawa from another Jawa mudder! Big shout out to Angie - Imperial Officer with shiny bobbles for the Jawa to play with.. Chuckles!

I also noticed in most of the shots I could find of R3P0 that the antenna thingy wasn't on him... so probably damanged or such.. .. took it off to figure it out more.

Lower wiring complete Light off Press to light up...

Finished this today

Hi Brad! Thank you for your kind comments. I almost forgot about the repair kit.. this will be something I put together as I sort out my TK armor. Now that it's built I need to start making a list of things that I find that could potentially fail and then start to sort out a repair kit for on the fly things for those items. As I believe that each kit has it's own life I think it's very important to customize your kit with both the essentials as mentioned in the repair kit but also things specific to your suit that could fail. For me that will include my Rivet gun and rivets! Laugh Thank you for the reminder. I am surprised to be honest at how many have read this thread. I'm not an expert at this, I'm not great at the whole build.. but I did try to document the roller coaster I went through with the build process. As I had great people helping me all the way through the build I would not say that this is the best place for people to learn about the build itself, but perhaps the emotional side, frustrations, research, and such. I have seen people selling unfinished gear lately due to not feeling they'd have the ability to get it done. I have been there, but there are so many good people around to help out. I was fortunate enough to have 2 great people help me with both my builds. I encourage people thinking of giving up in their builds to seek out help from your Garrison. Perhaps even have them get the base of the build completed for you, or even have you help them do it. My biggest challenge with everything I do is that I live in a small room. That is all I have for space. It was one of my biggest concerns with the build. I didn't have the room to do what needed to be done. If it had not been for a very generous offer of a garrison mate to step up and offer his hand I would never have managed to get my build moving forward again. I just do not have the space. "Never give up, Never surrender" Yeah it's not a star wars quote but trust me.. it works. Mark, Thank you for all your constructive tips. They are appreciated. As with all of the tips and help offered over the past 54 pages!!! Answers: the elastic band that holds down the shoulder piece at the back. I plan on velcro'ing AC foam (which you can get cheap and it's really comfy!!) into different parts of my gear to help with movement. With the Velcro at least I can adjust as needed or even adjust on the fly. .-- I have a wicked strapping system in my gear. It was created and designed by two people that have my comfort and all in mind. Due to my odd body shape and the fact that I'm a woman trying to wear gear that wasn't truly designed for female curves.. this system is going to be great. I have a garter system for the thighs and suspenders to help spread out that load while keeping everything snug. Keep in mind that tight for me in the Cod would be weird as I lack the bits most storm troopers have that fills that void. I have considered the elastic on the chest plate however having breasts has it's challenges. In the pictures I was wearing an athletic bra to keep the girls in close. -- The hooks are recommended by others and I'll eventually add them. Not a priority right now. "the what now?" I have two types of straps for the shoulder bells. I have the snug OMG I can barely move my arm straps needed for approval pictures and when moving up towards Centurion to manage the upper arm gap. I also have some more elastic a small amount larger straps that would be easier to troop in and ensure some comfort and range of movement but maintain the look. I will switch these in and out as needed. As mentioned much of what I'm saying I need to work on is not a Priority for me as I've pretty much decided that Fan Expo is not the best place to debuts a new set of armor. Instead my time and troops between now and FE will be focused on ensuring my Jawa is in the best condition it can be. I have projects with it that I want to complete in time for FE. Although I am not sure I can get the R3P0 head done in time I will give it a good try. This Saturday I'm pulling off a Double Jawa Troop which should be interesting as that is a LOT of sweat! Laughs. I figure I can attach my under armor shirt to the outside of the car on the hour drive between locations to try and dry it out! No funds for a second set yet.

Yes.. there were 2 snaps and I had accidentally put it on the lower ones when they should have been on the upper ones. As I didn't have someone that knew watching for the pictures it was missed that I had done that.

I won't be taking it out on Troops... it took me 3 weeks of tweaking to feel comfortable enough with my Jawa before I trooped. I will be taking the same cautious steps with my TK gear.. I refuse to rush it before Fan Expo just to make it there.. most of the items I'm working are Jawa related anyway. As for the adjustments - fix the upper elastic on the shoulder .. not sure if it broke or shifted or something.. I have to investigate that. Padding in the leg by the sniper plate which will help with twist... Padding in the left thigh to help make it more aligned and keep it shifting around Suspenders to help keep the strapping system in a specific place and add comfort so it's not all pulling in one spot (recommended by 2 wise people that helped me with the gear) Sort out the breast plate.. I have boobs so I would like to adjust it a bit Bucket wire adjustments bicep hooks (Haven't made em yet but need to .. mentioned by 2 wise men (friends) To help keep them from shifting Swap out the shoulder clips to something that is more comfy and has some play.. (recommended by friends) which will help me in numerous ways. And that's just the start.

Yeah I checked that and it was clean.. I'll find it..

Thanks for the Tips, As it stands right now.. I'm unsure about trooping in it. I know I need to make some adjustments and those like with my Jawa will come in time until a point when I can trust the armor. As for the pictures, I had a friend come and take them.. kind of a mistake on that one as she took a zillion pictures and didn't focus on making the 8 I needed to look amazing. Case in point while using my camera this mysterious dark dot appeared that I now have to investigate inside my camera. Sighs.. I have not heard about approval for Basic as of yet.. I'm not concerned with it. I had hoped to Troop in it and take part in the TK March at Fan Expo, but at this point I believe that to be a pipe dream. Others are trying to coax me into taking it with me, but all the negativity over the timing of the build, and parts of the build, and from a few others that seem to like offering non-constructive criticism... it all has put a real downer on the finale of this part of the build. I have truly enjoyed the journey and had hoped to end up super excited with my gear. For now it just seems surrounded in a cloud of gloom which is really annoying. During the photo shoot yesterday a piece came loose and I was lucky to have the parts there to fix it. This caused the one drop box to sit funny. Even my friend taking the pictures did all the pictures, then when I was getting out of the gear brought up about the Dot showing up in the photos and that my lower left leg was crooked.. LIKE WTF! Why didn't you say something WHEN we were taking pictures! Super frustrated with too many things right now. I think I'll take a step back from the TK even if it is approved and work on my Jawa which is very comfortable to wear other than it's very hot. I have projects for the Jawa like an R3-PO head (waits for comments on me doing that.. I expect it now people so please go right ahead) which I'd like to have done for FE.. but not going to rush it. Oh I know.. it's another tall Jawa.... All that said, I am pleased with all the support and help my friends have given me with both... those that I am close to anyway and many here as well. This thread won't be closing as the Build process is never totally complete. Before I hear it from someone again.. NO I am not starting a new thread.. this is my build thread.. it shall stay my build thread unless an Admin requires me to change it. I doubt they will because at least this way it all stays in one place. So if you aren't an admin.. keep it to yourself. I have 16 days to sort it all out.. we'll see what happens. For now and for this deadline.. I have faith in my Jawa gear.. it works, it's comfy, and it looks good.. but I'm sure others will tell me different on that as well. For now.. I'm out. https://youtu.be/ijZRCIrTgQc

Submission

LoL.. Torok.. I work during the week which means I'm up at 3AM.. Too far of a drive. BTW.. fourth line south to oakville you can go pretty fast.. but still couldn't do it in 30 minutes. No worries though.. I can take em on my own. Hey Mark, thanks for the info.. no time for that though.

At a Friends Street Party With the Fire department One kid kept circling me over and over.. no matter which way I turned my handler was struggling to keep this grabby kid away from me.. Overall was fun and now I'm back to working on a zillion things like my TK armor which I have in hand and will be doing test fitting, minor sanding and pictures tonight hopefully.. only have myself to take the pictures as I can't rely on anyone else where I live to not need hours of instruction or direction on it.. so.. it's all me..