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vettereddie

501st Stormtrooper[TK]
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Posts posted by vettereddie

  1. Interesting perspective, but as an investor I'd expect some sort of return. The original model they had w/ tier pricing; those who go in earliest have the longest wait / most risk but also get the best discount and first dibs when released made sense. Paying full price for an indeterminate release date does not provide any value for the investor.

     

    I'd still consider them for anything in-stock or if it appears on Amazon like the FOTK helmet, but done w/ pre-order, especially now that other makers are accommodating payment plans. Being the license holder they should be held to a higher standard. 

    • Like 1
  2. No issues with quality on my Anovos, but agree the shipping "estimates" are ridiculous.

     

    For perspective new members, the in-stock Anovos items should be fine, or if you see a for sale of the kit from another member at a decent price don't hesitate.

     

    The great thing, especially w/ the classic ANH stormtrooper is that you've got options with different makers. 

  3. Welcome Paul, fellow Marylander here. Which Star Wars night sparked the next step (and Happy Birthday), Blue Crabs, Baysocks or Iron Birds? If you're down in SoMD, give me a shout if you need anything for the build. I was in your shoes last year, only joined up in March 2016, and took a while to discover the absolute need for lexan scissors.

     

    Hope to see you at a troop soon, and feel free to come out before the build is done, handlers are always appreciated or to just stop and chat.

  4. In my shopping around for various kits, the entry point seems to be around $500 for anything with a helmet and hard armor. I'd estimate $850 for a completed TK with boots, strapping, under suit and around $1200 for my planned FOTK build.

     

    If you're building on a budget, I'd recommending checking the sales boards here and on the main 501st site for either older kits or a b-grade. First Order will be hard to find though, regular storm troopers, biker, Tie pilot and clone troopers tend to pop up fairly regularly though.

    • Like 1
  5. Unless you're seeing shading differences between pieces, I'd say that's typical of an Anovos kit, not a defect.

     

    When I ordered my replacement belt, it was a pretty stark contrast. Don't sweat it, if you get a few troops in the belt and boots will darken up a bit and blend a lot nicer. If ypu're building for a mannequin display, could always paint to suit your preferred shade but wouldn't recommend for trooping due to additional maintenance for touch-ups.

     

    Digital cameras suck trying to capture the color, especially against neutral backgrounds. I've gotten the truest color against wood grain.

  6. If you order a kit with no strapping already, it looks to be worth it. Everything is there and will cut down work on cutting / sewing traps and tracking pieces down.

     

    For Anovos though, the majority of strapping can be re-used, would personally just  go w/ brackets from Mr. No Stripes, belt from Rob Kittel, and hand guards from justjoseph, snaps from Tandy.

     

    Your call, if you use the brackets highly recommend reinforcing the Anovos return edges w/ scrap plastic before putting the brackets on.

  7. Based on the pictures and reviews the Phasma is not like the regular Rubies TFA bucket.

     

    Instead of an even seam connecting the two halves, it overlaps, is very thin plastic, and looks to be the Halloween mask half-helmet with a back added. Some have gotten the better Disney voice changing mask and used the Rubies back to make a full helmet to display or as a party costume, not worth it IMO.

     

    I couldn't find the FO Tie outside of the more expensive Anovos.

  8. Prepping my build prior to armor being available and looking for updates on the tactical / heavy artillery vest.

     

    The only ready-made option I know of is through Anovos, and it, like the armor, is still in pre-order status.

     

    The other option looks to be DIY, but based on Ukswrath's tutorial to get accurate with the buckling, notched belt, ribbed strap, etc. is more work than I have time and skill to put in.

     

    I could likely get by w/ a stock Flyye, Airsoft pockets and drop box inserts until the CRL is out, but would then need to mod after the fact.

     

    Are there any other ready-made options available? Also, is it considered a tactical, heavy gunner, heavy weapons or heavy artillery vest?

  9. Agree, 9/11 Hero's Run, Wounded Warrior, Christmas Parades, 4th of July Parades, etc. aren't real Star Warsy, does St. Patrick's get a pass w/ the Kilted Trooper Brigade?

     

    Politics is a curious animal, that one I would agree should remain outside the spectrum. It's nice to find at least one forum on the internet not delving into the daily goings-on of various administration and economic decisions.

    • Like 2
  10. The great thing about armor is it provides anonymity. When the bucket goes on, no one knows or cares your race, age, sex, gender or preferences, all they see is an awesome nameless, faceless plastic spaceman stepping out of the screen and into real life.

     

    Our Garrison did troop DC Pride this year, but outside of members in obvious relationships I honestly have no idea what anyone's orientation is, we're busy geeking on Star Wars most of the time.

    • Like 3
  11. For the teeth, since they are difficult to mask, you can try what I did.

     

    Put Vaseline on a q-tip or other small applicator and apply to the outside of the teeth, then mask the whole frown from the outside. It acts as a release agent and wipes off easily w/ rubbing alcohol.

     

    I did also try to block the teeth gaps with rolled up tape to keep the overspray to a minimum.

    • Like 3
  12. Welcome. Tyranus is a great garrison, done more than a few joint events with them now from old Line.

     

    I've got the Anovos, it looks great but have had some issues with cracks. In hindsight trimming the return edge thinner and some pre-emptive reinforcement of the shoulder bridges would have helped a lot. I do NOT recommend their factory pre-assembled, besides cost there are quality and accuracy issues (including ab button mounted backwards) and since CA glue is used, is neigh impossible to take apart and redo.

     

    There's some good deals on used / still in box on the Anovos Stormtrooper Kit Building Group on Facebook, and even a finished in Norfolk if you want quick delivery.

     

    Walts Trooper Factory looks like another good option besides the above mentioned, also on Facebook.

     

    Good luck with your build whatever you decide, enjoy the journey in making it your own.

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