Erice3339

Buckets off in South Florida for CableGuy Dan Branton, TK-42911. May he march on in the Hall of Eternal Legionnaires and his memory live on forever in our community.

POST 29 Florida Garrison Everglades Squad Fireteam Alpha 1. Date & Location: 2020 in Florida, USA Photo Credit: Donna Sanders, ID-6825 Editing: Gary Cardenas, TK-72313 2. Date & Location: 2018 in Florida, USA Photo Credit: Sean Patrick, TD-2884 3. Date & Location: 2020 in Florida, USA Photo Credit: Donna Sanders, ID-6825 4. Date & Location: 2020 in Florida, USA Photo Credit: Unknown 5. Date & Location: 2020 in Florida, USA Photo Credit: Unknown

Though I understand that it was produced years after the original date of this post, I have always looked to the Rebels television series for canon examples of clean TKs wearing pauldrons-- and in a variety of colors at that. Nevertheless, I understand that the animated version of the armor is categorized by itself in a separate CRL, and it thus isn't technically permissible for a movie-derived OT TK to wear a pauldron. Though I would never wear one to an LFL troop, I'd be lying if I said that I haven't worn an orange pauldron on occasion to relatively more low-profile troops. I don't make a habit of it, but it can be a nice touch if no sandtroopers are present and there is a group of TKs slated to be at the troop. I do not have a strong opinion one way or another, and I understand many disregard the animated shows according to their own, valid preferences, but since it has not been mentioned in this thread yet, I thought I'd compile the following screengrabs from Star Wars Rebels:

I am happy to see you here from the Florida Garrison forums, Jennifer. I agree with Joseph's and Tino's evaluation. If you have any questions moving forward, we are all here to help you however we can!

Congrats on your EIB approval! And here’s to another 1,000 EIB troopers in FISD’s future!

Amazing job. I can not only imagine how much time it took to compile but also how much time future recruits will spend using it. I, for one, would have spent much time coming back to this thread. Any chance this might be pinned? Regardless, great work on it!

Preface A Spec Ops Detachment staff member approached the DL with a message that said DL subsequently shared with the Florida Garrison CS. I also wanted to spread the word here. In short, Lucas, or "Luke", is terminally ill with brain cancer, and the staff member, who is Luke's family, is looking to compile a video following the instructions quoted below. Alternatively, if you are unable to film a video in the time allotted, Everglades Squad has setup a virtual event where you can post photos with words of encouragement to Luke. His family will be given the link on the 17th to view all the posts. You are welcome to do both if so inclined. If you have any questions, please contact me; otherwise, please feel free to share this opportunity with your squads, garrisons, and other detachments. Thank you! https://www.facebook.com/events/301955967463657/ [BEGIN QUOTE] "Help me SWIN family, you are my only hope. Calling all 501st, Rebels, and Mercs. Grab your costumes and video cameras, a young boy needs us! I was contacted this morning by my aunt, after she discovered that I'm part of the Rebel Legion. She informed me that her great nephew, on her husband's side, Lucas has brain cancer and is in hospice at home. He has been visited by our troopers in the past, which he loved. Unfortunately, Lucas isn’t doing well and will not be with us much longer. With Scott’s help, I’m making a video for Lucas to lift his spirits and give him a loving distraction. I’m asking ALL of you to make a quick video in your costumes waving and saying hi to Lucas. Lucas LOVES ewoks, so if you are, know, or have an Ewok that can join in your video he would love that. Lucas likes being called Luke, so that he is like Luke Skywalker...so feel free to use either name. We need these videos in by this Monday, May 17th at the latest! Given the situation we might even need to have the video ready sooner, so please send your videos ASAP! Please send your video to Tx62000@gmail.com . Use the email title “For Lucas” [END QUOTE]

Welcome to FISD, Ian! I think you will find the FISD family to be very helpful in starting your FOTK build. Dave and I are here to assist you locally as well!

Hi Ian, Glad you found your way here! It looks like you found the information you were looking for too. Keep browsing the fourms; there is alot of great information on here for all things stormtrooper-related. Best of luck and let Dave or I know if we can help!

Congrats, Thomas! The work was all you. I provided what information I could, but you took the initiative. I am glad you are happy with the armor-- as you should be. You did great work, and I too look forward to trooping with you on the other side of this pandemic!

Congratulations, Thomas! Very proud of you and glad to see the hard work pay off. Way to represent Everglades Squad!

I’ve seen the movie 5 times, and I am sure I am still missing things.

It’s one thing to poke fun at those that, with no love for Star Wars, capitalize on the franchise for their own monetary benefit thereby also depriving us of a chance to appear for free and have any proceeds donated to a charity of the organizer’s choosing. Yet, while I often refrain from expressing my truly meaningless opinion on topics that do not concern my own conduct or pursuits, I cannot stand to see ridicule pointed at innocent fans who dress up just for the fun of it. Fun is a subjective construct, and as such, it cannot be stated that our accurate and systematic approach to building stormtroopers is the only valid method by which one can represent and enjoy the franchise. If the individual derided earlier in this thread whilst attending a premiere is a weirdo, then I too am a “weirdo” and glad to be one. As Joseph said, I would hate to rob someone of fulfilling their whitearmor passion simply because they observe some insensitive members, who feel the time and money we all have invested into our costumes somehow equate to superiority, hiss and sneer at one’s first attempt at replicating something we all emulate. After all, no matter how much liberty was taken in these costumes, the emulation is close enough that the public will doubtlessly identify it as a stormtrooper (or a Power Ranger) just as they would us. I concur with the prior comments that this thread and all like it should be closed. Though I said it might be acceptable to criticize those that open themselves up to as much by commercializing others’ intellectual property to reap monetary reward, it is too difficult to differentiate from a mere picture of an enthusiastic fan. As such, there’s no sense in indiscriminately insulting and laughing at all less-than-accurate attempts. Happy Holidays Everyone!

Hm, that’s odd. My Anovos helmet (circa 2018) doesn’t have the slight bump in the lower margin of the right eye like yours and Thomas’. Thanks for your input!

Following. I am curious to know. I am aware the ANH helmets are notoriously incongruent, but I don’t think I had ever heard of that being accentuated by the helmet’s eyes. Like Thomas, thanks for any information, troopers.

If the price listed on the website is USD, then I don’t see taking the risk on these snaps as being worth it. You’d only be saving $0.50 USD if that’s the case relative to Tandy Snaps on Amazon. However, since it’s an Australian website, if the price is in the Australian dollar, then I can see the incentive to try it. What I’d recommend, if you do purchase them, is to test them out on an especially mobile joint before you do a full installation. In other words, try some of the snaps on the elbow joint (forearm-to-bicep). Move it around a bit to see if the snaps come loose or hold. If they hold after some persistent arm waving, then do another joint and test. I obviously don’t have any experience with these particular snaps, but I can vouch for the Tandy snaps. They work well. If it’s a matter of saving $0.50 USD for the same amount of snaps, don’t bother. Otherwise, I encourage you to test it and let others know what comes of it!

The ship cameo (no spoilers) was one of the best parts. Very excited for it!

If I recall correctly, there is nowhere on the CRL that specifically requires a return edge. In fact, the only mention(s) of return edges are requiring their removal (e.g. distal end of the forearms). Then again, I know the CRL’s were just updated— specifically the higher levels— so I’d recommend looking it over to be sure. As for the deformation of the shoulder bells, you have to remember that the pictures I think you are referring to are of screen-used bells. Thus, the malformation likely has more to do with the simple fact that the stunt costumes took a beating during filming and less to do with the removal of the return edges. I have never heard of a case wherein removing return edges compromised structural integrity but perhaps Joseph can add better insight on that.

Exterior with Crack and E6000 The yellow identifies the largest crack with some surrounding stress marks. The green signifies where the E6000 covering it stops on the outside roughly where the return edge ends. The black line is because I have clumsy fingers... Interior w/ Cloth The gray you see “leaking” out is actually epoxy putty I applied as initial reinforcement to the area prior to any cracks. Obviously, it was insufficient but thought I’d try it on a whim.

Very helpful thread that I wish I had encountered during construction. I have removed many of my return edges specifically to prevent cracking since I have Anovos armor. That being said, Joseph hit the nail on the head when he said the Anovos armor is prone to cracks in the neck and sides of the back/chest plates. My largest crack is in the neck area as of very recently. I have reinforced it with E6000 on the outside/exterior part of the armor since it is covered from view by the bottom of my helmet and on the interior side with E6000 and a cut bathroom cloth. That being said, would you recommend that I simply remove the return edge altogether to prevent the crack from leaving the return edge and venturing onto the anterior portion of the chest itself (i.e. where it would be much more visible) or do you all think it will hold as is with the abundance of E6000 on both sides? Like I said, I wish I had this thread at my disposal during the build; excellent resource as usual, Joseph!

Buckets off. Never gone but instead merely marching far far away. RIP.

Without your diligence, I wouldn't be a FISD member and thus would not even be able to make this comment today. Thank you for everything you have done and continue to perform on behalf of the FISD for prospective and current troopers!

Congrats! Welcome to FISD and the Legion!

Always up to something creative it seems. Nice work on the shins! You're bringing this kit to Supercon, right?

I’ll speak to care since it seems you’ve received ample advice on fitting. For maintenance, one of my squadmates recommended the following: Dr. Martens Wonder Shoe Balsam 2.87 oz Neutral One Size https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000M3R2HE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_L5s8Cb9CRNEN3 It’s a little pricey for what it is, but I consider it worth it. I use it at the end of every three troops. The balsam is protection from weathering, moisturizes the leather, and keeps your boots shiny. It’s no miracle worker though; after awhile, your boots will start to degrade— especially as your shin pieces scrape against the boots. Longevity also depends on how many outdoor troops you do. If anyone else has experience with this product, please feel free to chime in. Aside from the person who recommended it to me, I’ve yet to meet another TK that uses it.