CableGuy

Nice job on the teeth. Up to you on the eyes, but, I like to keep the corners nice and sharp. Here’s some reference photos:

Welcome aboard, Johnny. You’re in the right place - there’s plenty of useful information here on the forum. A good place to start might be here with the “vetted sellers” list: Another thing you might try is looking in the build threads for troopers of a similar size and build to yourself. Do you know which version of a Stormtrooper you want to be? Stunt? Hero? A New Hope? Empire Strikes Back? The most common version is “A New Hope” stunt - here’s the correct area for those builds - https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/forum/80-anh-build-threads/ From memory, RWA Creations (UK) makes XL or “big boy” parts. These are scaled up versions of their standard kit for troopers with a larger frame. Also, I think I may have heard that AM armour came be made to fit larger frames. Being honest, none of the options are “low cost” as you’ll be purchasing the armour, helmet, undersuit, boots, neck seal, belt, blaster, balaclava, holster etc., however, most of us find it worth the time and investment. Any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. Best wishes Dan

Thanks Nick. Took me a while to remember where I had this photo, but, this is the RS right thigh itself. As you’ll see, there’s not too much of an offset on their original suit compared with the replica. Looking at the comparison photo further down, I think that their original thighs might me a little smaller in circumference than your build, which explains the slight differences. This is NOT a problem, just might lead to some differences here and there. (When you watch their video tutorial for the thighs and hear the measurements, they are super super skinny! I have it a try but their original sizes were too slim for my legs). Personally, I’d consider trimming the longer side (and coverstrip) to bring it a bit closer to the RS suit and to other screen used suits. Another screen used suit comparison. I’d maybe consider something a little like this.

Just an hour drive from me. YAY!! [emoji16][emoji16][emoji16]

Hoi Goldammer, Welcome aboard! [emoji1309]

Hiya, You could go for what I call the “hybrid method”. This uses Velcro at the top and middle positions, but uses elastic and Velcro at the lower point (near the boot). This gives some flex at the heel. It’s easier to see it than explain, so here’s me chatting about it. Regarding the bra hooks, I have to disagree with them being “nonsense” (sorry Rascal). Although the RS shins/calves don’t align very well at the back, many kits do line up well and the bra hooks are fine for that. They give flexibility, especially around the ankle. Hope this helps. :-)

This might be worth a watch. :-)

Hi Nick, You’ll probably end up with something like this: If you have photos from a few feet back, that would be really useful to help with suggestions. :-) As you are aiming high, I thought I’d mention that almost all ANH coverstrips have small, 45° corners. I’ve put some examples below. Ideally, you’d cut these before you glue the cover-strips down.

Painting the tubestripes… NERVE RACKING!! [emoji33] Hey troopers, Welcome back. I’ve not painted the tubestripes onto this beautiful helmet. I’ve gone fully old school, using just masking tape and freehand painting. As I discuss in the video, I certainly wasn’t overly pleased with the results as I was doing it, however, once I took a step back and came back to the helmet the next day, I realised that they weren’t anywhere near as bad as I first thought. Here’s some photos of how it’s looking now. And now for some “arty” shots, including my “replica” helmet mixes in with an ANH screenshot: And finally, here’s my latest video of the build, including the tubestripes being painted: Thanks for reading, Dan

Hey trooper, I’m not familiar with the lineage of AP, so not sure if it’s supposed to be supplied with specific left and right arms, however, the original suits definitely had specific left and right arms. As below, one has 11 divets, one has 12.

Saw this photo on Instagram. Looks SUPERB displayed like that. [emoji122][emoji122][emoji122][emoji16]

Hiya, Depending on how accurate you want to go, you could trim the front edge of the front largest tab off, leaving a nice raw edge. The below is a lovely example of Han’s suit - note the raw edge. This helps it conform a little better the the shape of the chest, too. (And it’s just a super accurate detail).

I’d say it’s personal preference. Personally, I’ve got two suits and neither have internal coverstrips. So far, I’ve not felt the need for them. :-)

I don’t think ESB decals have a left and right, do they? The stripes leaning forward is more specific to the Set for Stun trooper. The below ESB screen used is pretty much the same as Tim’s decals.

Thanks, Adam. Much appreciated. [emoji16]

Hey troopers, I’m back with another little update. I’ve now painted the tubestripes onto this wonderful helmet. I’ve also added the chin strap and foam Star, etc. On the day of George Lucas’ birthday, the sun was shining here in the UK, so I took some “glamour” shots of the helmet, pre-tubestripes. The following day, I painted the tubestripes (a nerve racking experience every time I do them) with Humbrol Enamel 109 (a different shade to the one listed in the CRL) and took a few more shots. Nearly there, folks. I can’t wait to get it completed. [emoji16][emoji16][emoji16] Best wishes Dan

Haha. Well, my latest build (another mock-HDPE helmet) WAS Mr No Stripes until yesterday. Lol. But I painted the stripes yesterday… :-( Hehe. This is actually based on another ANH trooper, so the marking and weathering are not matched to MNS. I’m just being silly. Hehe

Hey trooper, Yes - there are certainly people out there that will do commission builds. I’m in the UK and there are a few good options here. Hopefully you can also find someone local that might be able to help. It’s a real shame you can’t reach your local Garrison. Hopefully some of our USA based troopers will chip in to this post and help you out. Best wishes Dan

(Not sure if this is the most appropriate forum section, but, here we go….) Hey troopers, Many of you are probably aware of the infamous “Mr No Stripes”, a trooper well known for being part of the group that stunned Leia in ANH. He delivered the line “She’ll be alright. Inform Lord Vader we have a prisoner”. Assumed to be a costume error (as they forgot to paint his blue tubestripes), he is now a part of Star Wars history. After a recent chat with a fellow stormtrooper fan, I decided to have a look and see if our friend Mr No Stripes appears anywhere else in ANH. I knew that he appeared in the blaster fight with Leia and Luke (grapple hook moment), however, I didn’t realise he was also present in the Luke vs Troopers fight following Obi-wan’s departure and a few other shots. Here’s a few shots of this icon: If you know of any more appearances, do let us know. [emoji2956] Thanks for stopping by. Best wishes Dan (CableGuy)

Hey Paul, Superb progress so far. This is clearly going to be a very detailed set of armour once you’re finished. :-) To follow on from what Joseph said about the leg trimming, I’d highlight the current length of a couple of cover strips. Typically in the Stormtrooper world, it’s uncommon for a coverstrip to be longer than (extend beyond) the length of the armour piece. As below, personally, I’d consider trimming your right front coverstrip to prevent it from protruding beyond the armour. Same at the back: Here’s a piece I did on coverstrips, including screen used examples etc. Regarding the shoulder bridges, Glen provided some superb references. To add to this, here’s a lovely close up of Han’s suit. Note how the front of the larger tab has actually been trimmed, leaving a nice clean edge. Keep up the great work, Paul. [emoji16][emoji16][emoji16] Best wishes Dan

No worries, Luca. With Centurion, just bear in mind that, although something may not be in the CRL text, the Deployment Officers also take screen used suits and helmets into consideration when reviewing, so it’s very likely that they will “suggest” this based on the reference material. As they always say with Centurion, the final level of detail is up to the applicant when it comes to the “suggestions”. [emoji2956] “Text descriptions are only one part of the guideline. GMLs and costumers must consider both text and pictures (CRL and Reference) when reviewing the costume”

Hey troopers, As we all know, an Imperial Stormtrooper (or a rebel in disguise) needs a good blaster at their side. Well, this certainly falls into that category!! I am honoured to have been sent a “JMC E-11” blaster for review from Marc at TroopaCoola, all built and ready to troop or display. This excellent blaster is a combination of metal and resin parts, with a whole host of working (moving) parts, as well as being incredibly well detailed. Moving parts include; • Inner bolt • Magazine and magazine release button • Trigger • Selector switch • Folding stock • End cap • Hengstler counter rest button Check out the video for a much more in-depth review, but also feel free to enjoy the images below. The below video covers an unboxing, followed by a detailed look at the functioning parts and detailed features: These are also available as a kit, if you want to have a go at building one yourself. Thanks for stopping by. Contact TroopaCoola for more details. https://m.facebook.com/Troopercoola/ Best wishes CableGuy Dan [emoji3526]

Yes indeed - please see below. [emoji16]

Hey Tim, Great job so far. :-) I’m also currently building an RS helmet and have been doing tutorials as I go. Although this is for ANH Stunt, I hope the vocoder part is still useful for you. :-) “Vocoder” Best wishes Dan

Great progress, Luca. [emoji16] As you’ve mentioned Centurion (so you are aiming for high accuracy), I thought I’d mention the ends of the brow trim. For both ANH and ESB, the ends of the brow trim is typically cut straight up and down, not at an angle. Please see below from ANH: From ESB: From the original RS helmet: Suggestions: Keep up the good work. [emoji3526][emoji1303]