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TheRascalKing

Imperial Attaché[TK]
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Posts posted by TheRascalKing

  1. *Southern California Garrison Photo Shoot - Brea Olinda High School, Brea, CA - 9/30/23

     

    Our Garrison got together again for a group photo this past weekend - for the first time in 6 years! While we number at 421 (ha!) active members currently, we've been as large as 500 and had something like 92 members make it out on a rainy Saturday morning to make this photo happen. Big thanks to our GCO, Ramey @ramey, GXO Nic, Rob S., and Jason C., for facilitating the event and to Brea Olinda High School for once again allowing us to use their facility.

     
    Huge thanks to KC @KC Grim, who helped arrange the photo and videographers, Graham Futerfas, Mike Gratzmiller, and John Pingry. There's a pretty awesome video out there, including our march out and some drone footage but unsure how to share it here.

     

    We were also able to have the event create some good in the world as well, as we welcomed a student at the high school, A.J., who is a huge Star Wars fan, but also unfortunately battling cancer. We presented him with his own helmet and he got to take several photos with him front and center with all of us. He was stoked and it was a great day.

     

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    I shared on the Detachment Facebook as well, but one of the best photos of the day was taken (and edited delightfully) by Bender @TK6682 of the stormtroopers of the SCG that made it out that day. Ray C. @RCMUSTANG had the idea for the photo after recently crafting the gladius he's holding. I don't think he's made the HoF yet, but hopefully we can nominate others!

     

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    • Like 4
  2. I have provided plenty of reference material, including full 360* views of the costume. CRLs have been written and approved off of far less.

     

    I have written a CRL that I believe captures the details seen in the reference material. I cannot provide reference of something that does not exist.

     

    While the TFA FOTK CRL has helped take a ton of work out of the creation of this NEW, separate CRL, the fact remains that it is a new, separate CRL.

     

    And if something is not able to be visually confirmed via reference material, I will not be including it in my CRL. Some things I can bend on, but I refuse to require someone else to meet an unfair standard.

     

    If the CRL is unable to be approved by Detachment Staff as is or with minor additional tweaks confirmed via actual reference (as with the TD end cap) and is unable to move forward, I will work with the LMO office directly or I will withdraw it from consideration. Thank you.

    • Like 1
  3. 17 hours ago, gmrhodes13 said:

    I've only glanced the proposed CRL, there may be some items/details added to the FOTK CRL's to be more inclusive so it would be best to try be consistent across each CRL.

     

    I just can't make out any seams on the sides, with this character or other TK's in the game

     

    But having a deeper look this morning there are a few items which do differ, although troopers are based on TFA armor/helmet they appear to have a TLJ detonator, all black endcap 

     

    I agree with your observations - the ab sides are seamless, but that's never been been the point of my argument. Rather, that the requirement for them to be seamless should be a L2 or higher point of scrutiny. Again, I won't hold up the CRL if leadership is steadfast in their belief that this is important enough to keep it as a blocker at Basic. I also agree with the TD observation and as such, the phrase "A white stripe is present around the end of the cylinder that extends slightly onto the circular surface." has been struck from the TD section in proposed CRL in the OP. All black TLJ-style end cap it is.

     

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    17 hours ago, gmrhodes13 said:

    I also noticed you crossed out working lights, there's definitely a hengstler light, although it is green which is a little weird

    Could possibly add an option for barrel lights, red or blue, (kill or stun)

    F-11D Blaster
    • Blaster may be scratch-built, or a modified commercial toy Stormtrooper blaster.
    • Blaster may have a sling attached.
    • Details to be painted black, white and silver per reference photos.

     

    OPTIONAL Level two certification (if applicable):
    • Rear sight is painted black. white
    • D ring mount painted silver, if D ring is present it should be rectangular in shape and painted black No D ring present
    • D ring mount is silver
    • 3D printed blasters can not contain visible print lines and must be sanded smooth for a more realistic appearance.
    OPTIONAL Level three certification (if applicable):
    • Working lights on Hengstler and working front torch are is required.
    • Front handle must be movable.

     

    I see you can select an F-11 heavy blaster but not sure if Lieutenant Gauge can as I don't own the game.

    F-11ABA heavy blaster cannon

    Still more to look at but I've spent far too much time on this today.

     

    As to the blaster, I agree those observations can probably be assumed based on the blasters in use by other characters, but it would be difficult to provide reference that this is the case for Lt. Gauge specifically, as much of the reference shared is for the playable character models, not his. I never saw lights on his blaster, so I don't see the need to require them. Gauge is only ever seen carrying a single F11-D.

     

    16 hours ago, Sly11 said:

    Ooh I actually love the green lights on the side of the blaster, that's kind cool and a great point of difference for the CRL.

    Is he dual weilding!!

     

    The reference shared is of the playable game character, not Gauge, so not technically relevant. 

     

    16 hours ago, Sly11 said:

    Also just looking through the CRL early draft in this thread, I don't see a reason why the centurion level items should be struck out, considering this character is based off the TFA FOTK, things like palm stitching and the way boxes seams are not filled, and other items should absolutely remain.

    It just doesn't make sense not to have them included as you are building this in a realistic fashion, not in a game render fashion.

    These are also optional levels so there is no pressure for anyone to build to that level , but if they have a centurion level TFA TK, then they have some options to make a Pauldron and secondary helmet plus any other differences, to have a another costume from the base and also hit centurion with that.

     

    We will definitely have a detailed look at this and flesh out the wiki origin doc before submitting to the LMO team.

     

    The build is coming along nicely Justin, almost there.

     

    There isn't a question of "realistic" or "game render" version. There is only one version of this character, and I am using reference from the game to recreate it. If a detail is unable to be verified using game assets, it shouldn't be included. There is no reason to hold people to an artificially high standard that we are unable to prove using reference. It's pretty simple. If I struck something, provide reference from the game that proves me wrong. Again, there is no reason to make this more complicated than it needs to be.

     

    I'll give you that upon review, it does appear that the glove palm stitching is a contrasting color and has been updated in the OP. If you disagree with other points, please provide reference as below.

     

     28fa5VZ.png

     

    16 hours ago, gmrhodes13 said:

    The TK did carry two firearms, not sure about Lieutenant Guage, two F11's sometimes a mix

     

    Off topic but some nice pics of the helmet internals

     

    Plenty of cool helmet internal pics over here, but yes - let's keep this on topic. While we need to be thorough in our research, I've provided some pretty excellent, full 360* reference that is pretty clear. There were some good observations that have led to change. And there has been repetition of opinions that have not brought value to the discussion. I'd hate for excessive scrutiny by staff to be viewed as personal attacks or as attempts to derail or hinder the creation of this CRL. It's not like FISD gets new CRLs as often as other Detachments, and most others are significantly more "pro-CRL creation". Let's ensure feedback stays constructive and is driving towards the successful completion of the CRL.

     

    My intent is to make the files and templates for the costume add-on pieces available for free to the FISD after approval in case anyone else wants to make this costume, but also - I'm moving houses soon and my son is due at the end of November. If this isn't completed timely, it's likely that it simply won't be. Let's get any other constructive CRL feedback addressed so I can take final photos, and get this done.

    • Like 1
  4. On 9/13/2023 at 1:05 AM, gmrhodes13 said:

    Of course with any CRL feedback may be given by staff or members prior to submitting to the LMO's, this is for transperancy.

     

    I've not had a full look at the text, just a glance just this minute and appears a few items which are different from other FOTK CRL's, personally I think all base CRL's should be consistent, we already have issues with game CRL's which aren't consistent and cause issues.

     

    One in particular is the abdomen side seam, this has been discussed previously with the other FOTK CRL's. I will have to go into the rest in more detail at a later stage.

     

    Any changes to the base TFA CRL were noted in my original post with items that are added in green and items that are removed being struck through. 

     

    If the LMO has any concerns with the items I've struck through, I encourage someone to submit reference material from the game that clearly shows the detail in question. Otherwise, I have removed them because they are either not present or are unable to be verified with reference to my knowledge. I added back the ab sides being seamless - while I disagree with this being at the Basic level, I won't hold up the CRL to fight for it.

    • Like 1
  5. Some reference shows it wider, some narrower - I went wider. I did actually trim every single panel to increase the gaps and help with that angle during my rebuild, but could only do so much before the glue lines became visible in the black space, and it looked awful. So the pauldron is not changing. We're in too deep.

     

    Maybe in a future V2 or something, but I already disassembled it once and it can't happen again. The panels are way too solidly glued on now and removing them would destroy the leather underneath. It simply can't be done without starting over, which I am not going to do. So while I appreciate the opinions on that specific topic - move along, move along.

     

    I'll add some weathering to match the reference after the base TFA is approved first. Just wanted to provide an update so the CRL work can be scheduled within reason. No promises, but it shouldn't take more than a few weeks to finish the ab boxes and belt, then take photos.

    • Like 1
  6. 2 hours ago, VaderFanLives said:

    What a work of art, wow.

     

    Considering the production and design tools available at the time and that it was hand-sculpted? Absolutely. And this is one wonderfully preserved.

     

    But also, the true OG suits were haphazard messes. Our Centurions are a laughably high standard of idealization lol

    • Like 1
  7. Stirred up some conversation over on the Facebook already, but figured this deserved a thread over here too. A screen matched Hero Stormtrooper costume from Star Wars - A New Hope (1977) has recently come up for auction, and the sales post contains some excellent photos of 1 of only 3 known surviving Hero suits/helmets out of the 6 made for the film. It is pretty much complete and in absolutely gorgeous condition. Enjoy.

     

    519tpHu.jpg

     

    Per the Auction's description:

     

    Original Screen Matched Complete Hero Imperial Stormtrooper Costume from Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (TCF, 1977).

     

    Vintage screen matched original Hero Stormtrooper costume constructed of vacuum-formed ABS plastic components. This complete hero style helmet features a one-piece green bubble-shaped lens, original elastic chin strap, original mic-tips, original rubber brow and neck trims, and hand-painted details. Complete armor components include torso assembly (chest, back, abdomen, kidney, butt, and 2 ribbed shoulder connectors), left and right shoulder bells, left and right arm assemblies (biceps and forearm armor), left and right thigh armor, left and right shin armor, belt assembly (layered-stitched canvas fabric belt, ribbed front plate, 2 ammo drop boxes, and distressed leather holster), thermal detonator canister, and white brush-painted chelsea boots. All armor components are assembled and held together with original metal hardware and elastic strapping. Also included is it's original off-the-shelf thin black leather belt which was used to attach the thigh armor to the actor. This belt is the only known example in existence to survive the entire production. Black spandex bodysuit added for display. There were only 6 hero style helmets made for the film, making this helmet only 1 of 3 hero helmets known to still currently exist. After filming was completed in England, this being 1 of 2 of the best condition remaining costumes were hand selected and sent back to the United States for additional pick-up shots such as the 'space trooper' standing at the entrance of Death Star Docking Bay 327 as the Millennium Falcon is drawn in by the tractor beam. This particular Stormtrooper is prominently featured throughout the film and can be screen matched sharing scenes with both Princess Leia as well as Darth Vader. It was also featured in the Donny and Marie Star Wars Special (1977), the Star Wars Holiday Special (1978), and the 50th Academy Awards (1978). This incredibly rare and special Stormtrooper costume rich with history is the most complete and best condition example known to exist from the first original Star Wars film (1977). Exhibits age, production wear and handling, discoloration, scuffing, small cracks, crazing, and minor paint loss. Comes with a COA from Heritage Auctions.

     

    Suit Gallery

     

    ZQdRi5S.jpgeSxbzRP.jpgeu4XtMF.jpggRNIDah.jpg3orlwwy.jpgJRRo6Ep.jpgoaScL5g.jpg

     

    Helmet

     

    519tpHu.jpgBYDuC6U.jpgRa70T9g.jpg

     

    Details

     

    VRUdsB8.jpgZmLEKKf.jpgs6k4D2O.jpgBmYrj1x.jpg

     

     

    yE3HSec.jpg3azr5Hv.jpgtUhbsJL.jpg

     

     

    It has been confirmed to match the suit seen throughout the film, as shown:

     

    7fOZ6xQ.jpg

     

    Link to Auction HERE

    • Like 4
  8. Popping in with an update just in case anyone was worried I'd given up.... Not this time. I've been prioritizing getting stuff done over posting about it, but have been taking photos along the way. I've had setback after setback with first attempting unsuccessfully to slurry weld my parts together, then to fill and paint them. It's been a journey of constant frustration to meet my own high standards, frankly. My enthusiasm for the project has come and gone, and coupled with extreme heat in my garage workshop, an impending (but constantly delayed) move-in date to the home we just purchased, and my first child set to arrive at the end of November, progress has been sporadic. However, the pressure is on to figure this out and finish. 

     

    I've been going through and adding additional photos and info in many of my previous posts, and will have several more coming, chronicling the trials and tribulations that have got me this far - ready for my first full suit up once it cools down this weekend. More to come. We're getting there...

     

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    zNdiONo.jpg

    • Like 2
  9. This has been asked and answered a million times (use the Search function!), but remains a hill I will die on.

     

    Rubber gloves are awful and the only time I ever wear them is for Centurion photos.

     

    I troop in Southern California where it is is currently 95°F/35°C regularly and I have literally seen troopers take off their rubber gloves and POUR sweat out of them. Adding cotton inner gloves to just soak up the sweat is ridiculous to me. I can assure you that average fans (and even confirmed our LFL reps) absolutely do care about your gloves, so this is one where comfort and heat safety trump L3 accuracy all day, every day.

     

    The Nomex gloves are better, but still quite thick and I don't like the leather palm and strip that is on most of them (and glaringly inaccurate). I wear the most simple, thin, breathable all-black gloves that I can find. At present, those have typically been "running gloves", which can be a bit challenging to find without logos or adornments, but the below are a similar to what I currently wear and something similar may be available in your region.

     

    Unigear Lightweight Running Gloves

     

    798SYny.jpg

     

    Make smart choices, stay cool, wear rubber for L3.

  10. *TX-41691 Space Marine Re-Enlistment Ceremony - San Clemente, CA - Tues. 8/15/23

     

    Not an official event, but figured I'd share some fun pics if you missed them on Facebook. FISD members of the Southern California Garrison and Imperial Sands Garrison showed up in force to support a friend and confuse some surfers. Our club brother Lucas is the kind of awesome, outgoing guy that you know would show up in plastic spaceman armor to support you in a heartbeat if you asked and he deserved a proper sendoff to go become a Space Marine for the glory of the Emperor. Wishing him the absolute best on his branch transfer from the Marines and re-enlistment into Space Force, and upcoming training in Colorado.


    Photos by Karen S. (1st) and Zachary D. (remaining) 

     

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    Some fun facts by the numbers! In these photos there are:
    - 11 ANH-S Stormtroopers & 1 Inferno Squad Cdr. Iden Versio (Lucas' girlfriend)
    - 2 additional Marines in armor
    - 4 EIB & 3 Centurions
    - 2 GMLs & 2 FISD Attaches
    - 5 different armor makers (ATA, RS, Anovos, MTK, AP)
    - 3 troopers who appeared in The Mandalorian
    - 5 troopers who appeared in Obi Wan Kenobi
    - 2 out of 6 total FISD Armorers
    - 1 trooper who it was her first time wearing her armor out, all the way up to a GML who has been trooping for almost a decade
    - troopers who live less than 20 minutes away, to troopers who drove at least an hour to arrive by 7am

     

    Pretty cool turnout to support our buddy during his ceremony!

    • Like 5
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