MaskedVengeance

The Etsy blaster you linked to is of the RotJ variant, and since my understanding is that you’re building an ANH kit, it technically isn’t compatible. However, the good news is that the Legion doesn’t require a blaster for basic approval! Plus one can never have too many blasters. =) Sent via Imperial Tapatalk Comms

A helpful tip I recently received is to especially be conservative towards the bottom near the neck opening under where the ears will be. That way you can ensure both properly-aligned ears and a flush neck opening curve (which will also helpfully be covered by the neck trim). And speaking of neck trim, you may also pull back your cut line on the one mix tip side to match the other side, even though the plastic is a bit more rough there. Once again, it will be covered by the trim. Sent via Imperial Tapatalk Comms

IT’S OFFICIAL! You know, by the time all this craziness is over you may even have had time to convert your ROTK to a Mimban, and then maybe this TFA TK to another variation as well. Sent via Imperial Tapatalk Comms

Nico Henderson (active on FB) has the most screen-accurate Stormtrooper helmet (only) files, but it is of the Rogue One variant, which is very different than the OT TKs. I’ve seen perhaps one or two attempts at finishing one of the several OT models out there, but I don’t recall their Legion approval status. Vacu-formed is generally the way to go for the OT since they most resemble the screen-used props. I’m sure there are others who are more well versed in the 3D world than I who may be able to provide their input. They’ll likely be along here shortly. =) Sent via Imperial Tapatalk Comms

Not gonna lie. I’m digging how this method lets you keep the absolute smooth outside edge of the black border. And then painting between the stripes gives it all a true hand-painted look. Excellent work! Sent via Imperial Tapatalk Comms

Welcome to FISD! I, too, have been working on an ATA kit, and have actually compiled a master resources thread with many of my saved research on this awesome forum! I also included links to many other ATA build and submission threads towards the bottom, since they are specific to our armor. https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/49412-all-in-one-tk-anh-stunt-index-of-resources-by-maskedvengeance/ I look forward to following along on your progress! Sent via Imperial Tapatalk Comms

I’m still relatively new here compared to many folks, and Glen has definitely been instrumental in my progress, and a model to emulate! Keep up the AMAZING work Glen! Sent via Imperial Tapatalk Comms

Geez Glen, a week?! We should have a race. Put the two fastest builders (whoever they are) in their workshops, and livestream their contest-funded armor assembly. Sleep not required, or set at an equal amount per 24 hours. First one to EI-standard completion wins. Sorry to get off topic ;-) Sent via Imperial Tapatalk Comms

Rad, man! 2nd Centurion approval in the same day! Sent via Imperial Tapatalk Comms

Congrats #479 Rob! Making the Emperor proud!

Congrats Justin! Can't stop, won't stop! We already know what's next. =) Looking forward to seeing you finish off that ROTK, and then later on the FOTK!

Congrats Jonas! We both joined FISD around the same time last year (about a year ago now) and I’ve really enjoyed following your build! Well done, Trooper! Sent via Imperial Tapatalk Comms

Welcome to FISD! There is definitely a ton of reading to be done! Research will get you a long way on this journey, and you’re already off to a great start with your RS order! When in doubt, ask lots of questions and post photos, and other Troopers will come to your aid! Sent via Imperial Tapatalk Comms

Great job everybody; let’s keep this ball rolling! I have half a mind to take a potential financial loss and just go ahead and fit-trim and assemble my new armor to get in on this, and if I can’t find a buyer for the finished suit later, so be it... Sent via Imperial Tapatalk Comms

Hi Jim! I was thinking about your build the other day, and hope that you get to keep pushing forward at some point. Life is crazy for all of us right now, and oftentimes these builds are marathons anyway. Today actually marks my one year anniversary on FISD, and I'm not even close to finishing. Haha. Hope you're well and healthy!

That's the aforementioned fieldmarshall blaster, linked below. Very nice. Very expensive. And very heavy. Haha.

OP (MV) Post #38: Rough Helmet Trimming & One Year Anniversary on FISD This is a relatively (by my standards) short update to show the very basic rough trimming I started on my helmet cap and face. My rough cut lines were drawn out in this post, and in continuing with pandatrooper's guide, I cut in eight areas including the neck opening on both pieces, the ear profiles on both sides of the cap, the top on the faceplate, the brow line, and of course the eyes. I essentially just cut close to my pre-drawn guide lines to give myself room for error, except for the brow line and two spots at the neck opening which I cut right to the lines. On the brow I used the plastic straight-edge again to form a straight line from the backs of the traps across the front to the other side. I left a lot of excess plastic at the neck opening where the cap and face will overlap, as well as at the bottom of where the ears will eventually be positioned. All of this will be further trimmed when I eventually attach the cap and face. Keep in mind, too, this is all pre-sanding since I want to do rough fitment of the pieces prior to proceeding with closer trimming and then sanding. The tools I used were lexan scissors for the large cuts, a dremel cutting wheel (my first ever use of the wheel, and second time for the tool, which was admittedly a bit risky) to start the eyes, and then an xacto knife to further expand the eyes closer to the trim lines. More on the eyes after these first images. Eyes First, know that I am not finished with them, and I would like some feedback. Looking at screen references (Gallery) of ANH Stunt eyes, some of which are shown below, it's clear that the cut lines were all over the place, with varying amounts of return/flashing left visible. However, my plan has been to go for an idealized look, as opposed to the awesome replica style by Dan (CableGuy), so I'll be seeking smooth and even curves and ridges. As of right now I believe I can likely trim some more at the inner points of the ears near the nose, and perhaps also some at the outer corners. Interestingly, I didn't even cut all the way to the suggested trim lines (still seen in photos below) along the tops and bottoms of the eyes, but from the front those areas seem to look ok to me. But perhaps the eyes are still too deep and could use some more trimming in those areas to better match the screen-used thickness of the eye sockets. What do you veterans think? These next images show the remaining pencil lines on ATA's suggested trim line seam. Does it really seem like I need to further trim the long tops, bottoms, and sides of the eyes? As mentioned above, I think there's room to further extend the inner points near the nose, but I'm not sure about the rest. If the consensus is for me to keep trimming all the way around, I think I will experiment with leaving a bit of extra on the right eye to somewhat emulate the screen-accurate bump. Additionally, today marks a special date for me since it is my one year anniversary on FISD (with an account), and tomorrow will have been a year since my introductory post. It's hard to believe a whole year has passed, and it's amazing how much more attuned I am to variances and irregularities in TK armor. Gone are the days of watching ANH and ESB and seeing idealized TK uniformity. Now I can't UN-see gaff tape, dropped or twisted biceps, open calves, and much more. I can only hope to someday be able to discern armor vendors by simply looking at a bucket or ab piece. Then we can talk about a resume-worthy achievement! Haha. Many thanks to each and every one of you who have poured your time and wisdom into my journey. Now on to my next 500 posts and beyond! One final note not really related to my thread, which is somewhat customary. Just this past weekend a family member shared their Disney+ account with me, so let's just say... this is the way... Quote Response: Glen - Thanks for your TD tip! I hadn't thought about clear-coating, but that does make sense considering that the primer will be flat and the screen-used TDs had some shine to them. That was something I was missing on my initial attempt. Printable/downloadable PDF of my entire build thread to this point contained in [THIS SHARED FOLDER]. The PDF will be updated within a few hours of my own new posts and will note sequential version numbers and revision dates.

Great news, Mark! Actually looks great to me too! Sent via Imperial Tapatalk Comms

The awesome DOs definitely have the final say in this, but based on what I’ve seen on submissions in the past, they may want to see closer proportions. While they wont be getting a ruler out to check the 20mm and 10mm spaces, I think they’ll likely ask for something appearing to be a relative 2:1 ratio, rather than the 1:1 (13mm:13mm) that you currently have. Sent via Imperial Tapatalk Comms

Dan - Is that Mediterranean Blue that you've used on the tube stripes? I've been trying to decide if I should go with that, or French Blue.

Welcome to FISD, Chris! You’re in the right place to bring your Stormtrooper dream to reality! I, too, have been working on an ATA kit, in case you’d like to follow my build. I’ve also put together a master compilation of resources which you might helpful, and on the back end of my post (linked below) I include a list of many other ATA builds which might also be useful. https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/49412-all-in-one-tk-anh-stunt-index-of-resources-by-maskedvengeance/ EDIT: Here’s a link to my build thread so I can have provided you with something useful, since Glen beat me to the previous URL. Haha. https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/48337-mvs-anh-tk-stunt-ata-1st-build-thread-for-centurion/ I look forward to following along with you on your journey! Sent via Imperial Tapatalk Comms

Bring it home, Justin! Sent via Imperial Tapatalk Comms

I think you forgot one, Glen. p.s. Please don't boot me out of the detachment. https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/22497-howto-align-tube-stipes-on-your-helmet/

As Daniel said, to combat twisting, but also to keep them from riding UP over the tops of your boots. Some use velcro/snaps on the tongue, and I believe I've also seen the use of elastic stirrups.