Cali_Nole

Loved the fresh leather smell upon opening the package! They're slightly big, but nothing an insole won't take care of. Thanks Mark!

Thanks Shawn! The feeling is mutual and the fact you're a fellow Nole...even better! I lived in Clermont, FL for about 5 years ('02-'07) and my daughter graduated from FSU in 2017 and still lives in Tally currently. Yes, the research needed to purchase and build a TK kit correctly is no joke. GO NOLES!! Hi Caleb. I've actually already read through your build thread (stay strong, trooper!) and am already well acquainted with the resource guide you put together. The amount of detail, passion, organization, etc. is top notch in my eyes and has already been very helpful to a newbie like myself. I tip my bucket to you, sir! Thank you, Mario! My new dancing shoes!

Since I won't start a build thread until I order my kit, I'll post this here. Normally, when people say "Happy Monday", I'm grumbling under my breath. But IB and DHL made me extremely giddy today! End of July, I saw that IB had a wave starting 8/1, so I ordered my 421s on....8/1! Got my tracking number on 8/7, and look at what was on my porch when I got home from work today!! First non-supply item to arrive, it's a start. I'm so excited, and you guessed it, I just can't hide it!! AWESOME!!!!!

Thanks Eric! I spent a ton of time in the Getting Started section and it's been tremendously helpful. Just reading the "types of armor and where to find them" and the "FISD acronyms and TK Glossary" alone proved to be invaluable. There's soooo much information in these forums, the name of the game is research, research, research for sure! Hoping to reach out to vendors this week and pull the trigger soon!

Thanks Brien! Yeah, working out in my 110 degree garage isn't quite the same as an air conditioned gym. I was hoping to check out some local garrison events, but I'm guessing there won't be any happening anytime soon. Thanks for the feedback and offer, I'm sure I'll be reaching out with more questions soon! Thank you Glen! I'll be sure to check out the build threads you provided...reading material for tonight! Thank you for the welcome Andrew, much appreciated!

Hello FISD, My name is Paul and I live in Lincoln, CA. I've loved SW since being a wide eyed 4 year old in '77. My goal is to join the ranks of the 501st, I'm guessing the Central California Garrison, as an ANH TK Stunt and I will aim for Centurion level out of the gate. I've been looking for a volunteer opportunity and what better and fun way than with the 501st. Completely new to costume/armor building, so I know I'll be seeking A TON of guidance from FISD. I'm already obsessed with researching these forums and I'm already amazed at the wealth of information here, as well as the "troopers helping troopers" mentality. I've already spent a good deal of time in the New Recruits section, and I've read through all 50+ pages of the "where to buy armor" thread and I'm utilizing justjoseph's supplies list as I gather tools in preparation for my future build. I've also purchased 421 boots from IB, since they just had their August wave (ETA of 8/13!!). I still need to read through more build threads, I've only skimmed through a couple so far. Oh, and I will definitely start my own build thread once I pull the trigger on my armor kit. I do have an initial question regarding armor kits. I feel I'm in a little bit of a quandary with which kit to buy and here's why. I'm "a little short for a stormtrooper" at about 5'7", 180 lbs. From everything I've read, ANH derived kits (ATA, AP, RS, etc.) can work for my height and weight. But here's my dilemma. I'm a gymrat and do a lot of weightlifting and my build is top heavy. Basically, I have a 33 inch waist, 30 inch inseam but really wide shoulders, chest and back. My coat size is a 42-44. I have never even seen TK armor in person, but I feel like ANH derived armor would work for my lower body, but I'd need upper body armor from one of the "larger trooper" vendors (RT, AM, etc.). Part of me leans toward ANH derived, but I'm nervous about the chest and back plates being too narrow and having too much gap between them and the shoulder bells (since I want to build towards Centurion). Then part of me says go with the "larger trooper" kits and just cut down length, but I get nervous about having to trim too much length and losing the correct shape of the armor pieces. Ahhhh, I'm stuck in analysis paralysis! I'm guessing my best course of action is to email vendors with these questions, but figured someone here might have some ideas. LOL...I found the dude below and while he's REEEALLY exaggerated, he kinda, sorta fits my body profile, haha: Sorry this intro is a little long winded. I really, really appreciate any and all feedback anyone can provide. I can't wait to dive deeper into my Imperial journey! Help me FISD, you're my only hope! (I know that's a quote from rebel scum, but the sentiment fits!)