Harder

Welcome Ryan. It’s gonna be a fun trip. Can’t wait to see you do it. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Penn? Engineering perhaps? Being on a budget has only to do with time and quality. You can achieve the exact same level of quality and professionally built on your own. That’s what’s great about not only this but the community here. I’ve seen some built it your own threads that were built super fast and with expert craftsmanship. Key points.. take your time. Do the research. Ask questions. You got this bud.

17!! My man! Yes! I love seeing a young man with priorities and ambition. Those are great personal traits to lead to equally as valuable skills. Please ask questions and let us know if you need help.

Hello Jason. You will NOT be disappointed with RSP. Their fully commissioned sets are great. I myself have the ESB Stormtrooper. They have a great reputation when I bought mine and I was not let down at all. They’re true to their rep. Congratulations

Hi Garrett, welcome again. I personally do not have Dave’s armor but many troopers do. Really looking forward to that build thread. Hey. If you need any help with the plastics. My girlfriend would love to volunteer our time in Hawaii.

Awe hey Adam. Sorry you have to go. But thank you for contributing the armor. It could be the items and the pieces a new recruit needs. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hello! Welcome to FISD! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

We need to say thank you for taking the time to dawn the armor, take pictures, host, link, create the post. Yes. FX armor looks great. But I’m happy to see you’re looking at a build or buy again. What are your thoughts at this point. Hi Harry!

Welcome Jennifer and Mr. Jennifer. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Welcome Zach! I feel comfortable saying we all began about where you are now. Either online, on our own, with a mentor, or here.. you already made the first choice of coming here and posting. Keep doing that! Ask questions. This community wants more troopers. The I formation and willingness is abundant!! Take advantage of that. Just as Joseph said, there’s a lot and can seem overwhelming. First piece of advice from me... take your time!! Decide 3 times before action.

Thanks Firedog. My girlfriend took all the pictures. SW fan herself. Now... question is....Can I get the golden bikini approved for her???

Exactly! And that will be awesome. Aside from EIB… I plan on going to centurion. I just had Shoulder surgery yesterday. So now it’s a road of recovery so I can get back in the armor. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thank you. Exactly why we do it

Welcome Dylan. There is a ton of information yes. Much to read. I find that while the screen page seems like there's a lot on the page to digest, you'll discover its easy to read through, descriptive, and in a step by step method. You're definitely in the right location! Have you settled on a manufacture yet? Are you buying or building?

Thank you! So very proud to be with you!

Totally understood. Do it right or not at all.. And thank you! yes, I am already prepping for L3, but I recognize L2 is needed first. Thank you for all your help, comments and support MV.

Went to Target. Stay on Target! I found some really cool pillows that match my bedspread designs. But now... I have to always remember how to arrange this.. ugh.

Now... the fun begins! Harder, (AKA TK-91918).. reporting for duty! Nearly 6 years ago, I learned about the 501st, simply via googling to buy a stormtrooper "costume". I admit, I used the excuse of a Madri Gras party to be the reason to pull the trigger and do it. But upon searching, and discovering the 501st, peaking my curiosity, later to see all the good they do... albeit was already a passion, became purpose. I have been a fan as many here clearly are, since childhood. LOVED Vader. What a bad A** mother right there! The Stormtroopers to me were the elite group and front line, the true power and force to be reckoned with. When my children were little, a friend of theirs was diagnosed with Childhood leukemia. He was one of 14 children in the cancer wing at the local cancer focused hospital. Through a 7 year battle, he was the only child within his ward to survive. I visited him often with the kids and this young man became a son to me as well. I cried when I left, but left him laughing and with hope. "See you tomorrow... stop faking it, its getting old... Love you." One day, I was there, when I witnessed the 501st, trooping through the hallways. At that time, I only thought how cool it was, and those are nice people. Come back to 6 years ago, discovering the 501st existence, and then tying it back to such strong emotional ties, plus fandom... Hence my passion grew. A few years back went through a hurtful divorce. I found myself needing to rediscover myself and re-establish purpose. I had access to money that I could use just for me. After the support of the new love in my life, and family, I purchased a fully commissioned set from RSP. As a plastics degreed mechanical engineer, I knew I could build it, but I wanted to get to trooping and help brighten anyone's day with this persona. After two months, it came!! But the legs were 3" sized too big every dimension. Initially I was heartbroken, but RSP followed true with their reputation. They immediately rushed to correct the mistake at no cost. While I was waiting for the 501st approval, I decided to dawn the armor and report in as an off duty storm trooper. I had so much fun with this, and sending some pictures to friends, I was overwhelmed with people asking for more. I love making the photos. So, I got my approval! "TK-91918.. I AM.. at my post!" I want to thank so many of you for helping me with questions and adjustments, snap strap fittings, where to procure, who to trust, all the plethora of information available... And while I can't possibly thank everyone, @MaskedVengeance @justjoseph63 @CableGuy @ukswrath @Sly11 @gmrhodes13 @Firedog @TKSpartan y'all, have been an incredible help and of the highest value to help me make this purpose and passion a reality. Thank you! Now... I'm gonna return that kindness and assist anyone else with a purpose and passion. Oh, and start my trooplog lol. Regards to all Troopers and aspiring.. Harder, AkA Craig Best

now would be an excellent time to build some snap straps, and test out the clips on some scrap pieces. ^.^

Nice! good job following and reading a bit before taking the plunge! Looking forward to seeing your build thread.

TK-91918 Requesting full access! https://www.501st.com/members/displaymemberdetails.php?userID=33196 Carolina Garrison

Both places carry them. When drilling, I’ll advise then to use a hairdryer. Keep about 8” + away from the plastic. Since you said PVC... also use a small bit and grow the hole with incremental sizes. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Glenn = 100% Also, and for reference, one of my degrees is Bachelors I’d Applied Sciences, Mechanical Engineering of Polymer Sciences. Essentially I have been in the plastics industry since 1993. For drilling and to relieve stress.. you can warm the plastic in the sunlight to approximately 120 to 150 degrees, then sandwich the polymer with two sacrifice pieces OR wood... and drill through it with a NEW sharp bit. The Tg or “Glass Transition” point of ABS is 220F PVC is 180F. That’s the softening point to be able to move the polymer chains without breaking... laymen’s “it won’t crack but you can move it. Thermavacuformed sheets are a little lower. Hence why I’m suggesting 120 to 150. FYI. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Rodney, I must say I agree with seeing your apprehension transition to digging in and becoming an seasoned builder was quick! Also, I do not want to glaze over the fact you have an arcade there, kickass carpet, the old MBT desolderer, welder, and my favorite, oscilloscope! It’s evident if you’re not a mechanical engineer, you’ve got the aptitude for it. I have built several emulator arcade machines, but I believe you’re the real macoy there. You got this! Love all the pictures and detailed progress. Keep it up!!

Very nice! welcome. And going right for the Centurion too.. perfect!