[TK-18767 reporting in!]

Hey there everyone! 
So glad to finally be a member of this fantastic group. Looking at my armor on its stand still makes me giddy.

I started this journey about three years ago, but the past two months is when things really kicked off. I binged the Clone Wars while waiting for my armor to arrive, which only fueled my excitement to be involved in the 501st. 

Like everyone else, I’ve had to make a few quality of life changes to the armor; shortening/lengthening strapping, wrangling those pesky shoulder bells, making the helmet into less of a plastic coffin and more of a trooper’s friend with some fans and speakers. 
If I had any advice for any aspiring members, it’s to come to terms with the fact that TK armor is not the most comfortable thing in the world, but you can definitely work to make it bearable!
I still have a ways to go but I’m confident in my fellow troopers and their wisdom to guide me.

 

Again, thank you for all your help and support and I hope to see you on the field! 
 

-Ian

[501st Trooper Status Requests (Include link to your 501st profile in your request!)]

Newly approved ESB TK-18767 requesting forum access. Thank you!

 

https://www.501st.com/members/displaymemberdetails.php?userID=33059

[TK-18767 requesting ESB Stunt review]

Looking GREAT, Ian!  In addition to what Andrew mentioned I have a few more suggestions if I may..
 
Your bucket seems to be riding pretty high and could sit lower, so I am thinking you have padding on the top of the inside.  Note that padding is not required at any level, and removing it or reducing the thickness will solve that issue.  It may also help you to see better!  I added a pad on the top in my first bucket and found that it was causing this and I was constantly tilting my helmet forward just to able to see.  I removed it, and BINGO... the eye openings actually sat at my eye level! 
 
                                                                                                         ESB reference images
             
 
It looks like the rivet(s) on your thigh ammo pack could use another coat of white paint or two.  Easy fix!
 
       
 
Not that it will affect Basic approval, but if you are feeling ambitious I would suggest bringing your right ear forward about half an inch.  Ideally, the top of the center should line up with the rear line of the trap above it.  As seen in the reference images below, there was a minimal gap between the front of the round part and the trap in front of it.
 
                                                                                                                    ESB reference images
             

Surprisingly, moving the ear was an easy fix!
Next, painting the rivets on the thigh. My dremel is charging for removing the return edge on the shoulder bells.

I considered removing the original padding from the bucket, however I found that it caused it to rattle around my head even when using the strap inside. Guess we can’t all have perfectly shaped heads.

Any recommendations for internal padding that has worked for others?

[TK-18767 requesting ESB Stunt review]

Hello all!

Today was Big Brown Box day, and not even the setting sun could stop me from taking my approval photos (and admittedly having a little too much fun walking around the house kitted up). 

As with others, I hope the more experienced here will be able to spot any flaws that need addressing and I will work on them ASAP.

 

Name: Ian Objio
Future garrison: Carolina Garrison
Armor manufacturer: RS Propmasters
Helmet manufacturer: RS Propmasters
Belt, neck seal, boot and blaster manufacturer: RS Propmasters
Interior strapping: RS Propmasters strapping and some self-installed snaps and elastic for alterations.
Height: 5' 11"

Weight: 206 lbs
TK Type: ESB Stunt
 

After reviewing the photos, I noticed the right thigh drooping a bit. I had previously shortened the straps, and I guess I measured wrong. One more thing to be fixed!

 

 

[Hello from North Carolina!]

3 hours ago, TK91977 said:

Hey Ian! how crazy is this!?!  I too just posted today, from WS, and commissioned the exact same armor set from RS.  Looking forward to meeting you sometime in the future!  Im happy to share any of my experiences with you, and hope you'd be willing to do the same.

Regards, -CB

Nice to see a fellow Carolinian! I'll definitely keep an eye out for you should anything take place in the area.

 

All the best,

Ian

[Hello from North Carolina!]

Hi everyone!

If you would have told me I would be joining the 501st as a stormtrooper a few years ago, I would have said you'd need to get your head checked. However, I can't think of anything I'm more excited for right now. What really attracted me was the dedication so many of the fans have to the universe, as well as the community service aspect of the organization.

Joining the 501st is an idea that had been brewing in my mind since encountering an event at a VA hospital back in 2018.

Now, finally having room in my budget and after months of research, I've gone full throttle and commissioned an ESB suit from RS Propmasters. Of course, with COVID, I expect a longer wait time. 

Nevertheless, I can't wait to be a part of this tight-knit legion and take a big step into the world of Star Wars. 

 

Thanks for reading,

Ian