TrickyT81

Look forward to seeing your progress, Matt [emoji106] Sent from The Empire

Look forward to seeing your progress, Matt [emoji106] Sent from The Empire

Apologies for the multiple replies. Issues with Tapatalk.

Apologies for the multiple replies. Issues with Tapatalk.

My thinking behind RS not hemming the belt is probably down to them being completely loyal to how they were originally made to be fair. They do devote to the screen accuracy, warts and all. They did say when I picked the armour up that the belt would fray but should stop/reduce eventually. This may still be the case as I’ve only had the suit a few weeks. I’m going to get the fray check and try it in an inconspicuous area to see how it dries/what the results look like. I’ll let you know how I get on. Sent from The Empire

My thinking behind RS not hemming the belt is probably down to them being completely loyal to how they were originally made to be fair. They do devote to the screen accuracy, warts and all. They did say when I picked the armour up that the belt would fray but should stop/reduce eventually. This may still be the case as I’ve only had the suit a few weeks. I’m going to get the fray check and try it in an inconspicuous area to see how it dries/what the results look like. I’ll let you know how I get on. Sent from The Empire

My thinking behind RS not hemming the belt is probably down to them being completely loyal to how they were originally made to be fair. They do devote to the screen accuracy, warts and all. They did say when I picked the armour up that the belt would fray but should stop/reduce eventually. This may still be the case as I’ve only had the suit a few weeks. I’m going to get the fray check and try it in an inconspicuous area to see how it dries/what the results look like. I’ll let you know how I get on. Sent from The Empire

My thinking behind RS not hemming the belt is probably down to them being completely loyal to how they were originally made to be fair. They do devote to the screen accuracy, warts and all. They did say when I picked the armour up that the belt would fray but should stop/reduce eventually. This may still be the case as I’ve only had the suit a few weeks. I’m going to get the fray check and try it in an inconspicuous area to see how it dries/what the results look like. I’ll let you know how I get on. Sent from The Empire

My thinking behind RS not hemming the belt is probably down to them being completely loyal to how they were originally made to be fair. They do devote to the screen accuracy, warts and all. They did say when I picked the armour up that the belt would fray but should stop/reduce eventually. This may still be the case as I’ve only had the suit a few weeks. I’m going to get the fray check and try it in an inconspicuous area to see how it dries/what the results look like. I’ll let you know how I get on. Sent from The Empire

Hi folks, I’ve ordered my materials for the additional strap which shouldn’t be a problem to add. I’ll post some pictures when done. I just have a couple more questions: 1. This is around screen accurate vs idealistic builds. RS build the suits as they did in ANH which has no lower right strap. When pursuing a higher level, how much of the screen accuracy is considered given that it will result in some unsymmetrical results? In my case, the gap on the right side of the body armour. I’m fairly new to this world you see so I’m trying to understand the balance of building the suits as they were but on the other hand, modifying armour to fix issues that are a result of the way they were originally built. 2. Before ammo belt frays to the point it doesn’t exist anymore, can anyone give me a solution for this. I’ve looked at Prym Fray Check, would this be any good? Thanks, Tim

What is the best white paint for the screws on the body armour?

Hi Matt, Welcome to FISD, we have a lot in common. I’ve always loved the stormtrooper and wanted the helmet. I turn 40 in August and decided to get the full regalia as an early birthday gift to myself. I also didn’t know anything about the 501st until I read Anthony Daniels book. I wasn’t brave enough to build my own so went with an RS commission but it’s honestly the best thing I’ve done. You’re going to absolutely love it and the people on this forum are absolutely fantastic and helpful. Enjoy the journey and I look forward to welcoming you to the 501st trooper Tim

I bought this stuff from The Range which I then cut and placed strategically on the ab plate. You just have to play around with where you position so it isn’t seen. https://www.therange.co.uk/arts-and-crafts/sewing-and-haberdashery/haberdashery/fabric-felt-and-foam/high-density-foam-block/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8_bl6aHB8QIVZGHmCh2wGwdhEAQYAyABEgKQDPD_BwE#853164 Sent from The Empire

Brill. Are you able to share where you got your materials such as the popper snaps and white canvas material? Sent from The Empire

Here are images without the belt. As you can see, the right hand side is wider at the bottom (because of the the single snapping point) but is not really being remedied by the belt. Perhaps I’m overthinking this and as mentioned in my initial post, I know the original suits were not perfectly in line just need to check before I lay this to rest. Sent from The Empire

Thanks Mr T. Really pleased with the armour. Being on the shorter and slimmer side, it’s just presented a couple of minor issues to sort but no doubt the kind folks on here will lead the way [emoji106] Sent from The Empire

This is a photo of the other side. I can take images without the belt tomorrow if that helps. Sent from The Empire

Hi folks, I’ve just been approved at basic level but I’m just making some adjustments to my RS commission build. Because I’m on the slimmer side, I get the ab and kidney plate overlapping, which I understand is something to avoid. I had a suggestion to add foam to the ab plate to pad it out at little and this helps but I’m finding I’m not getting an even seam on the right side, it’s wider at the bottom than the top. I’ve adjusted the belt in terms of tightness but struggling to find a happy medium. So in terms of questions: 1. Am overthinking this? I’ve not gone for an idealistic build so am I expecting it to be symmetrical when it shouldn’t be? 2. If this can/should be avoided, what adjustments can be suggested? Thanks all, Tim Sent from The Empire

Funnily enough, I’ve been doing that but more for the fun of wearing haha. I have to say, I found putting it on myself helped sit the armour in the right place a little better. My first and last round of approval photos were taken at RS for my first and adjusted fittings. My second round of photos were taken by my wife and the gap in the posterior is slightly bigger with less overlap. I may still need to adjust in future but not having the thighs pulled up so high helped. Only thing to keep in mind with this photo is that it was taken before my final adjustments i.e. helmet height, strapping etc

Thanks, Jospeh. Really useful feedback and thanks for the highlighted images - that really helps! I’ve not had too much discomfort with the overlap on the posterior and thighs. Part of the problem there though is I’m “a little short for a stormtrooper” at 5ft 6inch so I’ll take a look. This was a commission with RS so not got much confidence doing it myself. That being said, I’m re-doing my shin straps so I’ll get there slowly. The shoulder heel strapping won’t a problem I don’t think. Sent from The Empire

Welcome, Jody. Your in good hands with great people who have great advice. I’ve recently become part of the 501st and it’s a dream come true. I’m sure it will be the same for you, like many others so enjoy the journey.

Hi there, Steve and welcome to a wonderful new world. Enjoy the exploring, the researching and the valuable advice and suggestions you will get. You’re in for a great journey and look forward to officially welcoming you into the 501st at some point. Good luck!

Hi everyone, Now that I’m approved and officially in the 501st at entry level, I’d be interested to know if I’d be eligible for EI status or even Centurion. Based on my pictures, can I get recommendations on what I would need to change (if anything) and images I need to provide. May as well occupy my time doing something while I wait for my induction event Thanks, Tim

Thanks, Joseph. I’ll certainly take a look

Hi everyone, My name is Tim and today I proudly became part of the 501st Legion with the UK Garrison. Like many, my story starts in my childhood when I first saw A New Hope and so began my fascination with the Stormtrooper. For a lifetime I’ve been obsessed with the helmet and always wanted one but it wasn’t until I read Anthony Daniels book, ‘I am C-3PO’, where he referenced the 501st. Learning there was a community of like-minded people, all over the world, with the same passion and enthusiasm for such an iconic movie character, I knew I had to join. Well now, that day as arrived. My journey… One positive out of the pandemic has been my ability to save money. Whilst I did this, FISD has been crucial to my research and I’m really glad I took the time to do this so I was confident that I was making the right choice for me. I made the decision to have a commission-build with RS Prop Masters. For me, I just don’t have the confidence to do the work myself so this was the ideal option. On top of that, their direct linage to an original suit, their attention to detail to create a screen accurate replica, warts and all, was a no brainier for me. They truly are world class in my opinion and I’d recommend them to anyone. Special thanks… I’ve had a lot of really valuable advice and suggestions here on this forum but I must thank gmrhodes13 whose regularly responded to my many questions. I would also like to thank Rich330 a.k.a. Richie Stormtrooper (on YouTube). It was his videos that introduced this site, gave advice on where to buy good quality armour (and where not to buy). There are a lot more people so if I’ve missed you out, don’t be offended. I can’t tell you how much of a dream come true this is. I look at myself in the mirror, with the full armour on and it’s the most fantastic feeling. I’m a Stormtrooper. A real one and I cannot wait to get out there trooping. Tim TK 24881 UK Garrison