Scott M.

I would suggest trying any form of leather store. I used ones from Tandy Leather: Tandy Clip link I am guessing something similar could be found at most leather places, even in the UK. Tandy may ship overseas as well, I have never tried that. Best of luck,

I have mine attached using a garter system. I kept the loops loose on the belt so they slide around the belt, and used parachute clips for the connection to the inside of my thing to allow for adjustments. Keeping the loops loose allows me to make sure they are in the correct spot, and I can always slide them around in case I need to alter how the thighs are hanging after posing or sitting down or whatever. I wore this during C IV, and had no issues. Did Laser tag and did not experience any issues. I also used a parachute clip for the belt, so as your weight fluctuates (hopefully always down), you can tighten the belt as needed.

I actually used a vinyl trash can from Wal Mart. I cut two strips, and riveted it to the kidney plate. Then I used Industrial Velcro on the inside of my ab plate, and get it to hold that way. Once the belt is on, it holds everything in place, and does not give. I bought a different Kidney plate and Butt plate, so I will be very interested to see all the options here, as I want to use it with my FX ab plate and close the gap again. The vinyl is flexible, and the velcro keeps it from opening up. I have not had any issues with bending over and such, so it has worked for me.

I guess one thing to consider is when the entire discussion about Elite began, back when it was a "Mark" Designation. Looking at the threads, the Deployment discussions and FAQ's were started in July of 2006, when this Detachment was in its infancy, and no one on this thread topic so far (with the exception of Paul), was a member. One of the main points that is obvious is there is always going to be ways to improve on increase the level of accuracy, but keep in mind that we were not around when this original discussion took place, and many of the ideas regarding Deployment status were defined. Both the ANH and ESB standards were set in March of this year, and the ROTJ set up in April. Overall, I believe we can make changes to the status requirements, but like the FX helmet and Blaster discussion, we may be a little early in the life of the Detachment to already be trying to tear some of the standards apart. I am not disagreeing or saying that this point is not valid; just keep in perspective the intent of the standards, and when the standards were implemented. If we have to make changes to the standards we will; but I hope you will agree that we may be splitting hairs, since I am sure we can also find many references to TK blasters with the counter (I am just too lazy to look right now).

Per the desk of the deployment officer: 1) There should be no black showing between the ab and kidney plate. Most use white plastic/ABS to accomplish this, but it is not set in stone. The "Elite " standards state there should be no black showing. How you accomplish this is open to creative license, but the look should be clean. 2) There is no mention of Rivets on the side plates in the Elite standards, so the question regarding 2 or 3 would not be open for consideration towards granting Elite status. A trooper would not be denied Status if he has 2 or 3 or none. The idea is to come as close to screen accuracy as possible, without getting so anal about it we loose the overall focus. If you want to do rivets, I would suggest 3 (this is what I did, more for strength than anything), but you do not need rivets to attain your "Elite" status. 3) Since the need to have rivets does not exist, the placement is less relevant, however I would place them according to the photo shown above "IF" you go that route. I will not decline a trooper status for having rivets, or having one in the wrong place. (Now, I will digress and say if you have a row of 30 rivets that makes the armor look like someone hit it with a white Be-Dazzler, I will have issues with it.) 4) The belt location and snaps are a personal preference. The requirements are to have a canvas belt that sits above the butt plate separation, and has a holster attached on the left side behind the belt, attached with rivets or something resembling rivets. If you want to use snaps to hold the belt in place, great, but it is not required. Again, I did this, but my snap location is different than the photo. These are all great questions, but please keep in mind one of the concerns the Command Staff had with using the term Elite is that some people would become more focused on the term than on the armor. The ideas and questions you have asked are great, but really; only question 1 would have any bearing on Elite status being granted. The others are more for personal satisfaction. Good work trooper; keep working on that armor and I expect to see you application shortly.

MUCH Better!!

Done. Now you owe me 100 laps around the Death Star. Don't forget to provide a full report when you get back. BTW, the post stays for posterity.

Again, you guys make my job too easy. Bernard is 100% accurate on the frown. Other than that, looks great so far!!!

Wow, I should take my kid camping more often. I am gone for a while, and everyone does my job for me (I mean that in a good way, and say thanks to all that provided GOOD feedback). Bernard, your armor needs some serious work, so I am requesting you send it to me for immediate close inspection. PM with my addy to follow. :lol: All kidding aside, your armor looks top notch. The only thing I saw per Elite status guidelines was the mic tips, and you have already fixed those, so Elite Status granted. I will ask Ed or Paul to make the necessary changes to your status. Also, I have asked a good buddy to help me come up with a good ROTJ background, since the Tantive IV just does not seem to fit your armor. I will be kind, I promise. Excellent job, and I must say I was beginning to wonder when you would get to this point. Glad to see it has been done. Well done trooper!!! Scott

And I do agree, I just meant that having a blaster for elite status but never trooping with it, IMO, is not a good use of time, money, whatever. If I buy a screen accurate blaster, I am going to troop with it!!! Others may not, and that is OK. Also, I believe you have to be a member of the 501st to achieve Elite status, at least to be recognized by the FISD. Paul and/or Ed may need to correct me, bt I think 501st membership is required to be acknowledged in this detachment as an Elite trooper.

This is a valid point, but would someone want to buy a screen accurate helmet (or any other part of their armor), and not use it? I have only left my modded blaster at home once, and it was because I bought a second, non-modified version so if the kids dropped it, I would not be upset. I could not see getting a screen accurate blaster and then never taking it out of the package, except to get my Elite Status. I am not saying I disagree, but what is the point of having a costume if you are not going to use it? It would be like joining the 501st, then never donning the armor and trooping. This really has no bearing on your argument here, which is a valid one, I just could not justify getting an accurate blaster if I never trooped with it.

This is a true statement regarding TK's, but I believe the question at hand was more about Elite Status. The 501st does not require accurate ab buttons per film (i.e. grey/blue for ANH and ESB, black for ROTJ) , not do they require the side gaps to be covered. The idea here is to take the costume to the next level, which a few have done, and many more may simply need to just apply and attain. I will agree this is a very good topic, and I am also becoming very convinced in regards to the discussion. Lots of good ideas on both side, and a very civil discussion. I think it was Bernard who made have made the best point of all, which had something to do with making the status worth enough to work for. Here is where we can get challenged, because I can see the water is murky based on where you start. Take an AP vs. FX suit. Both can be used pretty much out of the box to get 501st status, but we can all agree that it takes much more to get an FX ready for Elite Status than it does an AP suit. Now, you are all asking how does this relate to the blaster; it does in the sense that it is where you start. Many TK's now would probably say they started with an FX because they did not know any better. I know I did. I certainly know what my options are now, but when I began, I did some basic searches on Stormtrooper armor, found several listings, and bought a set. Now I know better, but when I started, all I knew was FX. The same is true, in my opinion, for blasters. Did I know there were so many blaster options before I started down the Hasbro road, no. Now I am partly to blame for not doing "enough" research, but I found the Hasbro blaster mentioned all over, as well as the conversion kit, so I thought this was a great option. Fast forward several months, and now I know that was not the road I would have followed had I known then what I know now. So now, all of you are asking, WHAT"S THE POINT???? My point is education is the way to better the FISD. Helping all TK's know what the options are is key. I also agree making the standards attainable, yet difficult, is the only way to make them worth going for. So, lets keep the discussion going, help educate all the TK's out there, and work to "encourage without discouraging" all the new TK's that are applying for the 501st. When the Hasbro blaster is not an option for Elite Status, we all better make sure that when someone does a google search for "Stormtrooper blaster", ALL the options are presented, and many of those point back here. As you were.

I also agree it is a good discussion, and maybe more importantly, a good example of a how a civilized discussion can take place. Keep up the questions. We all know you cannot make 100% of the people happy 100% of the time, but it is good to ask great questions like this.

Another option is to sew or attach some Velcro on the back side of your belt and on the kidney plate (this is what I did). Works well, and can be removed if you ever really wanted to. The real issue is with FX, there is no built in separation, so we have to cut it ourselves. Then the issue becomes the separation is higher on the FX than it is on two piece armor, like AP or TE2. At the end of the day, the split is simply higher than it is an more accurate armor, so it is hard to keep the belt in place. Ed's suggestion is a good one, and works on his armor. I think mine worked as well. As for the buttons, I have to agree. You are correct they are the one's that came with the FX, but they are truly much larger than those on the screen, and it is rather obvious, if you look at them side by side. Your AB Buttons: Converted: These are both on an FX ab, but you can see the difference. I realize the standards do not denote the size; but it is a noticeable difference. This is similar to my issue with Ed's frown. It meets the letter of the standard, but really needs to be altered to be considered screen accurate. If you do a search for Ab buttons here (within the FISD forums), you will find what you are looking for. Also, you can look to find a smaller replacement of what you have already, and do them yourself. Obviously, you have done a tremendous job finding the right paint, now all you need is a smaller snap or button to replace the FX buttons. Excellent job, and please do not be discouraged. An FX kit is the hardest thing to work with and get Elite Status with (and boy, do I know that!!!). The work and progress you have already made is to be commended. Keep it up, you are almost there!!! Scott

Per Bernard's question, I thought it would be a good idea to see what all of you think. Check out the poll and submit your vote. This is not going to change the Elite Status Requirements, just get a feel for what people think Here is an example of the differences, courtesy of Bernard's collection: from top to bottom Gun #1 The more Authentic ESB/ROTJ E-11 Gun #2 The more Authentic ANH E-11 Gun #3 The Modded Hasbro Blaster

And I think (emphasis on think, because I was not a part of the original standards), that was why the modded version is required. While I will agree a basic Hasbro blaster is not accurate, adding the mod kit helps get it closer. Is it 100%, no way, and I think your pics do a great job of showing exactly that. I guess the real question here is your comment was that the "qualifications should be set higher." Is a well modded Hasbro blaster high enough? Maybe we could do an informal poll to see what the detachment thinks? Keep in mind this would need to be done formally if we chose to make a formal change, but at least we could see what the feeling is across the detachment. Bernard, I will set up a basic poll and see what people think, if they have not chimed in. I think it is a very valid question.

Keep in mind that the idea here is to create that accurate look, Yes the accurate "look" is the key to the tittle of Elite status, but if we are not allowed to cut corners with our armor, how come we can cut corners with the blaster? One could argue by allowing FX Armor, we are doing exactly that (but this is about the blaster, so I don't really have a better response than to use the FX as an example for the armor when it comes to uber accuracy) but maybe not totally eliminate the ability to achieve that goal. In my opinion, This requirement does not totaly eliminate the ability to achieve I agree, but it certainly adds to the difficulty. This is not a bad thing, just an opinion. The issues I had when I got my Elite status was the requirements are defined, but can also be interpreted several ways. So, I would think that this would be a great start as to specifying the terms for elite status I 100% agree, thus my chiming in. Now, I would ask, do we want to set the bar so high that it requires every trooper to know the intricate details of every piece of every suit? I don't know, I am merely asking the question. If you eliminate the modded Hasbro blaster, you remove what 90% of all TK's have as their arsenal. Again, the same could be true of the FX bucket, heck even the FX armor itself if you want to go that far. I will be the first to admit my FX is not the most "screen-accurate" armor there is, This has nothing to do with the FX Helmet I was more referring to Lex's comment here I personally feel that the amount of work I have put into my armor (and my blaster), made me appreciate the art of costume making more than if I had just bought an accurate set right out of the box. If we get to the point that the only way to achieve Elite Status is to buy the most accurate armor that can be found, then the modding and hard work someone puts into their armor to make it accurate becomes unnecessary and no longer an option. It might also simply make the goal of attaining Elite Status so difficult it rarely happens. I would need to verify but, at least 4 Elite trooper requests are FX. Do we really want to ge there again Scott?...this discussion is about the blaster it has nothing to do with the armor...that will be left for the future I would think, rightr now lets stick to the blaster please Again, just making reference to the points already mentioned. Sticking to my "guns" now (PUN CERTAINLY INTENDED) I am just the guy that enforces the standards and grants Elite Status. Yes! and you do a great job at it, thats why I am glad you are apart of this discussion because you are on the front lines of deplyment status Thanks. Sometimes trial by fire is the best indoctrination. It also tends to lead me towards a more compassionate angle, but I am NOT the final say in this. Great discussion so far, and one I would welcome we continue. In the best interest, lets keep to the spirit of the thread, and keep the discussion to the topic at hand; BLASTERS!!!

I guess that can be put up for discussion. Keep in mind that the idea here is to create that accurate look, but maybe not totally eliminate the ability to achieve that goal. The issues I had when I got my Elite status was the requirements are defined, but can also be interpreted several ways. My best (or worst, depending on your point of view) example was the frown on my bucket, and the split of the kidney/butt plate. As a new trooper, I did not see the need to make the frown so minimal, and the separation in relation to the belt placement were lost on me. I will admit to having watched the movies more times than I can count, but I was not able to say if the belt was above or below the separation. The same was true regarding the frown. I just did not "study" the film enough to recognize the subtle differences and details. Now, I would ask, do we want to set the bar so high that it requires every trooper to know the intricate details of every piece of every suit? I don't know, I am merely asking the question. If you eliminate the modded Hasbro blaster, you remove what 90% of all TK's have as their arsenal. I am not saying that is wrong, just making a statement. Again, the same could be true of the FX bucket, heck even the FX armor itself if you want to go that far. I will be the first to admit my FX is not the most "screen-accurate" armor there is, but i think I have done more to make my armor as close to screen accurate than someone who buys a TE2 or AP set. Does that make it better, no, this is just a fact. I personally feel that the amount of work I have put into my armor (and my blaster), made me appreciate the art of costume making more than if I had just bought an accurate set right out of the box. If we get to the point that the only way to achieve Elite Status is to buy the most accurate armor that can be found, then the modding and hard work someone puts into their armor to make it accurate becomes unnecessary and no longer an option. It might also simply make the goal of attaining Elite Status so difficult it rarely happens. I would need to verify but, at least 4 Elite trooper requests are FX. Finally, changing the standards now would mean one of two things: 1) We grandfather those in with a modded Hasbro, and they retain their status or 2) We give those troopers with a modded Hasbro a certain amount of time to acquire an "approved" blaster, or they lose their status. I have my own opinion on this, but I am not the voice of the detachment when it comes to Elite Standards. I am just the guy that enforces the standards and grants Elite Status. Good questions, and hopefully; some good dialog will follow.

Notice the comment on ef's thread. I am trying, but for some reason I am very inept in this area. I can do many technical things, but photoshop is NOT one of them. I will try tonight to see if I can make any progress. I will also put a shout out to my "help" and see if he can provide me some assistance.

Moved to Correct area. One question: Do you have a holster? Per Elite Status requirements, the holster MUST be attached to the belt, on the left side. Although you do not have one showing, I want to make sure that is always the case. I also need to check internally if that is an option for status, or a requirement, since the spirit of the standard was to make sure it was on the correct side, and connected to the back of the belt, not slipped over it like most holsters. Everything else looks good, great example of what the thread should include. I will be back to you shortly. Please continue to clean the galley until I return......

ANH Elite status granted. Great shots of the bucket. As for the Thermal Detonator (or O2 canister as some refer to it), here is what I was talking about: In this shot, you can see it is attached on the bottom of the belt. Correct attachment is from the top. Basically, just take it off and rotate 180 degrees, and put it back on. All looks great. I will ask Paul or Ed to update your status. I am a little behind on the Deployment pics, and I have recruited some help, since I flat out SUCK BUTT (keepin' it clean for the masses) on photoshop. Great job trooper.

Lookin' good, but I have a couple of requests: 1) Can you please post a closeup of the bucket. Appears you are going for the Stunt version, but I want the thread to show the details clearly -> Flat Green lenses -> four teeth per side 2) Can you also post a closeup of your E-11. Again, the one pic looks like it is accurate, but I cannot tell for sure. Also, I think I may have to take a few points off for the TD being on upside down :lol: . 2 laps around the Death Star for you!!!! Everything else looks great. As soon as you can get those pics posted, I will do a final once over and render my decision. Well done trooper. Elite Status is just around the corner (after your run of course)

Is there any way you can provide some form of guidance on the pricing? I see over 50% of those interested saying it depends on price, so having an idea would certainly help generate interest. I know I am also interested, but I don't want to pay $100 for a DVD. Maybe a basic post saying for less than 30 ==> $xx, and for over 30, the price would drop to $xx. I think the expectation of sales would be more accurate if people have an idea of cost. Just my $.02. Thanks, Scott

NICE WORK TONY!!!! Well done trooper!!

Adding a link to Everett's 501st info for access: TK-4380 Thanks