Scott M.

Todd, Thanks for posting up the pics in the thread. In regards to many of your concerns, I will say that the idea here is to get the troopers who achieve Elite Status to look like they walked off the screen. Now we wll know there are some things we cannot address (like being 240lbs or being 6'3" or even 5' 2"). However, we are continuing to refine and edit the standards, a few of the ones you are referring to are not listed as they just have never come up before. Your belt is a perfect example. At no point in any assembly pics or instructions is it suggested to attach the belt strap to the outside of the from belt box. The belt ALWAYS goes behind, and the round snap/rivet cover goes on each side, and one in the middle. If we can find a screen cap of multiple troopers with that belt configuration, we would be forced to make an adjustment. but I have never seen one. Also, the belt shoudl be more narrow that the front belt, and again that is why it says 2 1/2" to 3" wide, because of the differences in belt sizes, but I would say the canvas covered section is too wide. Keep in mind this is a process, and may of us have had to go through many alterations to get the Elite moniker. I use myself as an example, as it felt like it took me forever to get there, but I am glad I did the work I did, because it has made every costume I have done since that much better. Very few hit it out of the park on their first try, let alone your first ever post on the FISD. So, don't be discouraged. Look through some of the other Elite submission threads and see what has been asked of others. Hopefully you will see it is all about setting the bar high, and making the TK Elites look just like those that were on screen in 1977. I know most casual observers will not notice the difference, but you will. Finally, I have some extra T-Track and I believe I also have a D-Ring (if not, you can get them at Jo-Ann;s or any fabric store). PM me your address and I will send you the track, or maybe I can bring it with me next week!!!!!! Keep the pics and updates coming!!!!

Man, you all make my job way too easy!!! Maybe we will need to do DO by committee next year? Anyways, yeas please post your pics here, as they help others who will look at your submission in the future and see what an amazing example of a TK you are!! Also, there should be a total of three round caps on the belt. One in the center, and one on each end, as seen in the example pics. These were used to hide the snaps that were installed on the original suits that held the belt to the suit. Here is a link to a good pic of that==> Snaps for the belt pic Keep up the good work, and I look forward to seeing your updates soon. Heck, maybe we will get to meet in person next week for the Fiesta Bowl parade????

Right off the bat I would say you are very close. Obviously i would need to see the lenses. Also, I would remove the silver strips on your TD. It is not required, but I believe it will be soon. I also will need a couple more shots of the blaster, as well as shots to see that there is no side gap. As for the split in the kidney/butt plate, not using the line as a guide will actually be a good thing. Make it below the actual "seam" so it will show below the belt, per Elite standards, and you will save yourself a ton of work. All in all a great start.

Well done trooper, and in only 28 posts!!! Elite status granted!! Now please report to the hanger bay. A hotshot pilot from the 181st (you might know him) came smoking into the hanger on level 5 and scorched up the landing area. Vader is doing an inspection, so we need it clean right away!!! Get on it trooper!!! Paul, would you do the honors?

For pics your best best is the Elite status sections. Every one of these is full of pics of people in armor. Granted the Rubies is not going to get to that level, but if it is reference pics you want, there you will find plenty. Hope this helps.

In all honesty I would not worry about it. If you look at the screen caps, many of the buckets have this on them. One option you could try is to lower the brow trim and maybe use some hot glue on the inside to keep it in place.

Starting to come together. I would suggest getting a bottle of white nail polish (don't worry, you won't lose any points on your man license). Use it to cover all the rivets. The silver will really stand out, even on top of the drop box. The white nail polish is great to cover them up, dries quick, and fits really nice in your convention kit. Something else you might want to do is consider pulling the velcro off the chest and shoulder strap and gluing the front side on. You can still have it come apart, but the velcro will force the straps out away from the chest a little more than what you probably would like.

If the eFX TK is anything like the E2 clone bucket, I would say it is not worth it for someone who wants to troop in it. Most have said it is for a collector, and not the actual costumer. I think a TE2 is SOOOOO much better, and at half the price.

Nice job Paul!!! Congrats!

It is about time. What, you think a :snowtrooper: means you get to slack off on your ? Get back to work, shiny!!! Nice job Tony, and can't wait for the updated pics!!!

Lisa, Outstanding job on your application. I would agree that the minor changes to the thigh ammo box and belt would be ideal, but are not part of the Elite written standards. Seeing how quickly you made the changes to the screws, I assume the trim will be done be noon tomorrow . Elite Status granted. Please report to Ion Control, as they need a little help cleaning up some poor sap that let the Falcon get away!!! Paul, would you be so kind??? Nice kit, trooper!

That is a really good point. One thing that might help is for you to share your body size. Keep in mind the TE2 is designed "best" for someone who is the same size as the original actors (5'10" and about 170 lbs). This is NOT to say someone with a different body size cannot make it work (as Paul can attest to), but it is something to consider.

Very nice work. Congrats on becoming one of the few ESB Elite. Now, please report to the Bespin cafeteria. A few Ugnaughts got into an argument and one of them pulled a plasma cutter. Not a pretty sight, but as the newest recruit, you get to sort it all out. Nice job trooper!! Paul, would you do the honors?

The Underarmor cold gear works very well!!!

You bet!!! Follow the steps on post #1 and I will get you hooked up!!!

Here is a new flash update!!! "ALL ELITE SWAG REQUESTS HAVE BEEN FILLED AND SHIPPED OUT!" I certainly appreciate all the patience you all have shown. Life is calming down, and Melissa is getting better each day, so thanks for the support, prayers, encouragement, and support. Now, who else needs to get their Elite Stuff on???

Lookin' good. As the boss said, need some shots of the bucket and blaster. Keep 'em coming!!!

OK guys, I am going to ask for forgiveness here. With everything my wife has been through, and us trying to cope, I just have not been able to get these done. I need to get white vinyl and start cutting, but I will get them done, I promise!!! I have about 5 requests in the hopper, and some of you have been waiting a while. All I can say Is I am sorry for the delay, and they are coming. Melissa is off her one medication, so hopefully she will not be depressed and will start getting sleep. That will help me get these done for you guys. Thanks for the understanding, but I am sure some of you have wondered if you would ever get them. I do promise you will. Scott

Ole, Great kit. I apologize for not being here sooner, no excuses from me. Elite Status granted. Make you way to the Conference room. Some admiral was mouthing off to Vader again, and then there was the choking and the slobbering and the soiling and the dying, so the deck needs to be cleaned. You know the drill. Well done trooper

Well done Thayne!!! Very nice set of pics (extremely detailed). ESB Elite Status granted. You should now report to the Bespin holding cells. We have a few messes to clean up, and be careful any watch for broken glass! Now Paul, how we do this one????

Actually what you want are split rivets, not pop rivets. Usually ACE hardware carries these. Assuming you are looking for something accurate, this is the way to go. Hope this helps, Scott

Very nice kit, and thanks for making the changes and submitting the extra pics!!! Elite Status approved. Now, please report to the Devastator bridge, Lord Vader did his thing again; and we have a few bodies to dispose of!!! Well done trooper!!!

I will agree on most, as we do need a pic of the bucket close up so I can see the lenses, and I would like a closer look at the mic tips (I am sure they are fine). One other note is I would ask that you either lengthen the bicep straps so they sit lower on your arm, on tighten up the forearms so the sit higher up. The first pic just shows WAY to much black, and I know this should be an easy fix. I know, one of the struggles of sizes on smaller forearms!!! Also, the TD could also be pushed down to sit correctly on the belt, but that is a really nitpick thing, and won't hurt your submission at all, just a suggestion. Overall this is a great submission. Scott

Yes indeed. I do have about three PM's for requests, and these should go out by Monday. I have a big Garrison snowtrooper build starting soon, so it has taken almost all of my extra time. Give me a little time, and you WILL get these!!! Elite troopers deserve to be rewarded, and will be!

Just think of the frown as something that has lips, and the plastic on top and below the teeth the lips. I would suggest taking some 320 grit paper and just sanding it down a bit. Here is a link to my own Elite build and my work on the frown: Frown comparison This is an FX, but I believe you will get the idea.