Tilheyra

I will join the others here in noting to feel free to keep asking questions and posting updates! I (as many of us here) certainly enjoy reading the build threads of others! Although I built a shock trooper, the kit I used was a Walt's Trooper Factory ANH kit that I then modified, so I have familiarity with the specific make of this kit.

This process probably will take a while to analyze various references and work through the different details. Some of the details may also become clearer as I work through my own kit over the next few months. As such, it will stretch beyond the upcoming elections. Hopefully the new command team will have interest! In addition to finding details in references, I really hope folks who have already built and/or wear this costume can chime in with their thoughts and experience. That is yet another reason I didn't want this discussion nestled within a build thread. Perhaps I can contact those I know who have built/worn the costume and ask. So far, I have come across two points of interest that could determine specfic details for L2 and L3. First is the presence and measurement of different return edges, while the second is specifics on weapons that I found in the research thread for this costume. I do not have the time at the moment to adequately discuss the first point (but I will later today or tomorrow when I have time to crop photos of the Jes Gistang statue to show detail of the return edges to illustrate my points - I wish I had money in my budget to buy a Jes Gistang statue), but I will discuss the second point now. This post in the research thread is relevant at this time: The research thread included a brief suggestion (which was not picked up in further discussion in the thread) to have a BB-23 and accompanying power packs on the belt as a required part of the costume for L2 or L3. Specifics on a weapon would follow the current precedents for L2 and L3, including the sole discussion of EIB in the current Legacy Fem CRL in reference to a DLT-19. As there are 2 versions of the Legacy Fem, the version built could then determine the weapon required for L2 or L3. Version A (based on the Jes Gistang statue) could require the DLT-19 the statue is handling, and Version B (based on the Legacy comic) could require the BB-23 and power packs depicted in the comic. The complication, of course, is that BB-23s are scant compared to the ubiquitous DLT-19, but there are current examples of BB-23s out there made by different individuals. UPDATE (March 26, 2024): The information that has been struck through is incorrect. The Version B backplate is available from Imperial Surplus! Please see post 16 by @kwdesigns for more information. Thank you, Kevin! I apologize for my error. Additionally, another complication is the Legacy Fem kit from Imperial Surplus only comes as Version A, and is no longer sold with the needed parts for Version B. Nevertheless, it appears enough reference material is out there to make the needed parts for the Version B kit if desired. As such, having different weapons requirements for L2 and L3 based on the version one builds seems is viable despite these complications. That is what I have for now. As mentioned, I'll create another post later today or tomorrow discussing some observations about return edges.

As I briefly mentioned the possibility of EIB for the Legacy Fem (officially known as Stormtrooper, Legacy Era Female) in my current build thread for this costume, I figured it was best to create a separate thread for any discussion of higher levels of costuming (EIB and Centurion) for the Legacy Fem. That way any discussion on the possibilities of EIB and Centurion is not nestled within a build thread where it may be hard to follow in the midst of build updates. Have the possibilities for EIB or Centuiron been discussed in reference this costume? I am currently looking through the research and CRL threads to see what others may have said during the stages of CRL formulation, but I am interested in what others here may know as well. I'll post what I find when I come across good information, and if I see anything from reference material that may be intriguing. And to note this for the record, I am clearly not in any leadership or decision-making capacity when bringing up this topic. I am, however, curious about the possibilities given that I am in the process of building this kit! EDIT (January 31, 2024): I felt a list of the possibilities discussed throughout this thread would be helpful here (note: these are discussions of possibilities, so nothing here is official). Helmet: Straight tube stripes with the stripes having circular ends at the top and bottom Abdominal Armor: Return edge width requirement around codpiece. Sides of the abdominal and kidney armor must overlap where the pieces meet, with no visible gap. Belt Boxes: The large belt boxes should be functional with lids that open and close Thigh and Knee Armor: Return edge width requirement around top edges Lower Leg Armor: Return edge width requirement around top edges Boots: Short heel for both Version A and B

As I suspected, it looks like shims and ABS paste are in my future with this build. Fortunately, I am in the right place for this as folks here are no strangers to this process (as well as many folks in Bloodfin), so expect me to ask lots of questions about this process when the time comes! I've never worked with ABS paste before, and the shims will need shaping, especially shims for the kidney and abdominal pieces. Also, I want to double check the EIB requirements for the Legacy Fem kit. The only mentions of EIB I see on the CRL are in reference to weapons. Is that the extent of EIB requirements for the build, or should I be reviewing other documents here on FISD as well?

My shock trooper is complete (and approved!), and I ain't taking a break, so back to the Legacy! Starting off slow, I decided to tackle the boots before getting into much of the armor building. Here's what I bought: The prevailing tale across many of the Legacy Fem TK threads is the lack of availability of suitable boots that fit the picture and description for Version A of the CRL. Add to this my feet are in a large size for women's boots, and it becomes quite a bit more challenging. The boots I bought came out of a long process of searching, but they still may be problematic. Best I can think is to run these boots by my GML to see what he may think. I will need to add the leather strip from toe to tongue on each boot, as discussed in the CRL, and perhaps then do something about covering up the elastic on the sides (unless an exception can be made due to the lack of availability of suitable boots). I'll report what I find out. Now to get to trimming the armor!

Thank you all!

Thank you!!! My first troop is in a couple of weeks! I'll also begin work on my next set of armor soon!

Ready to make the Emperor and Lord Vader proud as we defeat the rebel scum!

TK 47933 requesting access! https://www.501st.com/members/displaymemberdetails.php?userID=42507

Yesterday was BBB day! It was really nice to return home to this kit after a long trip to visit family (it was Thanksgiving here in the U.S.). This morning is the first time I have been able to go through everything, so I set out all of the parts for these "Before" photos for the build: I'm thinking of two potential timelines for completion. A major cosplay/gaming/pop culture convention in my area is at the end of April, so if I cannot finish the whole build by then I would prefer to have everything except the helmet complete for the con (although I know I cannot be approved until the helmet is complete). If I can't finish the whole build by the end of April, I would like to have everything completed and the costume approved by June. It seems fitting to have a cross-gender costume complete and approved in time for Pride festivities in June. With my shock trooper nearing completion, it will be great to have 2 approved costumes by the time my Legacy is complete! But I am getting ahead of myself, because I need to complete the costumes!

Happy to be afflicted! Why have just one set of armor when I could choose from many?!

Here I go again! Yet again I buy the kit for another build before my current build is complete… But is anyone surprised I would pursue a femtrooper build again? My success with my FEM7 build encouraged me to look at making a Legacy Fem build a reality, especially given the immense similarity between the FEM7 and Legacy Fem armor. After checking with Imperial Surplus, it became clear the sizing of the Legacy Fem kit is not a concern for me, so I ordered the kit as soon as I was able! I am building my Legacy Fem kit for 501st approval, so I’ll post occasional updates here once I start this build. As I am so close to being done with my shock trooper, I will be delaying my Legacy Fem build just long enough to bring my shock trooper into being via approval. However, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to celebrate my new kit and my upcoming BBB day!

I can certainly attest to the helpfulness of the folks here on FISD! Unlike forums for my other hobbies, where questions are often met with "stop asking questions when you can just Google it!" (*I bet you can imagine the gruff tone*), you will NOT be confronted with that here! On FISD, answers are plentiful, and you will be pointed in a helpful direction if an answer is not available! Also, I have learned it is a common experience to not have much space to build. I live in a 1 bedroom apartment, so space is at a premium for me, but I make it work. When you are ready to begin your build, I recommend starting a build thread so others can follow along and answer questions or point you in a helpful direction!

I am currently building a shock trooper and I purchased silicone edge trim from Amazon! Here's the link to the product: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B87SDCVK?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1 Although there is adhesive already on the gasket, I used plenty of E6000 glue to keep it all in place. Here's the relevant post in my build thread where I begin to discuss using the silicone edge trim (it gets more detailed a few posts later):

Even with my shock trooper build, I have been thinking of other improvements I want to make to my FEM7 armor. I don't have a timeline to work on these yet, especially because I am in the midst of my shock trooper build, but I think this is the best place to post these ideas (especially because others can chime in with ideas well)! In my post about my experience about PopCon, I came up with these improvements I still need to address: Armor Bite: The bottom edge of my thigh armor kept rubbing on the outer sides of my knees, and hours and hours of this occurring certainly made me feel it by the end of the con. I need to trim the bottom edges to alleviate this problem. Also, now that I know much more about return edges, I may just completely trim away the return edges on this section of the armor, especially given that the bottoms of the thighs are much less visible than other areas where return edges maintain the look of the armor. Shoulder Strap: The shoulder strap armor did not want to stay put at all, as can be seen in the photos I posted from my photoshoot. I think I should glue the front of the shoulder strap armor to the appropriate place of chest armor, as is the case with the approvable armors. I also need to remake the elastic straps in this area, as the snaps used to connect the arm armor strapping have pulled almost fully through the elastic due to the tension from moving my arms armor. I have also thought of other issues to address, as well as new additions to the costume: Helmet: I didn't think a helmet would be that essential, especially because most photos I have seen of folks wearing FEM7 armor show them without helmets, I did get feedback at the con (from people who really like my armor) that a helmet would really add to the "amazingness" of the costume. On top of the amazingness factor, the practical benefit is I could wear the helmet if I do not want to worry so much about makeup (or if I am attending a smaller con where I don't have a hotel room to use to apply my makeup). Fortunately, Imperial Surplus sells a helmet that was designed to go with the kit...but I really like the Legacy Fem helmet more (even though the FEM7 kit is clearly inspired by First Order armor). I wonder if I could make the Legacy Fem helmet work with the FEM7 armor and not look out of place... Interior Cover Strips: Now that I know more about the stress put on the glued seams/joints of lower leg armor, due to needing the armor to open up and allow me to put my lower leg through, I will be adding interior cover strips to the appropriate joints. I haven't had issues with the joint now, but continual wear over time will take its toll. Paint: I had much more paint transfer than I ever thought I would...or wanted... The black paint from the belt made super visible marks on the white armor, so I want to find some way to prevent the black paint from transferring to the white armor (maybe some heavy duty clear coat?). Also, I am going to repaint the armor to cover over the paint transfer. I think I will go for a glossier finish for the armor as well. Alright, I should end this as this post is much longer than I thought it would be. Even though I have completed the build, I really want to keep making improvements to this armor! I don't really have a timeline for these improvements as the shock trooper build is taking priority right now, but I am excited about doing more with my FEM7 armor!

EDIT: Here's another!

I need this in my life!

I was doing a makeup test and ended up looking like someone who demands to speak with the manager.

Hmm...my ANH armor from WTF is the same. I was scoping out the pieces of my armor this evening and noticed the asymmetry between the thigh pieces. I was getting concerned, but it seems this may be a characteristic of the molds used by WTF. I wonder if others have discussed this issue before.

The speed and quality of your progress (and your armor!) are amazing!

Indy PopCon was phenomenal! I had so much fun cosplaying as a femtrooper, and I received so many compliments and excited looks from so many different people! I also took advantage of a photoshoot (with Bengal San Photography; gotta give credit where it is due)! Here are some of the best photos from the photoshoot: One of my big concerns heading into the con was whether the strapping on my leg and arm armor would hold up against days worth of movement. Sure enough, all of the strapping held up without concern! Naturally, however, one of the straps holding my front torso armor to my chest armor disconnected during the photoshoot, and as I found nothing broken afterward, I think it was because I did not secure it properly (once I reconnected it, it held for the 6.5 more hours I was out and about). Not smearing my makeup ended up being my chief concern throughout the day, so I'll pat myself on the back for my armor-making capabilities! Two issues that need rectifying came to light during the con. First, I developed armor bite on the outside of my knees from the bottom edge of the thigh armor. By the end of the day yesterday (Saturday), I was certainly feeling it, and despite the armor bite not breaking through the leggings I was wearing, the rubbing marked my skin. I'll need to further trim and sand this problem area. Second, my shoulder strap armor would not stay put! This problem can be seen in the photos above. Although the snaps I used to keep the shoulder strap armor secured to the shoulder straps works very well, the shoulder strap armor would rotate as I moved. I think I'll correct this by gluing the shoulder strap armor to the chest armor and allow it to float over my shoulders and over the top of my back armor. But back to the fun, I wore my armor for about 2.5 hours on Friday evening. I attended the drag show at the con and got used to walking around the convention center during this less busy time of the con. The next day (Saturday), I was out and about for 3 hours in the morning to do the photoshoot, briefly scope out the vendor hall, and talk with others in cosplay. After a break, I was back out for, surprisingly, 6.5 hours! This included a couple of panels, more perusing the vendor hall, watching the cosplay contest, and attend that evening's drag show! Needless to say, spending most of the day on my feet hit me late in the evening, so I slept well once I returned to my hotel room! I knew going into this that sitting is not really the greatest skill of a stormtrooper (just like how my marksmanship mysteriously degrades when I wear my armor), but the fact that I could not sit was very apparent throughout the day. It's a good thing my boots were decently comfy! All in all, I had a fantastic time! I got many, many compliments and excited looks from others throughout the con, and I get to see myself looking so badass in my photos from the photoshoot!

For The Empire!!! It was only after I changed out of my armor that I realized I forgot to wear my gloves... Oh well, the proper photo shoot will be at Indy PopCon next weekend!