Not like most of you haven't already seen these, but just incase any new guys haven't...
(very high resolution pics of my Sandtrooper)
http://www.tk1536.com/images/High_Res/HoldingLewis1.jpg
http://www.tk1536.com/images/High_Res/HoldingE11.jpg
These pictures were taken about sixteen months ago, and the armor has since seen a ton of action, so the weathering has become more "real-world".
The Braks Buddy tutorial is really the best way to do this, IMO.
But, it is a learned technique that takes time to get right, and achieve the desired results. I'm using a similar technique to weather Clone armor, too, and it's equally applicable.
Actually that a ROTJ blaster, not ESB. ESB had the standard Sterling SMG while ROTJ had the newer Sterling design which has the different U channels, scope, etc. They're almost entirely different guns.
Paul,
Do you happen to have any up-close pics of the sewing pattern? I know I've seen a few but don't have any on my computer.
I'm probably going to sew mine on to a pair of Nomex gloves.