StevieB Posted June 10, 2023 Report Share Posted June 10, 2023 (edited) Hello Everyone, This is my first ever attempt at anything like this so I decided to go down the commission path as I am not confident enough to build from scratch. I am from Perth, Western Australia and I have been looking into new hobbies and came across the 501st. This is something I have never even thought about doing but it sounds like a lot of fun and a great way to meet some new people outside of work and in general to have some fun. I have been poking around the FISD and my local garrison for a while now (Desert Scorpion Garrison) and my armour came in a couple months ago but due to busy times I never got around to making this post. I am in my early thirties, about 195cm tall and 77kgs. Looking forward to eventually getting myself sorted and getting out there in my armour with my garrison. Armor: AM commission at Dave’s Darkside Depot Helmet: AM commission at Dave’s Darkside Depot. It has fans, microphone and hearing system. Boots: IB. Blaster: Still sourcing one. Holster: Thick leather all black. Canvas Belt: Supplied by AM at Dave’s Darkside Depot Gloves: AM commission at Dave’s Darkside Depot, I received two sets, one nomex and one rubber gloves, both in black. Hand Plates: AM commission at Dave’s Darkside Depot, I received two sets, I think one for ANH and ESB, please correct if I am wrong, I am still very new to all this. Neck seal: From Dave’s Darkside Depot Under suit: Amazon, one piece with zipper in the front. I think that's everything I am still sorting out the attaching of my thigh pieces to a belt, hoping to have that done soon. Here are some pic of what I have so far. Edited June 10, 2023 by StevieB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justjoseph63[Staff] Posted June 10, 2023 Report Share Posted June 10, 2023 Congrats on your BBB day, Steve! No issues that I can see, but once you get your thigh strapping sorted out I would highly recommend posting up photos** in our "Pre-Approval" thread (link here). This allows us to make suggestions and get you ship-shape for Basic 501st approval as well as go over any issues if necessary. More info. on this program can be found here. ** The ones you provided above are EXCELLENT... large, in-focus and showing lots of detail!! Due to the fact that commission builds are often not done "in-person" there may be a fitment issue here or there (normally just some slight tweaking), but Dave builds to Centurion level so you should be in good shape. "Hand Plates: AM commission at Dave’s Darkside Depot, I received two sets, I think one for ANH and ESB, please correct if I am wrong, I am still very new to all this". The ABS "clamshell" ones you show in the photo are the correct type used for ESB. You didn't show a pic of the other set, but if they are pentagonal shaped they are ANH. Looking forward to seeing the final product, and always feel free to ask any questions! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gmrhodes13[Staff] Posted June 10, 2023 Report Share Posted June 10, 2023 Nothing better than BBB's. I've already commented on our own forum, so wont double up here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevieB Posted June 10, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 10, 2023 Thank you for the kind words. Hoping to get the thigh straps sorted very soon. There are two sets of hand plates there, one on the gloves the others are below, the design does look a little different to me but the pictures may not represent this well. Tbh this whole experience is quite daunting to me as I’ve never done anything like this before, but it feels good to be doing something new other than work, study and the odd video game. Feels good but uncomfortable getting out of the comfort zone, so to speak. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gmrhodes13[Staff] Posted June 10, 2023 Report Share Posted June 10, 2023 12 hours ago, StevieB said: Feels good but uncomfortable getting out of the comfort zone, so to speak. Same feeling many of us also encounter, especially those building from scratch Take comfort that there is always someone around (and on our garrison forum) ready to lend their expertise to any issue you encounter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevieB Posted June 11, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 11, 2023 Question regarding the E-11 in ESB config, from my untrained eye this seems to fit the bill but the optimum word is untrained. From Quest Design in Canada https://www.questdesigncanada.com/products/star-wars-esb-snowtrooper-stormtrooper-e-11-blaster-prop-replica?_pos=4&_sid=9e4c4bf4c&_ss=r 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justjoseph63[Staff] Posted June 11, 2023 Report Share Posted June 11, 2023 Quest Design makes one of the most screen-accurate ANH blasters on the market IMO, so excellent choice going with them, Steve. I wasn't even aware that QD made an ESB E-11! Although the ANH style is approvable for this costume at all levels I'm so very glad you went for the ESB version, and I am well impressed with the accuracy. They even got the "correct" scope! It could use a slight*** bit of "weathering", though. Some silver paint and a dry brush in a few areas would give it more of an authentic "battle worn" look (just none on the T-tracks or grip). Screen used ESB E-11 *** Remember, less is more, so no need to go overboard . 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevieB Posted June 11, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 11, 2023 (edited) Interesting, I didn't know the ANH version was acceptable for ESB costumes, but good to know. Thank you for the feedback, I appreciate it. Edit, Damn it, I just noticed they don't ship to Australia. Oh well, Ill keep searching. I assume if I purchased an ANH E11 I would need to convert it to an ESB configuration? Edited June 11, 2023 by StevieB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justjoseph63[Staff] Posted June 11, 2023 Report Share Posted June 11, 2023 My mistake, Steve.. I thought you had already purchased it! If you can have an ANH E-11 3D printed you can always change it to an ESB. Yes, it takes some work, but it's well worth the time and effort. I did one a while back which can be see here. And yes, due to the fact that ESB blasters were once pretty scarce (before 3D came along) correctly built ANH ones can be substituted for Expert infantry and Centurion approval. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevieB Posted June 11, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 11, 2023 (edited) Thank you for link, I'll give that a good read over. I sent an email to QD just to ask re their shipping, I assume it's a customs thing. Edited June 11, 2023 by StevieB 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gmrhodes13[Staff] Posted June 11, 2023 Report Share Posted June 11, 2023 Some great references here of the ESB E-11s (and our forum ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevieB Posted June 18, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 18, 2023 So I attempted my first suite up today. That was an experience, I need a lot more practice to put that on in a timely manner. Unfortunately one of the front tusk shells came off the speaker on the front of the helmet and broke off a small chunk when it hit the ground. Where can I source new ones? I also need to change one of the snap placements on the belt as they don't quite line up on the armour side so it looks a little lop sided. Where do you buy these and the hand tool to attach them with? Thanks Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justjoseph63[Staff] Posted June 18, 2023 Report Share Posted June 18, 2023 2 hours ago, StevieB said: So I attempted my first suite up today. That was an experience, I need a lot more practice to put that on in a timely manner. Unfortunately one of the front tusk shells came off the speaker on the front of the helmet and broke off a small chunk when it hit the ground. Where can I source new ones? I also need to change one of the snap placements on the belt as they don't quite line up on the armour side so it looks a little lop sided. Where do you buy these and the hand tool to attach them with? Thanks Steve Suiting up can be a challenge until you get a routine down, but there is a fantastic tutorial here. Not sure what you mean by "tusk shells". The Hovi tips? The Hovi tips Dave normally supplies are cast aluminum, but if you had speakers installed inside he may have used plastic ones. Some close-up photos would help determine how to remedy this. Posting some pics of the belt placement would help as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gmrhodes13[Staff] Posted June 18, 2023 Report Share Posted June 18, 2023 Spotlight for snaps, most packs have the small setting tool and matching cup. I'll check if I have any spare mic tips, been a while since I've checked on those. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevieB Posted June 18, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 18, 2023 1 hour ago, justjoseph63 said: Not sure what you mean by "tusk shells". The Hovi tips? Silly me yes, Hovi tips, that’s what I meant to say. Mine are plastic as they are over speakers. I think I might be able to repair the three tiny pieces but need to buy some new super glue first. I did take some photos but my SD card failed and I lost all the data on the card. Ill take some more when I can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevieB Posted June 18, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 18, 2023 1 hour ago, gmrhodes13 said: Spotlight for snaps, most packs have the small setting tool and matching cup. I'll check if I have any spare mic tips, been a while since I've checked on those. Appreciate it, thank you very much. Ill take a gander in my local one after work tomorrow. I sware these weekends are going faster faster each time now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevieB Posted June 18, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 18, 2023 1 hour ago, justjoseph63 said: but there is a fantastic tutorial here. That is going to be very helpful. Thank you very much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FN1313[TK] Posted June 22, 2023 Report Share Posted June 22, 2023 Good to see another Dave’s build thread. I’ve got my main armor pretty much done, just waiting on my commission helmet. I wanted to comment here though to follow your build along and also help answer questions too. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevieB Posted June 24, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 24, 2023 Appreciate it, Kyle. I tried to glue my broken hovi tip last night but unfortunately I am missing one single tiny piece so this is no longer and option and Ill need to source a new one. Might try Dave to see if he sells spares, unless anyone else has any sources for replacement ones? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gmrhodes13[Staff] Posted June 24, 2023 Report Share Posted June 24, 2023 4 hours ago, StevieB said: Appreciate it, Kyle. I tried to glue my broken hovi tip last night but unfortunately I am missing one single tiny piece so this is no longer and option and Ill need to source a new one. Might try Dave to see if he sells spares, unless anyone else has any sources for replacement ones? Sorry, haven't checked as been down with covid then rushing to set up supanova, send me a reminder pm on our forum on Monday if you remember Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevieB Posted June 24, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 24, 2023 (edited) 54 minutes ago, gmrhodes13 said: Sorry, haven't checked as been down with covid then rushing to set up supanova, send me a reminder pm on our forum on Monday if you remember No worries Glen, I hope you get well soon, I was hoping to make it to supanova this time around so I could meet some of the people from the garrison but one of my colleagues put a stop to this by coming into work with a nasty cold, knocked out half my team and me but I am slowly on the mend. Ill hopefully get some pictures in the pre approval section soon, I really want to get this sorted now. Ordered a blaster from sheartech last week and sorted the import and customs paperwork with WA Police, not as hard as I was expecting thankfully. Edited June 24, 2023 by StevieB 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gmrhodes13[Staff] Posted June 26, 2023 Report Share Posted June 26, 2023 One hovi tip awaiting collection 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevieB Posted August 13, 2023 Author Report Share Posted August 13, 2023 Hello all, it's been a while, between study and traveling for work I have been physically separated from my armour but finally back home now. Helmet is now repaired with a new hovi tip, unfortunately Glen the one I purchased from you was solid and not hollow so it would not fit over the speaker, this is my fault as I forgot to specify that. When I do eventually meet you and the rest of the garrison I shall return it to you so have your spare back. I purchased two spares from urkswrath which worked perfectly. I managed to fix my belt so the snap would engage with the other side, I didn't notice one side was slightly bent which prevented it from clipping on fully. My E11 which I purchased from Shear Tech in the UK should be arriving tomorrow, I am very excited to see it and Ill post some pictures of it when I can. All I need to do now is make some v tabs so the posterior doesn't stick out so much. It feels good to be home but there is no rest for the wicked 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevieB Posted September 10, 2023 Author Report Share Posted September 10, 2023 My first attempt at pre-approval is up. I finally managed to find some free time, slow and steady wins the race. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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