Getting started, how?

[Doyle]

Ok, so I have been toying with the idea of fixing myself up a nice suit of Stormie armour for a while but honestly have no idea as to how I would go about it. I've had a bit of a browse and it seems an armour kit of some sort is the best way to go so was wondering what is recommended?

 

Also in regards to the kits I have a couple of questions, does a kit just comprise of the outer shell of the armour or does it some with the black bodyglove to be worn underneath? If not what sort of thing is best and also what kind of foortgear is best?

 

Also, once a kit is obtained is it ready to wear out of the box or will there need to be any modifications needed (outside of anything required to make it fit) and if so what should I be expecting?

[FIVE[501st]]

You're in the right place... and while all your questions are answered other places throughout the forums I'll give you the quick answers here.

 

1) Asking what kit is recommended is a bit like asking a group of soda drinkers which is their favorite... everyone has their own opinion. Again, there's plenty of info on all the kits on the forum here, and you can also do things like look at StarWarsHelmets.com as well as my "Armor 101" page to get basic run-downs of what's available.

 

2) Most kits come with just the "shell." There are those who will sell the underarmor with it, but it's not common.

 

3) Again, there are some kits (like TM) that can come pre-assembled and ready-to-wear... but most kits come in "kit" form and you have to do the work yourself. This is a good thing, however, because then it fits you when you're done which is a necessity to not only look good but to get your TK ID# in the Legion.

 

Hope that helps!

Now, spend some more time reading and searching the forums!

Edited May 9, 2010 by No'l

[vicsouders]

And, don't forget to go to New Member Introductions and tell us a little about you.

 

Welcome aboard.

 

Vic

[Daetrin[Admin]]

And, don't forget to go to New Member Introductions and tell us a little about you.

 

Welcome aboard.

 

Vic

 

Exactly. There are several topics related to "Getting started". ;-)

 

Welcome aboard.

[firebladejedi[TK]]

Welcome to the forum, now put your Visa card in a hard to reach place for now and get your reading specs on

 

Dont be affraid to pm members for any help with anything

[pandatrooper[TK]]

Welcome aboard! You'll find a ton of info here if you want to build up a TK (an overwhelming amount, trust me!)

 

Keep in mind that you'll probably run across Ebay auctions, or the Rubies complete deluxe stormtrooper or other 'ready to go' options. One thing I always suggest is think about what you want to actually do with the armor. Is it a cool thing to display? Do you just want to have a nice costume for Halloween? Do you intend to join the 501st legion? How accurate do you want it to be?

 

I would also consider the budget you intend to plan for. It never stops at "just the armor", you'll need other things like a blaster, holster, boots, undersuit, etc.. So you may want to plan for those items too.

 

Some of the following questions / answers may help you in your decision making in terms of what to look for. Here's some tips I created for another post a while back, they might help you in your search for answers (don't forget to use that search function on the upper right of the page!).

 

Good luck!

 

===============

 

How screen accurate do you want your TK to be? How sharp do the details need to be? (100% screen accurate / EIB status, needs to look good, or needs to be recognizable as a “Stormtrooper”, needs to be acceptable in the 501st?)

 

Do you plan to troop heavily in your TK? This may help you decide on what plastic would be suitable (constant use, mild trooping, display only)

 

Do you intend on painting your TK? Are you prepared to sand, clean, prep, mask, primer, paint, etc.?

 

Have you considered the cost of materials / having the right facility to paint your TK? (cost of paint, sandpaper, masking, respirator / fabric mask)

 

Does the TK come trimmed? Will this save you time or cost you headaches? Is this worth the cost to you?

 

Are you ready to do more detailed work like heating and bending plastic that doesn’t fit? (using a heat gun, heat sealing iron, Dremel, sanding, polishing?)

 

Will you need to add shims to make the TK fit your body type? (you need extra plastic, and will need to cut, Dremel, heat, sand, etc..)

 

Does the “Body” armor come with everything you need? (few come with everything you need – things like elastic, webbing, buckles, rivets, Velcro, glue, etc..)

 

Does the helmet come with everything you need? (lenses, mic tips, stickers, rubber trim, etc..)

 

What tools will you need? I found that having most of the tools already saved me a lot of headache. (Dremel, rivet gun, heat gun, heat sealing iron, glue, tape, clamps, etc..)

[FIVE[501st]]

Welcome aboard! ... and other cool info...

GREAT post man!

Great questions!

Would you mind if I added it onto my site? I'll give you credit!

[pandatrooper[TK]]

Sure, just make sure to give credit to FISD too!

[Doyle]

Thanks everyone for the replies, going to go over those questions and keep exploring the forums. Beginning to get a feeling for how much effort this is going to be but it's going to be worth it. Never really done anything like this before but the primary goal is to get it up to 501st standard and improve, replace and upgrade as needed to reach higher levels of screen accuracy.