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TROOPERS! I just got word from my GML and received the formal email from 501st membership team. TK-73692 reporting for duty.

I'm ready to submit right now, but first I need my status here on the forum changed so I have the permissions to post in the EI request sub. Haha. But as soon as that update occurs in the coming days, I'll be sure to submit!

Congratulations! More than well deserved! Welcome to the 501st! What year the next Approval? Hmmm... I'll go with 2023

Yup. I'm in. True story. Now on to the next TK variation. We should take bets on what year I'll get my next approval.

Excuse me, wir haben 2023. (Wait, that's a German Meme, sorry.) But, hey, I'll just like those five posts tomorrow The true M&M's And for @jsilvius in honour of him announcing new Merch: I wouldn't react any differently to FO only Merch tho, soooo... fair enough, I guess

Enjoy your new sweet banner and profile pic @Bobstormy

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

Congratulations, TK-73692, and welcome to the ranks! Can't wait to see your EIB Application and the first Troop Log Entries

Good morning friends! Nothing super exciting to post just yet, but I thought I'd share more about the tweak that I was asked to make as a prerequisite for approval. First I'll say that, though I disagree with the assessment, I completely respect the call that my GML made. As a TK and former DO here on FISD, my GML was simply striving to maintain both a high standard of screen accuracy and a close match to the individual thigh part on the CRL as linked to on this thread by Glen. The Death Star TK image that Joseph posted also shows a great many troopers with their ammo pack lowered. Besides the fact that I like my GML, despite never having met in person, I view this little hurdle as very minor in the grand scheme of things, and certainly hold no ill-will against my GML. In fact, I can appreciate standard-keeping. So, last night I stripped off a little E-6000, dropped the front of the ammo pack, and took new photos. I had installed the pack on the thigh tight enough that it can actually maintain it's position regardless of the height! I cleaned up the butt-joint a bit with some WHITE E-6000, lest the gap expose another speed bump for approval; far better quick solution than messy ABS paste, at least for this minor application. Now, a question for the @Deployment Officer Team. For when the time comes, would you prefer to see my raised or lowered thigh ammo pack? Personally I like the look of the raised pack better, but I will defer to whatever requirements you fine folks have for upper levels of approval! I also have the additional photos (album) below for your consideration which were not included in my original post. I believe that, now with the addition of these images, I have images of everything required for an EI submission. Hopefully more news soon!

Got inspired and made a new one for my self, I guess it counts!

FYI FISD let them through for Centurion Here's a few recently approved

And yes, I did set up email forwarding for 501st and GA501st domains.

Troopers! I want to help out the community and the people that doesn't have the time or have the necessary tools or skills to create a cool Signature banner or have the background of your Action Photo removed, or even if you have a request for a certain Profile picture! I don't know how popular this will be, or what requirements I will need, but we will learn as we go and if it turns out to be popular and it gets too much for me - I'm sure that we can find a few more that are willing to help out! Completed banners: 28 @Empiretrooper @jsilvius @jsilvius @techdesco @Nairy @Bobstormy @TikiTechie @Morgi @Bartman @Jakebullet @Armor9 @Chemi @Starkiller @TK21698 @Sawanator @dblcross @Lafleur @JBar @KorbenDallas Completed profile pictures: 4 @Bobstormy @Bartman @Sawanator @Lafleur Completed logos: 2 Scary Looking Nerd Herders Fire Team Mantero

Still, better than that one time someone asked me, if I was Darth Vader...

Thanks Chemi, Adam, and Joseph! I spent an excessive amount of time on the ears, which I photo documented for my build thread. In fact, that specific post has already been nearly completely drafted. One might say I'm as obsessive about ears as thermal detonators... Oh, and you're spot on, Chemi! I really like my GML and we had friendly correspondence for quite a long time yesterday. The angle of the thigh ammo is certainly not something worth tarnishing a relationship for. Thanks Ardeshir! That means a lot coming from you! Thanks Gerald! It certainly wasn't an easy, or quick journey, but well worth it in the end! Thanks for your kind words! I really appreciate that Joseph! Interesting note about the rubber gloves which I got from you (actually the pair you did as a model for your hand guard attachment guide!), as they seem to be already form-fitting. I wonder if the material bulges when I make a fist? But we'll see, I may take you up on that and grab a smaller pair to try out. My goodness this certainly was a long-winded project! I think by now you know I sport some OCD tendencies of my own. Once again, thanks so much for your feedback and assistance!

When Caleb's Approval has turned into a FISD-wide event... We're all rooting for you!

Yes the CRL's are evolving, noone can state they aren't after this last major update to this very CRL. What we do absolutely need to do is follow a process, and there are several reasons why. First there is no agenda, why would there be, and to safe guard against that type of thing from happening, we have not only the open discussions on the forum, but staff discussions and LMO discussion where needed. The other part is the members Polls, this is done again for the same reason, so it is not a one person decision, not mine, not a DO's and not just one member. You cant loose sight of the fact almost every legion member also makes changes to there armour after approval, even basic approval so everyone can do what they want to make their armour more comfortable etc etc. Second, the system is in place to help minimize errors, but also to not present what can very easily look like favoritism towards one member over another. These things have a Butterfly effect, and we do everything possible to remove that, and keep all members comfortable. You presented a case, and it is being worked on, your case is not ignored, it is being handles with the same level of action ans seriousness that all CRL potential updates are given. In fact it is also being expanded upon, but like all balanced and fair systems the process takes time. You know this first hand as the TLJ thread has been running for over 2 years, we had no correct images so we couldn't update until we did. Patience is the key here, this needs to be done in the correct fashion and that is the fair and balanced way to do it for everyone concerned including our current and future members. I have offered up more possibilities in that thread because you are correct, this isn't about a D ring colour, it is about multiple variations and different parts, and if we consider one, we need to consider more, and it deserves the due process of discussion, and outcomes to be put to membership polls. I think its pretty clear that we are invested in continuing to update our CRL's, so your patience and understanding are appreciated.

Forgot to add: WOW!

OK, here are my personal views.. First, in looking at these photos I would have no issues passing this at Centurion. Heck, if every pre-approval looked this sharp we D.O.s would be out of a job, lol! Although technically correct, one thing that jumped out at me was the size of your rubber gloves. If you find them comfortable that's awesome, but I myself prefer them to be a little more form-fitting which gives me a bit more dexterity. I have those available in smaller sizes, and if interested just shoot me a PM and I'll send you a pair (no charge). Now, as for the thigh ammo pack being raised that is 100% your GMLs call. However... I have passed many a Centurion showing part of the lower thigh ridge.. As a matter of fact, in looing at the reference image below only one is showing it otherwise! You nailed it on so many levels, Caleb. It's always heartening to see when folks take their time to "do it right" right out of the gate as you have. Your hard work and attention to detail have paid off in spades, sir, and for that my bucket is off to you!

I can relate on a number of levels here. Bart

Well been waiting to tell you all since this morning. I got word that my basic armor is good for the 501st so I guess it is all official now. Many thanks to those that guided me through the necessary fitting adjustments along the way and helping me not lose my head in the details. I'll call you all out as things move forward. I'll be TK23108 which was just the day I submitted my photos to my GML. It seemed to roll off the tongue nice too. I'm not sure if I can change my user name here, but on the 501st I'm going to go as "Bazinga" because it has so many connections to me and those that really know me. A local TK to me suggested it. Now I know there are some things about my armor that is not ideal and I'd like to start working on those fixes now that the pressure is off. Here we go. My forearms look horrid from the back and part of that is the way I was standing here. The fact of the matter is I do have skinny arms, but the forearms actually do fit quite well. There is just a bit of extra space so it's not like they are large on me. When my arm is bent it is much better and standing like this isn't going to be a thing most of the time. If I can improve it though I will. I already adjusted the padding placement to better centre the circumference and I can stop standing like a sloth. I find the top of the forearm does pinch a bit into my elbow so considering, once again, lowering the biceps just a bit and shorten the strap between the bicep and forearm just a bit more. Perhaps also ditch the 2" elastic and just go with 1" directly under the cover strip? Thoughts? Second is the on again/off again gap between the back and the kidney plate. I've already done two strap adjustments to shrink it up. It's not bad and it, again, moves a bit when I move. Do I do a third round of tightening or add a third strap in the middle or nothing or ? Third. The little gaps at the bottom of the thighs under the cover strip. Am I understanding correctly that they should be filled and sanded smooth for higher levels or is that just for noticeably large gaps? Four. I know the thighs are too high on the back to the butt plate and I'm 99% sure I can just fix this with the strapping position. I wanted to err on the side of tight over too big of a gap for the photos. Five. Shoulders haven't had any fixes to rotate them anywhere yet. This gap is my latest OCD. I've repositioned the snap twice and added the tongue and groove system to prevent overlap. That worked really good. This may always open up a bit when I move, but should I try to tighten the strap even more or is there another fix that might beat it? Finally, not sure what you can do to fix this one, but here I am. Bart

My wallet lives in this little chest pouch. It's E6000'd to my armor. It can fit wallet, keys, and more... however you can't get to it while wearing. I've tried. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017BPN6GQ It was this one if anyone wants to spend $22 (yuck) on a pouch, yet have a great spot for their wallet and keys. I also turned my thermal detonator into a storage detonator with magnets and elastic. It mostly holds stickers to give to kids. More pix are in my build thread linked in my signature. I turned my drop boxes into pockets. One holds my car key and the other has some cash. They hinge at the bottom with elastic and close with annoyingly strong velcro. This is also in my build thread.

@MintImperial James, This is correct, thank you Daniel @TheSwede

Seeing the cut and the shape that the armor has now, I think a good solution would be to leave it as the images retouched with Photoshop

Obviously I'm stress/excited posting.

At least Adam gave me a heads up! Phew!

But worry not, my friends... That's right. The deed is done. And my GML @Cricket has confirmed she's received my photos. Now the waiting and anticipation stage.

Unfortunately this rear area is based on the TFA Finn (or stunt), for some reason Anovos changed this from the Alpah/Beta/Charlie armor sets, if they left it the way it was they would have been fine. You are correct on the curve for TLJ, the CRL image although updated still is not 100%, but best that was available at the time You may be able to add some ABS paste, sand an polish to get rid of those trim lines. The other areas which will need ABS paste or filler will be you Ab/Kidney joins and also the Chest/Yoke connection. Many have used bondo for some of the join areas much like the A/B/C kits and paint the full kit, but others use ABS paste so they don't have to paint, just depends how clean you can make it. For base approval it's entirely up to your GML, they may know there's a difference and pick on it but they may not, I'd suggest reaching out and asking their thoughts.

Let me be the first one to congratulate you Sir. Welcome to the ranks, well done and well deserved !!

Hi Ardeshir, This one is in the line, hang in there buddy, thank you for your patience.

PM sent, thanks

Hey Mario just wanted to check in with you about this

You want one?

Pm sent Nairy.[emoji106] Sent from my SM-A127F using Tapatalk

kneelol. That's gotta be for the memes only. That can't be a serious thing. But back to Caleb's build... I noticed this. Look at the ear gap. That seam. Just look. Perfection.

These look amazing. Nice work

Congratulations on approval!!! Tiny little thigh gaps at the knee - yeah, fill them in so there isn't a line there.

It's time. Requesting 501st access. Thank you! TK23108 https://www.501st.com/members/displaymember.php?userID=36154&costumeID=124

Congratulations Caleb. What I like the most is your helmet.... The angle of the ears... Details like this are what we like to see... Regarding the thigh ammo pack, well, it's a GML decision, and it's up to GML to decide... Anyway, I'm sure it's something you can discuss as friends.

Not in the CRL = should not be nitpicked by your GML at basic unless it's pretty flagrant, IMO. Having it kicked up is much better for actual wear and well within canon. It's their call at the end of the day, but I disagree. Send them your reference.

Wow, this community never ceases to amaze me, though in truth each and every one of you simply constantly maintain the comradery and serving attitude that embodies the motto of Troopers Helping Troopers. It brings me great joy to hear that I have, in some fashion, been able to reflect that service back to the community, and really I've only ever wanted to extend the same assistance and guidance that I have myself been the beneficiary of over the past 3-4 years. Thanks to each of you who sent a congratulatory note, as well as all the rest of you whom I've had the pleasure of interacting with here on FISD. I'm so very excited to soon be formally inducted to the 501st (I submitted my app this morning!), joining the Georgia Garrison, and continuing to participate in all things TK related here with this AMAZING Detachment! Caleb

This one's dedicated to @revlimiter and everyone else who's managed to sit down in armor! I've gotten cookies during three troops now If you're unsure if your armor is ever gonna look good enough for Centurion, believe me, there's a lot you can do. I basically build my armor twice and am still improving stuff

Very exciting indeed, and certainly perhaps overwhelming! Here are my thoughts on build order. First follow the Return Edges 101 thread that Glen linked to for initial trimming of the raw pieces. Be aware, too, that builders with a slim body May elect to leave more return edges on limb pieces for better fitment. As far as assembly of butt-joined pieces, it’s generally recommended to get your feet wet with pieces of armor that are less prominent, such as the biceps, which have a portion significantly covered by the shoulder bells. You can also practice making your first cuts on the sides of the armor that will face your rear instead of front. Also note that the helmet is considered the most challenging component, so some save it for last. 1) Biceps (and always remember to wear your undersuit while fitting armor) 2) Forearms 3) Thighs (do your right side first for practice since the bottom seam will be covered by the thigh ammo pack) 4) Shins (do your left side first for practice since the top seam will be covered by your knee sniper plate). Be sure to wear your boots while fitting shins. Torso and shoulder bells can be done any time, and you don’t necessarily need to rush to do the ab buttons since enamel paint really only takes a couple days to cure. In fact, I waited to paint them until the very end of my build after I had already mounted the ab button plate to the large ab piece. This enabled me to use magnets and clams on that piece without messing up the paint job, and also negated the risk of scuffing the paint while handing the torso pieces during fitment and assembly. The belt can be done anytime but is most helpful after you’ve assembled the torso. Thermal detonator after the belt. Hope this helps!