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Depends on the type of scuffs. I wouldn't attempt to apply with tape on my armor, but if you're aiming for a slightly weathered appearance, have a look at T-Jay's L3 application or at my application -- both of us added a bit of weathering to our armors and got Centurion. Of course this is, however, no guarantee that this will still be possible in the future and there haven't been too many TKs with a slightly used look applying in the past. I do love me a bit of weathering, but in the end it all comes down to the DO's. And having tape, cracks, or missing parts is obviously not recommend for higher levels

I think the key is replicating what was done INTENTIONALLY in the films, not exactly what was on screen. The scuffs were likely a result of wear and tear while filming, but Stormtroopers are intended to be clean and white in ANH, as opposed to say the ones running around the forest in ROTJ, or Remnants in Mando. I totally dig the look (and black mascara applied with a blush brush is a great way to do it), but definitely don't go too hard if you want L3 with ANH armor. Or do it after.

New Cannon Fodder - HI there TKMC Location:Gold Coast Queensland Australia. Hi Yall, A quick note to say hi there. I’m not sure if I need a build thread in White armour or one in Redback garrison. Looking forward to making your acquaintances in due course. I’ve been a fan of the 501st for many years and attended many events and fund raises such as 2017 Galactic Empire Charity Ball, in 2017, Dreamworld over the years or more recently the 1st Regiment Royal Australian Artillery event at Brisbane City Hall. I have been a keen follower of the 501st collective work over the years. Have started to build a TK ANH stunt, and spent most of my time researching, buying supplies and attempting to learn a new skill from scratch. Measure twice, cut tomorrow has been the motto so far, with first cut reluctance broken, I’ve started on the hand guards. Kind Regards

Finally had my BBB day after months of waiting. Shout out to Dave's Darkside Depot for the kit. As a newb it is definitely overwhelming but I'm excited to get started.

That's where I suppose I was mistaken. I browsed around the MEPD forum and noticed copying the TDs on screen down to the last patch of dirt was the goal for a lot of members. I figured that definition of screen accuracy was an option here but I totally get the current ruling for being clean as a TK. Hopefully I'm a member soon soI can broach the subject when the time comes.

Cheers for that, accuracy wise I'll go with the white in that case. Was thinking of using Rustoleum leak seal as its less than 20 per can, wouldn't have a clue how many to get so I'll "buy as I go", especially considering it's one-day delivery via Amazon

I can’t see where you are located, but based on your posts I am going to guess UK? If so please make sure you have signed up to the UK Garrison forum as well as we have a mandatory armourer program in place which will help you ensure there are no nasty surprises come clearance time. RWA is a solid pick I troop with many who wear it. A bit of DA history from what I can remember. It’s been a while so I won’t go into huge detail incase I get it wrong. Andy was based in the south of the UK but moved to France around 4 years ago. He did do TKs but TIE pilots and helmet was probably his most popular products from what I saw being talked about on “the shed of glittering delights”. The helmet had a tell of a bump on one cheek tear. DA was never huge inside the legion for reasons I never worked out. He was a solid mid pack pick at a time those were rare here. He was however a lot more common in Europe and with non legion groups in the UK.

You know a higher level of accuracy has come up in conversations quite a few times in the past, along the lines of how MEPD do their level 3 program, this could be something that members could ask in the upcoming election Q&A's for detachment leaders in January/February

Then I shall wait until I have reached Level 3! It'll be my goal to reach something I can call "Level 4" now Thanks for the guidance!

I think Justin nailed it with this- "I think the key is replicating what was done INTENTIONALLY in the films, not exactly what was on screen. The scuffs were likely a result of wear and tear while filming, but Stormtroopers are intended to be clean and white in ANH, as opposed to say the ones running around the forest..." This is my take on it, so keep that in mind: While Mr. Lucas broke ground in ANH by intentionally giving most of the props (spacecraft, etc.) and many of the costumes a "rough/used" appearance I don't think it was meant to apply to TKs. These were Imperial soldiers living and working on the Death Star and were expected to look their "best". As Justin mentioned, the cracks, scuffs and paint chips on the helmets were the result of the stunts (thus the name) the armor was subject to during filming and I personally do not believe they were intentional. Because of this damage, for close-up shots (Han/Luke) white ABS versions (Hero) were created from white ABS which would not have the chips/cracks as seen in the painted HDPE ones. While I applaud your goal of getting as close to 100% screen accuracy as possible (I wish more folks would) what I would suggest is to wait until you have completed Level 3 before adding the chips/scuffs to your bucket. For the purposes of Centurion (and EI for that matter) the "just out of the academy" (clean and shiny) look is what counts. While many of the other armor types are actually expected and or required to have a rough/battle worn look, the ANH TK costumes are not. What you choose to do with your bucket after reaching Centurion completely up to you and I'd like to see the results!

Thanks again for everyone's help. RWA is the armor I am looking at purchasing now and after seeing members with Level 3 acceptances I am very excited. I have a lot to learn and I suppose I was too eager to start my journey to becoming a member of Vader's Fist. I'm glad I slowed down and didn't make any decisions I'd end up regretting. Thank you for your guidance!

Take into account what your GML will consider approvable, you definitely want to reach out to him/her/them As to higher levels it's entirely up to the @Deployment Officer Team who will hopefully chime in soon. Take note that this team may change at the end of February after legion elections and the next Deployment Officers may have a different point of view.

Response from RS Props in regards to armor kits: We will be looking at adding kits back to our website shortly.

I'm definitely avoiding any use of gaffer tape and I plan to have all of my parts but the small but noticeable black scuffs you can see on screen and smaller chips on the helmet are a look I plan to achieve. I know there is a fine line between too much and just enough! With all of that said I will consult DO's while I build my kit because I understand the need for continuity.

Happy Holidays to all!

One thing to think about is this... Many (if not most) of the TKs in ANH had more of their fair share of "discrepancies" to put it mildly. Missing tube stripes, loose armor pieces, gaffa tape (you get the idea). There is a certain charm about these nuances, therefore we don't expect 100% perfection. What Level 3 is about is having the "ideal" (first day on the job) TK. All nice and shiny with everything in place and as it should be. In a word, continuity. Some folks worry about their size. Yes, the actors in the film(s) were selected by their body type but here we don't worry about that. TKs here come in all shapes and sizes, and as long as the costume fits to the wearer's scale and size anyone can become a shiny white representative of the Legion.

Wow, I was not aware that RS had removed the kit option! As you mentioned, that is really a shame (for reasons I won't go into) and I agree 100% that it's better to build your own. In looking over Xinx's L3 submission you can tell how much the CRLs have been updated over the years.. most of these items would not have passed in the present day:

Some additional info here if it helps with your research. It looks like there have been 11 or so DA suits that have passed at L2 historically. Feel free to use the Search function to check out their threads (sorry I can't post the links with ease, and haven't completed all of the older threads in my database). But it looks like we haven't had one pass at Centurion in the past 5 years (since @Xinx, whose thread may be worth reviewing if you go that route), so take that for what it's worth. I see that the majority of the 7 or so are also out of the EU, which may be the motivating factor in their purchase. Depending on where you're based, that may be a more important consideration with shipping/duties/etc. They absolutely can be built to L3 standard but wouldn't necessarily be my first choice for Centurion - especially if you plan to paint the helmet anyways and don't need to worry about matching your existing helmet ABS color to the armor. RS has traditionally offered kits in addition to their "pro-built" series, but I did notice that the option has been removed from their website - which is pretty disappointing. Definitely build your own!

Merry Christmas everyone! It has been quite the ride for me in this adventure thus far! Bart

Merry Christmas to you and the staff. Thank you ALL for another great year and working diligently to make the FISD the best it can be. Many blessings my friends!!

There have been a few but none since #415 in 2018

It is with great sadness I am making this announcement that today we lost one of our own. Earlier today Dan Branton TK-42911 passed away, after a long battle with cancer. Many will know him for his incredible enthusiasm in always helping others and this often included aiding those to build the best stormtrooper they could. Within his own Garrison he held the position of armourer. A formal recognition of his enthusiasm, his knowledge, and his ability to assist others new to Star Wars Costuming. Here he was a staff member, a Provost Marshall, and his opinion always welcomed. The majority of you will only know him from the forums, or Facebook groups he would post in. To many others, myself included he was a great friend, and we will miss him dearly. He is succeeded by his wonderful wife Tuesday and their three children. Buckets off. Dan Branton, left most stormtrooper, pictured trooping at Elstree Studios near London in 2018.