pandatrooper

Cool, thanks for clarifying.

Didn't I read somewhere that the FX helmet no longer meets 501st CRL requirements? Is that correct?

They go from the front of the Hengstler counter "tips" to the back of the power cylinders (the tubes that sit on the magazine well). I probably won't put them on mine, I figure there's enough stuff added to a blaster already.

Awesome, thanks Terrell! No super rush as it will be a week or so before I'm done my build. Just started thinking about cool photo opportunities so I thought I'd post up. Thanks!

Since gutting a Tauntaun in your kids room would be a big mess for your chilly youngling, why not get him / her a Tauntaun sleeping bag instead? http://theforce.net/latestnews/story/Kids_..._Bag_122144.asp *I love the fact that the inside of the sleeping bag liner has "intestines" screen printed on it. Is it just me, or am I the only one creeped out by that?!

Hey Steve, i think the AP kit uses the same bicep and same forearm for left and right, there's no "unique" left side and right side. You just get 2 of each (others on the board can correct me if I'm wrong) but I think they're the same. I think what you have is correct, so there's no reason to send the parts back.

You might be referring to polystyrene foam, that's what foam coffee cups and cheap ice coolers are made of. Styrene plastic (not foam) is used for model car / airplane kits and the like. It's softer than ABS and can be manipulated quite a bit.

I recall someone on here already did this exact same mod. Not sure if it was an issue or not for clearing 501st. He might have done it after getting approved?

I'm slowly coming close to getting the bulk of my build done, and I'm already thinking about photo ops! After I get some plain background photos of me in TK armor (for 501st and EIB submission), I'd like to do some photoshop ones of myself in various backgrounds (Tantive hallway, Death Star, etc..) Being a photoshop nerd, I'd like to do some nice ones, with the reflection on the floor, etc.. Does anyone know where I can find some still photo backgrounds of these locations in a good resolution? I tried searching the web, but most weren't that great in terms of quality and were too low res. These will only be for personal use and posting on FISD, etc.. Thanks in advance!

Awesome picture! Looks like a great trip. I'd love to see the Great wall someday! Thanks for sharing!

Looks pretty cool, I was thinking of doing something similar with my trooping Hasbro blaster. Did you just wire it up to the existing LED wires? or is it driven by a second switch / power source?

Hey Michael, there's a great new source for 501st approved boots here, and they're half the price of the Rockports. Check these out. --------

Mine has been crazy too: 1. Took friday off to spend time with wife. Printed pictures for her work. 2. Armor worK: Worked on my thigh armor (thank the maker and Stukatrooper for the heat iron trick!) 3. Helped my wife with her costume for halloween (she's going as a classic Hong Kong movie style Chinese vampire). I tried to talk her into a Leia costume (not even Slave Leia, just white robe Leia!) and it was a no go. Maybe next year. 4. Attended Windows 7 release party at friends house (didn't tell him that I love my Mac and have been an apple user for like 20+ years) 5. Armor work: Started working on my torso, cut the butt piece and did the snaps and snap plates. 6. Volunteered at a rabbit rescue festival (my wife and I have 2 house rabbits, we also volunteer for local rabbit shelters). 7. Attended brother in laws birthday (had cake and Beard papas cream puffs!) 8. Armor work: got the side rivets and "right side snap" done. Thanks Firebladejedi and TKdueno! 9. Tomorrow: finish the shoulder straps for the torso, attach the inner harness. Possibly do the thigh garters. 10: Monday: Armor work: more helmet work (finish filing teeth and fitting ears). It's Canadian Thanksgiving, so it will be turkey madness!

I love how Ned was so mad at his party guests for touching his collectibles and wearing his masks and helmets. That's EXACTLY how ticked off I would be!

Leave it weathered!! I say just take some similar colors, and gently touch up the Hengstler and T-rack as people have mentioned. It looks awesome!!

Hey Steve, not sure if you're in Richmond much. But there's a store in an Asian mall called Aberdeen mall in Richmond, there's a store in there called Daiso where everything is $2.00. I bought small flat, 90 degree and triangular files in there for $2.00 perfect for the teeth. I'm racing with you now, buddy for 501st and EIB! Got my torso done today. I'll post a build thread soon too!

My wife and I watched it on DVD, and actually thought it was really good! For a "cheesy body switching teen heart throb" movie, it was actually entertaining and had some heart to it. Humor / story wise, I actually thought it was better than Fanboys. I loved his nerdy buddy. Their fight was awesome. It's funny, cuz we have guys like that at work. I might be one of them (well, maybe not THAT hardcore, but I do have a small collection)

Awesome Steve!! Can't wait to see it started now that you have everything you need (and more!) Get ready to use a heat sealing iron (as seen in Stukas build). My armor is AP based too, and I had to do quite a few mods to several pieces. But have no fear, with the iron, a Dremel and some sanding, you can make it work out. Good luck!

Steve, check your PM for contact. I already ordered some and I've been tracking them. They've arrived in customs, should be delivered in the next few days so it's all good. Order away!

Great pictures! Thanks for sharing! The poses are awesome

Tim, I was just thinking the same thing. I'm going to cut mine, even if it only helps a little bit - I can use the extra freedom of movement. Can anyone post a pic of where the cut line should be on the cod? I'm just about to cut mine (like literally, got the x-acto and scissors ready). Thanks!

Correct me if I'm wrong, but for EIB you need a scope but I don't think you don't need the power cylinders.

I would so troop at this, but sadly, no Canadian dates on the west coast.

Looks great Steve! Can't wait to see it all completed.

Some troopers paint the insides of their helmets black, to make it look more "solid" and realistic. Some have even installed liners or padding inside (like a motorcycle helmet), to give it some depth / thickness. Most people use some kind of voice amplifier / voice changer, others have used 2 way radios in the past, but the people in front of you will never really hear it since the helmet dampens the volume of your voice a lot (hence the need for a voice amp). Actual fitment could be had either through the use of a hardhat liner or foam padding.