pandatrooper

Thanks TKDUEUNO, Fireblade and everyone else. Exactly what I was looking for.

"The picture you have posted there terry looks more like a clone trooper set up. " Do you find mobility OK? I'm just wondering if one strap suspension method will offer better flexibility and mobility. This is kind of one area where I want to be flexible, and not just stick to the "movie accurate" technique just because it's authentic. *Firebladejedi, not sure if your strap setup is movie authentic, just using this phrase as an example.

You could probably start with a Nerf launcher like this, and add some basic shape add ons / greeblies like Dmian mentioned and paint /weather it up. If you lay it out right, you could keep the launcher functional! Maybe start with something like this? --------

Thanks for the feedback an images guys. To clarify, here's a diagram to describe what I'm trying to do strapping wise, I would love to get your guys feedback on it. I noticed a lot of people have done the strapping for the torso like Firebladejedi and TK 2126 MD, where the chest / back, abs / kidney, and cod / butt is all sort of strapped together in 1 unit. I guess you undo the crotch snap, and put the whole thing over your head, then snap the crotch and ab sides together? Or keep the crotch strapped, and undo the shoulder straps and step into the torso like a giant diaper, and snap the shoulders shut? This is what I had in mind. The abs / kidney, cod / butt are strapped together, but the chest / back simply rests on my shoulders, and the chest back is held together at the shoulders (shoulder straps standard) and the "new" strap is sort of under my armpits (see hand written note) that keeps the chest and back together. To put it on, you'd put on the kidney / abs, cod / butt in one unit like a diaper / set of hip waders, then the chest / back goes over your head, and all you need to do is secure the snaps / velcro under the arm pits. The reason why I thought this might be better is it would allow for a little more movement and allow the torso to twist more. Secondly, I'm about 5' 8" so I don't have extra height like some 5' 10" guys do to "fill out" the armor. I figure I can use any extra mobility possible. What do you guys think? I know there's no right or wrong way to do strapping, just wanted to see what worked best for people in terms of mobility and ease of use. Thanks!

Ah, OK. So in that last picture, what I'm seeing is the "backside" of a male snap on the abs section. And like you mentioned, there's a female snap on a strap from the kidney section that would connect to it. I think I have a good way to make the closure more efficient now. **You know, I think it's kind of a funny thing that we're all so fascinated by these sorts of small details. 72 people have viewed this thread, and we want to know "EXACTLY" how a snap button should be installed, because in the original Star Wars movie - that's just the way it was. And we don't question how silly this might be, it's important! We all want to know!

Thanks guys, very helpful! I can see just the one snap visible on the left side. Is it a "male" snap (with a hole in the center) and does it snap to anything or is it just for show / ANH authenticity? Because it looks like your sides of the abs close with velcro. That's the exact snap I wanted to get info on.

So, if I'm trying to replicate the ANH style - I noticed that on the left, there's the 3 sets (6 total) rivets running vertically near your left elbow. I'm going to use the elastic / snap glued on plates method here. However, for the right side - in all the pics I've seen there's just one snap visible, near the right elbow, on the front ab piece. Is there only one snap here? Is there another one under the belt? And how does the fabric or elastic join / close here? I know the left side sort of clamshells, but how is the right side secured? Also, re: the chest and back, I know how the shoulders should work (glued ribbed shoulders in front, floating in back, webbing strap underneath) but do people normally have some kind of elastic keeping the chest and back together (running along your ribs?). Let me know, I can upload a drawing or something if necessary. Thanks!

Thanks Joey, I whipped it up in Photoshop the other night.

Hey awesome! I saw your posts a while back, glad you decided to keep your armor! Hang tight guys, I FINALLY got a reply from Outer Rim - they're a BC based squad within the Badlands Garrison. They run the events that take place in the interior and Vancouver (they've marched in the PNE parade, how cool is that?) They put me in touch with someone on Badlands and can get us more registration info (if you're not registered already). *Erwin: We'd be part of the "Outer Rim Squad", a part of the Badlands Garrison. So there wouldn't be a Vancouver based garrison due to number of people, etc.. I found out that the admin from Badlands may be out of town due to work, as there's several broken areas on the site (you can't register or search) and you obviously can't see forums that require registration. Once I get more info, I'll post it up or send you guys PM's. Thanks.

Looks pretty accurate to me. It was cast in several pieces, not just one to maintain the shape of the original counter. Just about as accurate as you can get with a resin copy, other than buying a real one! * BTW: there was a real one listed a couple days ago, not sure if it's still there

Any other electronic units that you troops might suggest?

Hey Steve, I did some more research and found the "Outer Rim Squad" which is an existing squad within the Badlands Garrison, and is focused on BC and the lower mainland Looks to be a good opportunity to join there. http://www.outerrimsquad.net/outerrimhome.html I'm going to try and contact them today to see if they can clarify anything re: contacting the Badlands Garrison, and what exactly we're supposed to do. I'll keep you posted by PM. I still need to work on my armor so it will be a little while before I've completed it to my liking, but when I do I'll be ready to sign up! If there's any others FISD members here in the in the Lower mainland region of BC, let me and Steve know by posting here!

Thanks, I'll check it out.

Very cool pics, great costumes too! Let us know when you have some video to show, would love to see it.

Hey troopers, just wanted to find out what sort of electronics options there were for E-11 (hasbro, hollow resin, scratchbuilt PVC, etc..) that might be a bit more simplistic? I know there's the Plecter labs unit, and the Hyperdyne blaster upgrade. Both of these yield fantastic results. I know you get what you pay for, but I think I'm looking for something that's in between a Hasbro (which we all know is pretty weak in terms of electronics) and the Hyperdyne kit. The thing is the Hyperdyne kit has the programming modes, the vibration, and all those great features, but I don't think I need that. I think a single blast with some light FX and some better sound would do the trick. Stun would be great too, but not necessary. Plus, I think $250 for electronics is a bit out of my budget right now (with all the other stuff I'm working / have ordered). Are home brew techniques my only other option? Any input would be great, thanks guys

Bummer dude, hope you can get it back or get a replacement!

Sgt Steve or anyone else, is there any more info on this squad from vancouver? What's the name of the squad? The search function on Badlands doesn't work, so I can't search for any info. Portions of the site don't seem to work, so I'm really confused as to what I'm supposed to do. I'm very close to Vancouver, and it would be great to find out about more troops in my area! I've searched for members on 501st and I can see about 5-6 TK's listed, but I don't know much more than that. Also, if there's any members here that are part of the Badlands Garrison, could you get someone from that Garrison to contact me? I've been trying to register on Badlands for a week and tried to contact their GWL, GML and XO by mail and I still haven't received a reply or response from anyone. Thanks in advance!

Another thing you could try to do is move the lower band from the right thigh down a bit, and re-rivet it. And then for the left shin, try and raise the plate up and re-rivet it? Not sure if that will buy you enough space, but worth a try?

I read about this on some other forums too. In Canada, airsoft is technically a restricted item (unless you go to Walmart and buy a clear one with an orange tip) but basically, if it's black and looks a lot like a real gun, you're going to have issues. I play paintball too, and many paintball "markers" are looking more and more like real guns. I know a shop owner who has had issues in the past with importing and stocking realistic looking replicas that are fine to buy and own in the USA, but not in Canada. In Canada, we've had a fair share of issues with replicas being used in crimes. Eg: gangsters using airsoft guns in robberies, assaults, etc.. There have even been "drive by shootings" or instances of kids bringing them to school, and many times, the SWAT team or whatever is called out to deal with the situation. Might be good to check with organizers of the events and check to see if it's OK. I know if I was trooping and visiting some kids in a hospital or something, I'm not sure if you need a blaster anyways?

Depending on your size, and if you haven't assembled your armor, you could trim the pieces slightly more before assembly, making them a hair smaller. Gotta be careful not to slim too much as it changes the overall look. I've seen some troopers use black insulating foam (approx 3/8" thick x 1" wide give or take) that's used for your doorways, screen doors, etc (check Home depot) and place it just inside the lip of the their armor for a little more comfort and to prevent rubbing. You can contour it to the shape of the openings. Most will shim with foam inside anyways to prevent the armor from moving too much. I've not even started my armor yet, but I'm a slim guy too, so I know I'll probably have some "skinny butt / leg" syndrome going on. It's an easy fix for that area though. With other costumes I have made in the past with similar visible areas, I'll simply wear some sweat shorts under the black under suit to "fill out" the legs, etc.. Obviously, you have to be careful as you might get hot underneath, and it may still be an issue in areas like knees / elbows. I skateboard too, and I have a set of knee and elbow pads that are a thicker neoprene / foam padded combo (where you can add or remove foam padding or the plastic plate). If necessary, I'll slip these on under the suit to make things more comfy as well. ----- You could also use some simple neoprene knee / elbow supports too. Your local drugstore / sporting goods store will have these. Hope that helps!

Just ordered one, can't wait to set it up! Thanks for the great tips guys!

You can look it up, but in the "tuner car world" there's automotive paints that you can layer up, and then polish to get the same chrome effect, for a lower cost than vaccuum metalize process. I'm no expert, just something I've read! Here's a link to a manufacturer of chrome paint. http://www.alsacorp.com/products/mirrachrome/mirra_show1.htm

Wow, great tip! Looks so clean! My buddy has one, I'll mention that to him.

Personally I like no bump. Troopertims looks great, good comparison photo too!

This was exactly what I was looking for, thank you! I'm sure I'm not the only person who noticed that the Testors grey is #1138