justjoseph63

Welcome to the forums, Philip! Now that you've made that first cut there's no turning back, lol. In addition to research, be sure to ask lots (and lots) of questions and post up plenty of photos (we LOVE photos)! We are here to help every step of the way, so never be shy about hitting us up if we can assist you in any way. Looking forward to seeing your progress!

The shine on that armor alone is enough to reflect a blaster shot! Kinda' surprised that they didn't include his TK#, though!

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:

Welcome to the FISD Mark! Nothing quite like opening up that box like a kid at Christmas (like today) but then realizing "Oh crap.. I gotta' put this thing together"! Not to worry, because we have your back. I always highly suggest starting a build thread here. That way you can ask all the questions your heart desires and post up lots of photos of your progress (we LOVE photos)! Posting pics is especially important when you have an issue. Sometimes a description just isn't enough, so being able to see it will help us help you. I have a thread here which will get you started. If I can offer a few tips: Take..... your..... time. Rushing leads to mistakes. Trust me on this one. Measure twice (or 3 times) before cutting or gluing. When in doubt, ask. Have all your supplies in order before starting. Check your references in the CRLs often. This thread may also help. Looking forward to seeing your build, and have fun with it!

Now all we need is someone to design an accurate 3D model! Being an OT TK blaster, I'm getting that itch to build one already.

I would highly recommend starting a build thread here, Dan. You will probably have a ton of questions (the more the better) and we are here to help with every issue you come across. In your thread it's really important to include photos. Lots of photos. Not only to show off your progress, but it makes it SO much easier to assist you when we can see the issue in detail. I have a tutorial here that will help. Looking forward to following your thread and seeing the results!

Welcome to the forums, William! As a fellow "stitch counter" (I am so stealing that phrase, lol) I think it's great that you are aiming for Centurion right out of the box! To my knowledge we have never had a kit from DA Props submitted for L3 approval, but you could be the first. . It will need some extra work on your part, as the requirements for L3 are pretty defined about certain items. Not the biggest of deals by any means, as there are many tutorials on every issue you can imagine and we can help! This issue is one we run across on occasion: Note that the large ab-button box does not have an "edge" around it (pic 1) as seen in the reference images and is required for Centurion** It may be the photo (#2), but it looks as if in it's untrimmed state it does not give you the option to have this. The box can be glued on to a sheet of matching ABS, trimmed and the seam filled in with ABS paste. It takes time, but I have seen it done quite successfully. ** Plate does not overlap the edges of this area and shall show a definite straight cut edge around all sides. Reference images While you have the ABS paste handy, I would suggest filling in the dimples on the center of the TD end caps. Also note that there are 6 bumps on their TD button panel as opposed to 7 on the originals. The bumps are not a big issue, but the D.O.s may ask you to fill in the dimples. Screen used TD images One thing that does cause me a bit of concern is the top of the kidney plate. In the images on their site the tops appear to have an inward curve in the center instead of being straight. Not sure if this is from the casting process or what, but not the best of looks IMO. If yours arrives this way it may be able to be heat-bended back. Not the easiest of processes, but it can be done! As Andrew mentioned, there are no "perfect" kits. All will require some modding, but some more than others, so it depends on how much extra work you want to put in to it. Whichever armorer you choose, we can help get you to as close to screen accuracy as you want to be. All ya' gotta do is ask!

I did that run about 6 or 7 years ago, back when HWTs were getting popular. Anyone is welcome to re-use the design, but it would be cool if someone could come up with a new one (hint hint) . There are some insanely talented folks in this Detachment and I'd definitely be up to buy a few. BTW, the other patch was from a run done by Charles (Templar726) about 8 years ago.

WOW...lookin' SHARP, trooper...outstanding job on re-doing this armor to fit! Although not a requirement for Level 2, for Level 3 (which I am SURE you are headed for) I would grab a Dremel or small file and remove he last little bit of return edge from the wrist opening on your forearm.

Sounds like a plan! The area you want to start your build thread in can be located here. Whether you have your armor or not you can still ask LOTS of questions and post pics as you get your supplies in order.

GREAT that you are aiming for Centurion right out of the box, Wil! I have a list of the colors that can be found in my Supply list thread here. The tube stripe decals can be purchased, and the ones I would highly suggest are those from Trooperbay (link here). The tears and traps can be decals, but hand painting is preferred for Centurion. There are a lot of tutorials here which will help you get it right, and it's not as hard as you may think!

Way to go, Matt! I feel quite confident that you can jump on these items and that we will be seeing your Centurion submission soon! If you need any help or advice, let us know, brother. We are here for ya'.

Definitely a cool costume. I have enough trouble with the large bubble lenses in my Hero bucket, but I can't imagine trying to actually SEE with those tiny things. Heck, and I thought my Tusken mask vision was bad, lol.

Glen is absolutely correct, Ryan. You are now an official part of the FISD family and have full access. CONGRATS!

Welcome, Will, great to have you here and congrats on your upcoming ANH TK adventure! One thing I can highly recommend is that you start your own build thread. This way you can ask all the questions you like and post photos of your progress. We LOVE photos, and posting them on your thread is especially helpful if you run into an an issue. Here are a few links that will help: 1. Where to post your build thread 2. Supply list 3. How to post photos There are LOTS of tutorials here that can help, and I have quite a few listed under my avatar below. Building a TK takes time, so don't rush, and never be shy about asking questions... it's what we are here for! Which armorer did you go with?

Way to go, Terry!

Looks MUCH better, sir! Design Quest makes an awesome blaster, no doubt, but If I may make a few small suggestions: 1. The Hengstler counter- Ideally it should sit a bit lower and more toward the rear. This can be easily remedied with a drill and about 10minutes of your time. Note in the reference images how it does not sit perfectly level but actually follows the angle of the folding stock. The process involves removing 3 screws- the first being the one that holds the scope rail on at the rear (pic 1). After you remove the rail, you will be able to access the plate on the rail that the Hengstler mounts to (pic 2). Just remove the screws, reposition it, drill a couple of new holes and re-attach the screws. Done! The second item is that there is no recoil spring. This is another thing that should take about 10 minutes. The inside diameter of QD's inner shroud prevents using a "standard" diameter spring, but it can be done! I believe the end cap of the QD is removable, and Adam @revlimiter did a superb job (second pic) in his fantastic build thread for the QD. The way he did it can be found in this post (you have to scroll down a bit to see it). The Hengstler position is not the biggest of deals and the D.O.s may not mention it, but the missing spring may be an issue. Again, fantastic job jumping on the previous suggestions! I can definitely see an EI badge under your name soon, and then it's on to Centurion!

You forgot the photos, Helen!

The one with the yellow arrow looks like it could (should) be brought down just a bit, and the grey paint at the top of the tooth (blue arrow) should be evened out. The rest look awesome! An alternative to stripping the paint off of the top of the yellow arrow tooth would be to use a needle file (or a popsicle stick wrapped in sandpaper**) to even out/raise the areas between the teeth, as they look a little jagged. **You can shave the popsicle stick down to the width you need.

WOW... excellent work there, Matt!

If you need a canvas belt, I would highly suggest going with Rob (@TKittell). Made to order for your exact size, insanely high quality and great service! I have 3 and I swear by them. He has a sales thread here.

I'd be interested in knowing some history on this pic as well... TBH it's one I've never seen before, and although I have no doubt that it shows screen used armor, I did notice that there are 2 different types of buckets. All but 2 have the elongated top associated with the amended/recast versions of ANH made for ROTJ, but the bottom left and top right ones look (to me anyway) to be more like those from the first 2 films.

So, you found us! Thinking about becoming a "real" Stormtrooper? Well you are in the right place, I promise. Welcome to the TRUE home of shiny (and sometimes not so shiny) white armor! While some may dive right in, others like to check things out and see what this crazy hobby is all about and learn about what it takes to join the 501st as a shiny white spaceman/woman. One thing I can promise you is that any questions you may have (no matter how strange you may think they are) will be answered in a friendly and supportive manner. We don't judge. Every single one of us has been in your position, and our goal is to assist you in any way we can. SO, it's time to stop lurking, introduce yourself and let us know how we can help you join the ranks and become a member of the 501st and FISD!

And we are looking forward to seeing your build thread, Mark!