iconoclasta_88

Yes! Not the best time, but it is great to be in touch again my friend. And same goes for m any others. Saludos.

A long time ago... I was tricked into vouching for a "new maker". I was green at the time. I bring his new helmet make here and announce it and without much waring, I was covered up in a flaming storm from many many members here, but mostly by non 501st users and some makers at the time. Even if I stated that I had nothing to do with the production or business, I was blamed for recasting. It was so intense that I swore never to comeback to the FISD (at that time Paul went all the way and "fished" me back and give it a second chance to the community). Remembering that, and seeing what is happening now, I can only think that those kind of reactions and the ones we see today in the main 501st forums, serve other porpuses and interests. They are orchestrated to serve certain people and business and can't be bothered if you don't touch what they want. Not pointing out anyone, certainly not TM or CFO, and it is not a conspiracy theory either... it is just the only explanation I can find for such different reactions over time. Saludos PS. Man, I missed the boards action. It has been a while for me.

WOW! I remember those CDs and the big price tag they had, not to mention the NDA and politics you had to go through to even be cosidered by Matt as a suitable buyer. I do remember the day those images were released. I considered it a game changer just as the discovery of RS's Armor years later. I also remember that in the post making the images public, it was stated that they were being made public because Matt owed money or product to the poster, and after a lot of going back and forth, the owner thought that even if he would not get what was owed, that would prevent Matt from charging hundreds (or thousands) of dollars for the CD. Also, remember how the ppl that had paid Matt for the CD were really upset. The one thing I don't remember (but I might be wrong) is Mark being the poster of the images, or that it was done to harm Paul. It was always about Matt and whoever posted the images (Mark, Joe or whoever else). But oh well... This just gets sadder. Saludos

Read the news on facebook... I am really sad about this. Really sad. As I wrote on facebook, even feel heartbroken. I too believe I get along with everyone in the community by not taking sides... but I do believe this is just too clear not to see as it is. As I said... sad, heartbroken. Saludos. Juan And yes... most newbies (and recent generations) cant see or understand the implications and importance of this all.

Thx Paul. That sounds perfect. I guess Justus will be in a similar place as you are. And so should all of us. This was a great conversation indeed. Saludos.

Very Interesting read. There is not much I think I can add, since I am one of those older TDs who didn't wanted the HWT or the SE TD on the MEPD... But things have changed. It is not 2005 anymore. We need to evolve as Justus has stated! Just one thing here that might make it easier for all of us to come together: The MEPD was born before detachments existed. It was later made into the structure of a detachment. Thats why the name and nature of it is not welcoming for other costumes. Just as the SWAT program. It was not meant to be part of the CRL. Levels of CRL did not existed when the program was designed. So neither the Police Offcier or the SWAT badge were intended but forced to be part of the CRL. Again, that is why its nature does not meets so easily with the idea of a CRL. The Sandtroopers Detachment is different in many ways... but that is history. We need to see to the future. No SE CRL, no HWT on the MEPD... thats the past. Lets not find anwsers for today's challenges there, but here and looking to the future. As I said, I voted no for SE and for HWT... but I also wrote the very first proto-draft for the SE TD CRL and even tried to build it. We need to look to the future. All together. Justus and Paul and their teams are trying to lead us there... lets catch up, and go there! Its not about packs or dirt, its about the character and how we can use it to make our club stronger to benefit all of us, the members. After all, as GL requested, Sandtroopers are just "stormtroopers with special weapons and lots of things on the back" (or something like that). Saludos.

Update. Sounds ridiculous this far... It's been 5 years since I started this build. ANOVOS armor is still boxed, and my TM replica armor is still awaiting for weathering and aging. Hope to have it finish by the end of the summer. This summer. Its been too long already. But now I need to build my daughter's WTF's sandtrooper... Hope I can manage to finish all this year. Saludos.

Thx again for doing it! Saludos

Tony, This is just amazing! I guess you have no idea (or might have), what this pictures mean to me and many many other Sandtroopers over here. This has to be the most relevant post about the radio ever posted, going tip tip with that awesome moment when the brand and model was discovered. We have literally spent thousands and thousands of hours working, researching and just wishing to someday find one of these radios and then share the info, references, measurements and excitment with the comunity. In the past, AFIK, only two other radios like this had surfaced: one I still think was not real, and the other was destined to business and private collecting, so even if info was shared and we were (and still are) super thankfull, nothing like this. Other than that, one North Star brand radio similar to almost the last detail was found too... but info was never really shared, dont really know why. But this is just a great day for us sandtrooper and prop replicating enthusiasts. I am sure you know how valuabe the radio is and how amazing your found is too. Just, wanted to share a bit of my feelings and our community's, cause this is magic, this is amazing, this is just a great day for us!! I have personally spend years and years after this... wishing for one to appear so we can all share what you just gave us! And for that, I thank you brother! Muchas gracias! I still hope to find one myself. But till that day, this is close enough for me. Saludos Juan

Ciao Tony! That is just a beautiful radio! Great find!!! Probably one of the most coveted found parts in SW! And it is without a doubt, the Holly Grail for Sandtroopers! I cant help but ask, did you find it online? I have spent thousands of hours, literally, and I am sure many others have too, searching for that radio online and offline. It is too much for my OCD to think that I have not search in the right places or times... But, on the other hand, makes me happy that it ends up in the hands of someone who appreciates it. As other have said, If you ever decide to sell it, for a fair price, put me down on the list! Big congrats!!! This gives the rest of us hope, cause they are out there, awaiting for us to find them. Saludos.

It's true you learn something new everyday! This is awesome! Thx for sharing Paul! Ill take this in consideration for every future build! Saludos.

This is just Awesome!! Big congrats!!! Saludos

Thx a lot! I actually don't now for sure... It was the thinnest foam they've got on the craft store. About 2 mm thick, maybe even 1mm. Armor was quiet flexible, but also it's a bit thin. I think it would need some repairs have she wore it just one or two hours more. Thx a lot you all for the kind words!! In about 3 weeks we will be attending another Con... I guess she will be wearing it. I will post some pictures. Saludos.

Thx everyone for your kind words!! I told Vale, my daughter, about all your comments and she is very happy and says thx too!! She just asked me to get her new boots for the next con. To have better pictures. Next time. LOL!! Saludos.

THX Everyone for your comments and nice word!! Then the time of the Con came and went...but I finished her armor just in time and in full Sandtrooper fashion!! I added weathering and made the final adjustmente, and even tried to add a voice amp, but didnt worked due to bad wiring... But we had a blast on the con... So finally, here she is... She was in armor for a solid hour. LOL... considering she is 5yo and that the place was super crowded and hot, I consider it a real achievement! At the end, she asked me NOW we were both Sandtroopers and we both worked for Darth Vader, when was she ever going to wear her Princess Darth Vader Costume? Since she could not be a trooper and the boss at the same time! I just told her she could be whoever she wanted, regardless of the costume! I was a GREAT troop! SALUDOS