Sawanator

For sure. I will fix those things and repost when it's time. Thanks for the tips on the boots. I didn't notice that. I will fix the gums and re-post that pic. So as luck would have it, I can't find my black paint. I bought it a few years ago, when I started. Went to Michaels and a few local hobby shops. Nobody is carrying the Testors 1747, and apparently Humbrol is on the naughty list in Canada, so it's hard to get replacements. Does anybody know if there is any other substitute paint brand I can use for the black on the vocoder?

Hi everyone, So excited to announce my TK number! I've always had a fascination with stormtroopers and that amazing outfit. Nobody believed this was actually a thing when I told them about it, and I seriously doubted if I could do it too, but here I am! I knew I wanted to do this build with someone, and I was lucky enough my good friend James, who also lives in the Toronto are, and for all intense and purposes is my twin (yes, we were even born on the same day), was thrilled to sign up with me. The journey started as a 40th birthday gift to myself. Originally, it was going to be a trip to Disney Star Wars with the family, but COVID got in the way that, and since I have plenty of time to research things, I stared searching for ways to buy/build a stuit and stumbled upon the FISD website, so here we are. James is really close to submitting as well. We are so excited to get out and start Trooping, especially charity work when it comes around. We are thrilled to be wearing Dark Side Dave's armor. Being so thick was tough to work with initially, but it fits us "huskier' troopers really well, and (as with all armor makers) looks amazing. Dave was always standing by to give a guiding hand, and I also want to send a huge shout out to all of those who helped us on our build thread, for giving us tips, and even picking us up when we thought all hope was lost and they we had either screwed up royally, or felt it was never going to pull together for us. We felt so welcomed into this community, and I have been raving about how supportive this group is. I can't wait to start paying it forward with other future troopers, and I can't wait to get out there and meet all of the amazing people Star Wars brings together. Almost as soon as I got approved, gmrhodes13 hooked me up with Nairy, who helped teach me how to make these awesome banners and play around with Photoshop, after he made my first banner for me!). Everyone just seems so generous. I wish more people could experience this. I'm honoured to be called Trooper with all of you. I've currently started my EIB submission and have the ultimate goal to make Centurion status. Once again, thanks to all for welcoming me and I look forward to seeing you out there. TK-13239 out

I've add the photos requested. I just realized I put the wrong paint on (it was too glossy). I'll have to redo the vocoder, but I can seem to find the right paint at home, so I may have to pick one up before I can re-post with cleaner lines (my apologies, I have shaky hands when it comes to fine motor things). The photo (outside shot) I added of the shoulder bridges, it that ok for submission?

I have made changes to the paint on the vocoder and removed the writing from the gloves and replaced those images in the original post. Please note, the angled shot where I tried to show my lens is the old vocoder paint job. The new paint job is in the head on shot. I also added a picture from earlier in the summer when I was trying things on. You can see the shoulder bridge over the back plate in that one. Hope this helps. Cheers, Matt

Wow, didn't notice that. Thanks. Should I retake that picture for submission?

Just did that. Should I fix things up the suggestions above first?

Ya, that really sucked. I was following the standard gaps then realized I needed to even it out for larger armor. Oops! I would still love to improve those plugs and really buff it out, but it's good enough for now. Lost a few pounds once I realized that mistake!

Thanks for the tips. I can do that easily! I wasn't sure what to do about the gloves, so definitely feedback I was looking for. Cheers.

TK-13239 Requesting ANH Stunt EIB Status Name: Matthew Sawa TK-13239 https://www.501st.com/members/displaymemberdetails.php?userID=37125 FISD: Sawanator Garrison: Canadian Height: 6’2” Weight: 225lbs Armor and helmet maker: Dave’s Darkside Depot Blaster maker: QuestDesignCanada Boot Maker: Custom boots made by Jasmine Martins. These boots were based of a pair of Crowprops that did not fit. I have a size 14 wide foot and I could not find a shoe maker. She did a pretty outstanding job IMO. Canvas Belt Maker: ImperialIssue Handguards: Justjoseph63 Holster and Neck Seal Maker: DarmansProps Here are my pictures for submission:

You are a wonderful person! I love it, thanks!

Already combed that one! Was so excited the first day I got approved, I was trying to soak everything in. Thanks again for all your help. It's so appreciated, all through this build. You, and all the other troopers who chime in, are awesome. Excited to start paying it forward.

Bing! Lightbulb finally went off! Lol I was so confused what the first link was (because I was only looking at the other links that took you to the 501st.com site). I get it now, sorry for being slow on the uptake. Access has been requested.

TK 13239, requesting access https://www.501st.com/members/displaymemberdetails.php?userID=37125

Thanks for the tip. Worked like a charm!

Thanks. This is great. I got my TK status up and running on the 501st and have access to the forums. Not sure how/were to update the bade, or does that just happen on its own? I'll put in for the fancy banner (which is awesome, thanks for posting that). I will put in for my Expert Infantry soon. Is this the right post to follow? Aside from the standard front back side photos I used for submission, are there any extra photos that are worth posting to help with this application? Thanks again for the assistance.

Well, it's official. TK status approved! Now how does one get those cool pictures you all have with your TK number? Is there an app or photo site that works well for these things?

Thanks for the tips. Just curious, how should the drop boxes line up? I thought the right edge of the drop box had to line up with the right edge of the last ammo slot on the belt +when looking at the left side). Or is it just that it's not straight? I think my leg was slightly bent which make it look not lined up.

Thanks for the tips. Any idea how to cut the bottom of those clips?

Back from hiatus. Made several tweaks and added internal padding to try to keep things in place and prevent the armour from rotating on me. One thing I noticed here is that I now have an overlap on "wings" of my AM black plate (bottom corners). I've ready other posts about this being an issue. I never bothered to fix these because it didn't used to over lap. Should I try suiting up again and seeing if if was just the way I was wearing it, or should I clip the wings on the bottom? v

No. I didn't hear about that. When I last checked ImperialBoots, they didn't carry my size (14 or 13 Wide). Thanks for letting me know about KeepTrooping, though. I'll check their sizes in their next wave.

Ya, I was worried about that. Sucks being so close and can't find footwear that works.

Alright. Back at it we go. We drilled out our rivets and patched them up. We are still playing with buffing them down so it looks right. I'll post some pictures in a bit. The main thing I want to focus on today is boots. I've posted before that I have rather large feet and don't fit the standard trooper boots. I tried Crowprops, but it just didn't work out for me (James' were fine). Anyway, I'm at the point of sources new boots and found some Chelsea boots that I want to have painted. I'm thinking if just using these for trooping as I'm sure they aren't up to snuf, but I wasn't sure how all the rules around that worked. Please let me know if these boots would pass for general trooping? I have a pair to wear for when I submit, I just can't wear them that long.

This is great, feedback. Thanks. I wore it for about 2 hours today. These are my take aways: -i need to fix straps for sure. My biceps and shoulders were too saggy -need padding in the forearms, bicep and thighs to prevent rotating. -my chest is pushing my helmet up, and I really can't see. Is this normal? -the cod piece really digs into my thighs at the back before it curves in. Are there any fixes for this? Other than that, it wasn't bad at all. No other biting armor anyway.

So I'll start this by saying this is a test run. I have lot's of issues to fix, but I was really happy to just get it to the point where I could wear it. Things I know I have to do: Fix rivet (they are the wrong spacing). Already practice patching a crack, so feeling better about this fix Fix my knee ammo belt (it's just on temporarily, but is upside down...it's a long story). a replacement is on it's way. Figure out how to adjust my should bells being so far away. The seems ok from the back, but haven't figured out how to close the gap at the front. Small gap between kidney and butt plate (easily fixed) One leg was sitting lower than the other Need to pull in my kidney and abs plate a bit better The last thing is my helmet, When I wear it without armor, it's fine, but with everything on, it doesn't come down far enough. Feels like it's hitting my chest armor and pushing it up. I was able to correct it a bit by shoving a small rag at the back of my head, which tips the helmet down a bit. You'll see it looks like I stand a little knock-kneed, which throws off the angle of my legs. Need to practice standing straighter. Also, I find my thighs rotate a bit, could someone help me with the orientation? How should those thighs be sitting? Anyway, please comment away. I know I have lot's of fixes coming, and I want to get it right. Thanks.