Pyrates Troop Log

[Pyrates[TK]]

Yes mate, all of my troops have been with bubble lenses and had no problems EXCEPT when it gets hot and they fog up. This should be remedied now that I have got fans from Tony. Additionally would have been much worse had I not followed your great tip to mount the lenses with Velcro like you showed me - so fist bump for another awesome piece of advice !!!

 

 

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[TK 2759[501st]]

Yes mate, all of my troops have been with bubble lenses and had no problems EXCEPT when it gets hot and they fog up. This should be remedied now that I have got fans from Tony. Additionally would have been much worse had I not followed your great tip to mount the lenses with Velcro like you showed me - so fist bump for another awesome piece of advice !!!

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I tried my bubble lenses, always carry them about to a troop, but can't see details... Figured it wasn't as safe as a flat lenses, but think I'll try to keep them in... I can see, just shapes mostly... Doesn't help with lip reading, as I'm tone deaf, but the bucket doesn't do much for that either lol

[Pyrates[TK]]

I tried my bubble lenses, always carry them about to a troop, but can't see details... Figured it wasn't as safe as a flat lenses, but think I'll try to keep them in... I can see, just shapes mostly... Doesn't help with lip reading, as I'm tone deaf, but the bucket doesn't do much for that either lol

My lenses are from Vaderpainter on eBay, maybe it was the way that they were formed? As for sound, would Tony's audio assist kit be able to help? I have also seen other audio amplifier equipment that could possibly benefit you - I will look into it and get back to you with some options Captain!

 

 

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[TK 2759[501st]]

My lenses are from Vaderpainter on eBay, maybe it was the way that they were formed? As for sound, would Tony's audio assist kit be able to help? I have also seen other audio amplifier equipment that could possibly benefit you - I will look into it and get back to you with some options Captain!

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Been thinking about the audio kit, but uncertain... As my hearing loss is reverse slope I'm uncertain about paying a lot (as I had done with two different sets of hearing aids) just to find out it doesn't help...

 

As to lenses... I have no clue... My lens come from SDS and is one piece like what they used in ANH...

[Troopacoola[TK]]

Been thinking about the audio kit, but uncertain... As my hearing loss is reverse slope I'm uncertain about paying a lot (as I had done with two different sets of hearing aids) just to find out it doesn't help...

 

As to lenses... I have no clue... My lens come from SDS and is one piece like what they used in ANH...

Here's a hearing assist kit. I may be wrong but I think its the same kit (or very similar) which Tony builds and uses as the basis for his kits.

You have to solder it yourself, but a very reasonable price.

 

[Barcoder[TK]]

I can't believe you didn't include the pics from our truly fabulous disco-trooper-conga line!!!?? Tsk tsk....

[Pyrates[TK]]

I can't believe you didn't include the pics from our truly fabulous disco-trooper-conga line!!!?? Tsk tsk....

https://youtu.be/7W6A2kvbigU

 

#hittingmyheadontheblastdoors

 

OMG Peter, you are so right mate (hanging my TK head in shame) I put them in my article for the Garrison debrief but totally dropped the disco ball here - my bad

 

#TKredemption

 

Let's fix that now as it was an epic part of that adventure.

 

Here is our finest moment of the troop:

 

Badlands Garrison Disco-Trooper-Conga Line

 

 

 

 

[Strength]

I have Tony's hearing assist in my helmet. I already had to do this, but with some Bluetooth headphones, Bluetooth transmitter, and the amplifier turned up all the way I'm able to hear everyone around me.

 

I wasn't really sure about all the crazy stories you read. You know, the ones that people hearing their name said from somebody 20 feet away. But I heard some people chattering and they sounded like they were pretty close to me, like within three feet, but when I turned it turned out to be they were a good 20-plus feet away.

 

I trooped the trooper who doesn't have it and he says he doesn't really need it. Personally, I'm really glad I have it installed.

 

My lenses are from Vaderpainter on eBay, maybe it was the way that they were formed? As for sound, would Tony's audio assist kit be able to help? I have also seen other audio amplifier equipment that could possibly benefit you - I will look into it and get back to you with some options Captain!

 

 

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Edited August 1, 2016 by Strength

[Pyrates[TK]]

Patrolling the Badlands Rockies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited August 12, 2016 by Pyrates

[Troopacoola[TK]]

Patrolling the Badlands Rockies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hahahaha! Love the shot with the boots off.......Hope you had a good paddle!

 

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[Pyrates[TK]]

Hahahaha! Love the shot with the boots off.......Hope you had a good paddle!

 

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You know us Mountain Troopers

[Pyrates[TK]]

Another trip to Grande Prairie area for an absolutely stellar wedding. Celebrated with my wickedly awesome FN brother and my valued TK Twin.

 

Memories that will truly last a lifetime and beyond.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Pyrates[TK]]

After breaking new ground earlier this year with the Badlands first ever Pride event, thanks the upstanding hard work of Garrison senior staff (Cheers Allen and Peter) it was only a matter of time before another moment was to be made in Badlands history.

 

Absolutely beyond excited to present and support The Badlands Garrison's First Pride Parade!

 

Cheers to The Original VI!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 14, 2016 by Pyrates

[Haso[TK]]

Great pics. Looks like you guys are having a lot of fun out there.

 

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[Strength]

That's a Darth Nihilus I'd party with!!

 

Trooper 31201 | Star Garrison | North Texas Squad

Edited September 14, 2016 by Strength

[Pyrates[TK]]

Imperial Wedding Escort

 

It seems to be the month for wedding requests!

 

So in good fashion and shiny armor Lord Vader made sure we were there in full force to make sure the Happy Newlyweds had a wedding reception that no one would forget.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Pretzel]

Great stuff Pyrates! Great photos

[Pyrates[TK]]

Community League Day - TK Twin Style

 

With the potential cancellation of the event my TK Twin and I stepped up to plate and took on the assignment. Making smiles happen for small ones, parents, military personnel and emergency responders alike. The excitement was infectious, oh and did I mention hot dogs?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edmonton MLA Heather Sweet meeting the 501st for the first time!

 

 

My twin always seems to catch me eating

[Pyrates[TK]]

Great stuff Pyrates! Great photos

Cheers mate - überly appreciated!

[Pyrates[TK]]

501st Wedding

 

Our old Garrison Commanding Officer decided to the tie the knot and what an epic day it was!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hmmm - this Mando bucket makes me want to do some moonlighting - hope Lord Vader doesn't mind lol

 

Edited October 29, 2016 by Pyrates

[justjoseph63[Staff]]

I GOTTA get up to the Great White North and troop with you guys!!!!

[Pyrates[TK]]

I GOTTA get up to the Great White North and troop with you guys!!!!

You always have a place here good sir!

 

 

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[Pyrates[TK]]

There's always time to take a moment to reflect and pay respects to those who have sacrificed everything to give us what we have today: Freedom.

Having served myself in the Canadian Forces I wanted to give appreciation to those that have served before me, are serving, and have served - some making the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live the way we do.

To all my brothers and sisters in arms around the world - all the love and gratitude in the world.

 

Once a soldier, always a soldier.

Photo by Stephen and Deez Campbell

 

TK - 99725 salute and buckets off

Edited February 2, 2017 by Pyrates

[Pyrates[TK]]

Right then, it's about time that I get this log caught up.

 

It's absolutely amazing how quickly your world moves into light speed when you join the 501st.

 

Traveling all over the province and redefining Star Tours - pun fully intended . So just as quickly as my first Comic Expo ended, I blinked and the Edmonton Expo was quickly upon me.

 

 

I had the privilege of driving from Calgary to Edmonton (very scenic road trip) to help with the set build on a few occasions, each time the excitement growing in monstrous proportions to match that of the new expanded set which was to cover a 30'x50' area.

 

 

My close friend and build brother, Peter spearheading the entire event from set to schedule, teaching me the work-up to making this kind of event happen. Hours of planning, calls, building flags and panels, ensuring all the slots in the set schedule were filled with troopers.

 

Meanwhile the rest of the time was spent working together with Teresa diligently following his every instruction and request. This was to be the Badlands largest display in it's 11 year history.

 

 

The day of the expo set-up was nigh impossible to focus on my real work. Once again, that indescribable surge of energy and eager anticipation starts charging through your system. As soon as I was done work for the day, I was flying like a tie fighter north to the Convention Centre to help out.

 

Three ("schhickkt" cough, cough two "schhickkt") hours later I was on site grabbing my tools and ready to rock! To my surprise almost everything had already been set-up. I was taken aback, mouth open in awe catching bantha bugs, by the 501st presentation that towered before me.

 

 

 

It was a haven for all things Star Wars, graced with a huge change room with lots of tables and a few chairs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After a few finishing touches we went back to base camp, where Peter treated us to a surprise by unveiling his new BB-8 droid to be displayed at the Expo the next day. The workmanship was meticulous, and the sound so real it had me star struck as the droid voiced itself - no clue what he was saying.

 

 

 

Game day... here we go again!!!

 

 

Before the Expo was open we had approximately 100 students lined up outside of our section and buzzing to get in. My TK Twin and I glanced at one another eyes wide, as we were scheduled for the photo booth, we fist bumped without hesitation and said "Let's do this!"

 

 

With a quick greeting to our first customers of the day and announcement to have their cameras ready we began firing people through each of the photo booths. TK Twins passing off cameras without having to speak a word to one another, we somehow managed to get everyone through in 35 minutes. Mission accomplished for the rookies of the Garrison.

 

 

 

 

 

By the end of the first day I was bagged, but in great spirits. Filled with contentment and satisfaction that comes with watching the magic that fills everyone's eyes as they get lost from the world of reality, and the world of Star Wars takes it's place. You can see it wash over them, their imaginations peaked as they take in all that can be seen, and finally the stamp of approval as the smiles appear.

 

 

Day 2 - An unexpected run in with Royalty and a Droid

 

With the Badlands in full force, we kitted up and readied ourselves for deployment. Once again pure Imperial power drawing in the passerby's. Cell phones snapping photos of the display and our members.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our CO decided to camouflage himself in with the other mannequins behind the rope of area - standing motionless. However, you always knew when the Shadowtrooper moved as there was always a gasp or a yelp that could be distinctly heard from the other side the booth followed by laughter.

 

For us OTK's it was time for us to roll out with the boss. It didn't take long for the masses to line up for the photo booth when Lord Vader graced them with his presence.

 

 

One of my new favorite things to watch is when the littlest ones march straight up to the Sith like they're in charge, and literally taking over command of their newly acquired stormtroopers. So to make sure the boss doesn't feel left out we always build him back up again with some serious action shots.

 

 

On my way out of the change room after a quick break, there was mad whispers floating about. Moments later I was briefed me that Brian Herring stopped by with his agent and were absolutely blown away by Peter's BB-8. Teresa, who was coordinating the Expo Bash, quickly mustered up plans and invited the two to as honorary VIP's for the evening's festivities.

 

 

Finally, after kitting down it was time to charge the fuel cells and peruse the sites of the Expo... who knew how lucky it was go at that exact moment.

 

I was just leaving a booth to head back for my next shift, as I was going to be late (you don't want to be tardy when Peter,s running the show), when I just about stepped on someone's dog.

 

Hmmm wait... what's a dog doing in the expo? The small brown french bulldog and I stood there looking at each other for. I cocked my head puzzled and he in turn actually did the same. I laughed, leaned down, then pet the little guy as his huge tongue sagged out of his mouth.

 

"Oh hi Gary!" escaped my mouth, sure I knew this dog....wait.... I paused - then like a speeder bike into the tree of Endor it hit me.

 

There she was smirking at me, big dark glasses but there was no mistaking her.

 

After a very brief conversation I nodded, and bid Carrie a very good day. I was back on my way to the 501st booth with a big sheepish grin on my face. First Peter Mayhew, now Carrie Fisher - who says the Legion doesn't have it perks.

 

Hindsight, I do wish I had spent more time talking with her - nevertheless the time and opportunity to meet her face to face was priceless. I'm glad that a few of us got together to get a photo with her and Gary.

 

 

Suiting up again, the TK Twins were back in action at the Find-A-Trooper Contest and having fun with the attendees waiting in line to see some of the panels. Then back to the booth to croon "Putting on the ritz" with a pirated light saber left on a table by one of our Jedi's - I love to keep the troops morale high during the quiet lulls.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By the end of the final day we were all tuckered out, yet still smiling. The expo had been a grand success thanks to Peter's monumental work managing operations and ensuring everything ran smoothly. I can't express enough appreciation for his above and beyond effort and commitment.

 

 

 

Bucket of to you my brother - Vader bless you for making this event that much more memorable, organized, and enjoyable. - Fist bump !

 

 

In loving memory of Carrie Fisher - gone too soon and forever remembered.

 

Edited June 7, 2017 by Pyrates

[Soulart[TK]]

Ah..... Our set kicked A$$, and I loved building, painting, creating all those flags, the friggin tiny deathstars on top of the stanchion posts I just loved! . All of it was beautiful. All of us that created this build, did amazing. I loved every moment.

It was a great Expo, and we trooped our hearts out! Ran the 2 photos lines like pros!!!!!!!! Hours and hours in armor!

Ah dear TK Twin..... So memorable. Can't wait to do it again!!!!

Since you did a great recollection of it for us both, I'll not bother entering this one into a field report.