First Troop..... DONE!

[Ragtooth]

After just squeaking in as a 501st TK and HWT within the past few weeks, I did my first troop last night.  It was at the Star Wars night at a Florida Marlin's baseball game (v. the Braves).  There were about 20-25 501st members from a variety of detachments including about 10 TK's.  A few Rebel Legion folks were there as well.   I was the only HWT so I really stood out from the other shiny white TK's (LOL).  

 

We were suited up by 5:30 PM and started rotating groups making trips to a variety of locations including the ticket entrances, photo booths, walking around, the press box, the announcers booth, the first pitch on the field, escorting the umps to the field, the 7th inning stretch on the field, etc.  I even did a "dance off" with another TK on the jumbo-tron.  I jumped in whenever they requested "characters" as I much rather be out and about than waiting in the press conference room where we were staged.

 

All in all it was a blast. The troop lasted until about 9:30-ish.  Not bad for my first troop.  Here are a few comments and observations:

 

• I was afraid to drink a lot of water because I didn't want to have to pee!  
• I discovered that standing for all that time wasn't bad at all - even though I was jealous of the Tie fighter pilot and others that were able to sit.  
• My helmet fans lasted the entire time (THANKS UKSWRATH) as did my Hovi mic system.  
• Wearing my helmet for the lengths of the rotation wasn't bad at all either.  I got used to it fairly quickly.   My padding, etc was perfect. 
• Visibility was "OK" as I could see down from my mouth screen though seeing little kids next to me was challenging.  I was obviously very careful with my DLT-19 the entire time.  
• I could hear most everything that was said except when other TK's were speaking to me... that required a bit more leaning.
• I Learned that most folks TAKE FOREVER to use their phones to take pics.  
• Dad's want to take pics with Stormtrooper almost more that their kids do! 
• My amor and gear performed flawlessly for the most part and was fairly comfortable.  I do need to tweak a few items such as my shin armor and I need to make a chest strap for my pack shoulder straps (as the straps sometimes wanted to pop off my shoulder).
• No snaps, etc. came undone the entire troop.   I saw a few other "newbies" have constant issues here and there.  
• I sweated my an impolite person off!! I need to add a small towel to my kit
• Chicks dug me.  As few especially wanted to "use" the binders in some way...
• The HWT pack started making itself "known" on my left shoulder at about 9:30 PM.  Not sure whether the position changed a bit or it was fatigue.
• Learned to become more "aware" of my pack walking through door ways.  Surprisingly nothing popped off after a few hits in door frames, etc.
• I could dance in Stormtrooper armor! 
• You guys are a great bunch!

 

I already can't wait until my next troop!

 

 

 

 

 

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

Great news, congratulations trooper.

 

If you want to you could post a troop report in the Field Training Exercises section, it may get included in the monthly newsletter .

 

Also if you would like to keep a record of your troops also post a Troop Log in the same section.

 

One troop down and many more to come

[Ragtooth]

Thanks. Going forward I'll post troop reports in that thread. 

[magni[TK]]

Congratulations! Looking great!

[CableGuy[TK]]

Many congrats. That's a great write up (especially for someone like me that is yet to troop) and the pictures are great. :-)

 

[ABomb[TK]]

I am converting my approved TK into an HWT. I want to be able to make my holster and drop boxes swapable between TK and HWT.

 

i also found during my troops that carrying a DLT 19 can get heavy

Edited October 10, 2017 by ABomb

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

2 minutes ago, ABomb said:

I am converting my approved TK into an HWT. I want to be able to make my holster and drop boxes swapable between TK and HWT.

Fitting snaps can definitely help make the pieces removable

[ABomb[TK]]

I never thought about putting snaps through the holster holes. I will have to explore that option. I already figured out on paper how to do snaps on the drop boxes. Just haven’t gotten up the nerve to cut the straps!

[Ragtooth]

1 hour ago, ABomb said:

I never thought about putting snaps through the holster holes. I will have to explore that option. I already figured out on paper how to do snaps on the drop boxes. Just haven’t gotten up the nerve to cut the straps!

I just made an entire new belt without the drop boxes and holster

[magni[TK]]

Per CRL higher level can not have holes present in canvas belt from holster visible. Not sure if pouch covering holes counts as not visible. Just something to think of before you mod with snaps.

[xRIVERx[TK]]

So glad to have you. You looked great! It was a blast!


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[FencingCorvetteTrooper[TK]]

Hi Sergio - Just saw this post, and have to agree - this troop was a blast!  It was my first one as well and definitely worth all the hard work and waiting to get final approval (three days prior!!).  Agreed on all points with the lessons learned (I was one of the newbies with a minor wardrobe malfunction, but that has since been fixed).

 

Look forward to joining you on the 5th for the New World Symphony troop.  I was recently approved for a second costume (Greedo), so I may try to pull off a two-for-one troop given we'll be supporting two separate performances.  Let's see how it goes....

[Ragtooth]

Greedo! Can’t wait to see that one!

 

I’m working on my Death Trooper. I’m hoping to have that one done by The Last Jedi premier troops. 

[FencingCorvetteTrooper[TK]]

3 hours ago, Ragtooth said:

Greedo! Can’t wait to see that one!

 

I’m working on my Death Trooper. I’m hoping to have that one done by The Last Jedi premier troops. 

Funny how this all just started as putting together one costume. Now look at us!