New - Bakersfield CA

[Stingray]

Hello. I'm just getting started down this rabbit hole. I have been interested in a Stormtrooper (ANH) suit for years but have never been able to get to the finish line with one. I've 3d printed a helmet and it came out ok but I just wasn't really satisfied with the finish and didn't really like the 3D printable armor I was able to find online. So, after years of wanting... I finally reached out to a couple people, one who is 501st and got some more direction and advice. 

I'm happy to say that I just commissioned the build of a Stormtrooper Stunt Pro Built Suit (ANH) through RS Prop Masters. I'm currently working on all the required measurements they need and will have that info to them by the end of day. RS Prop Masters is advising a 12 week lead time for the suit so, I plan on using the time to research more about the sound stuff (icomm/akers/etc) so I can get all of my ducks in a row for when the suit arrives from the UK.

I have a friend that built an R2D2 years ago and he goes to a lot of charity type stuff with it and I've always thought it would be fun to go to some of those events with him, so that is what I'm interested in so far.

I'm still exploring the 501st forums and trying to get a better feel for everything.

Once I get my suit from RS Prop Masters I think I will be filling out an application for the 501st and go through that process.

I'm pretty excited and anxious to get my suit and plan on getting a mannequin so I can display the suit when I'm not using it.
 

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

Hello and welcome to the forum, good luck with the research, this thread can be a great assistance to the first time builder 

 

[Sly11[Admin]]

Welcome to FISD Steve!

Looks like you have things well underway, we look forward to seeing photos of you fully kitted up.

[JBar[TK]]

From what I've seen RS Props do a great job. One thing though is that they work hard for "movie accuracy" which is great but that means the strapping is a bit dated. Here's a good reference on where to put snaps and straps:

Once approved or if you need pre approval (not required) I hope you can post here so we can take a look: https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/forum/193-request-tk-pre-approval/

 

Hope you enjoy once RS delivers. In the meantime there's a wealth of knowledge here on everything stormtrooper

[Nairy[Staff]]

Hello Steve! Congratulations on your RS order!!  Really excited for you, however not a fan of the waiting time, I had to wait 14 weeks and it felt like an eternity!

 

If you are interested in the higher levels of approval as I was, I can strongly recommend checking out a lot of Expert Infantry and or Centurion applications! You gain deep knowledge of the armor and it is a really fun process!

 

As for getting a feel for everything: Here is a little something that could help out with that!

 

[Nairy[Staff]]

If you're going to get yourself a mannequin to display your armor, make sure that it isn't in the sun! One of the things that seems to speed up armor yellowing is direct sunlight for longer peroids of time!