Thursday 24-Sep-2015, 09:15 PM
Hello all 
So here's my introduction thread.
My names Mark, I'm a 30 something, live on the Gold Coast and am very interested in joining the 501st.
I've seen you guys multiple times at various events over the years and have always had an itch to participate. I was at OzComicCon in Brisbane last week and got to chatting with The Scotsman late Sunday afternoon (I was dressed as Deadpool) about how the legion actually works and what's involved with trooping. He invited me to come join the forums and check it out, so, here I am
While I'm sure I would love the convention stuff, I find the charity work most appealing and I would enjoy volunteering for those types of events. I also think the community and social aspects would be extremely rewarding and very much worth the time and effort involved in being a member of the 501st.
My heart is set on the Stormtrooper.
The iconic look has always appealed to me and It has been a life long dream to have my very own TK helmet. The next logical step of course is to have the whole costume and complete the ensemble.
I have signed my self up over at whitearmor as well, and in taking the first steps down this path, I've been reading and researching most of the week to get a better idea of what I'd be in for if I take the plunge, but as you are all aware, there is a LOT of information to process, so I could use some help.
I am pretty crafty, good with my hands, and I think I already own most of the tools I would need to get started.
The construction process seems daunting but not too overwhelming. With a bit of guidance, I think I will actually enjoy that part.
As far as getting started, I'm still a bit unsure of my best options, so advice here would be greatly appreciated.
I'm up for a challenge, and with TK armor in mind, I would like to set my sights high and aim for Centurion level from the outset.
I'm still undecided as far as the style goes, and again could use advice on this. Price, availability, construction difficulty and durability are all concerns for me in addition to aesthetics.
Having reviewed the CRL I want to stick with the 'clean' TK look. I don't really have a preference though, I like ANH, ESB, RoTJ and TFA/TFO equally.
With that said, and without knowing the suitability, my guess is ANH hero would be the best choice.
I would want to stick with ABS material, and would likely require a slightly larger build. I'm 6'0, 88kg, and also have a pretty large head circumference (61cm) as well as large thighs and a bit of a gut (though I am working on that :P)
Of the recommended vendors, I'm not sure if my requirements may limit me to RT (4%larger bucket?) That said, based on the info in the FSID vendor thread, my preferred choice would be RS (they have an option inc an accessory kit- see my next point)
I'm also having trouble trying to calculate a total budget for the whole project.
I'm aware there is much more needed then just the initial armor kit and could do with some advice and ball park costings of the required accessories. (Everything for centurion level inc. e-11 blaster)
As I said above, I already own most of the tools I think I'll need, but I do also need to cost the extra parts and materials that will be required for the assembly (studs, Velcro, webbing, straps, screws etc)
I have a feeling much of this will have an element of "...it costs what it costs..." and I'm okay with paying a fair price. I have a pretty extensive Mtg collection that I can dip into to help bankroll this endeavour, but I'd also rather not spend more then I have too.
So that's my intro. Sorry for the wall of text. Thanks for reading this far.
- spoon
So here's my introduction thread.
My names Mark, I'm a 30 something, live on the Gold Coast and am very interested in joining the 501st.
I've seen you guys multiple times at various events over the years and have always had an itch to participate. I was at OzComicCon in Brisbane last week and got to chatting with The Scotsman late Sunday afternoon (I was dressed as Deadpool) about how the legion actually works and what's involved with trooping. He invited me to come join the forums and check it out, so, here I am
While I'm sure I would love the convention stuff, I find the charity work most appealing and I would enjoy volunteering for those types of events. I also think the community and social aspects would be extremely rewarding and very much worth the time and effort involved in being a member of the 501st.
My heart is set on the Stormtrooper.
The iconic look has always appealed to me and It has been a life long dream to have my very own TK helmet. The next logical step of course is to have the whole costume and complete the ensemble.
I have signed my self up over at whitearmor as well, and in taking the first steps down this path, I've been reading and researching most of the week to get a better idea of what I'd be in for if I take the plunge, but as you are all aware, there is a LOT of information to process, so I could use some help.
I am pretty crafty, good with my hands, and I think I already own most of the tools I would need to get started.
The construction process seems daunting but not too overwhelming. With a bit of guidance, I think I will actually enjoy that part.
As far as getting started, I'm still a bit unsure of my best options, so advice here would be greatly appreciated.
I'm up for a challenge, and with TK armor in mind, I would like to set my sights high and aim for Centurion level from the outset.
I'm still undecided as far as the style goes, and again could use advice on this. Price, availability, construction difficulty and durability are all concerns for me in addition to aesthetics.
Having reviewed the CRL I want to stick with the 'clean' TK look. I don't really have a preference though, I like ANH, ESB, RoTJ and TFA/TFO equally.
With that said, and without knowing the suitability, my guess is ANH hero would be the best choice.
I would want to stick with ABS material, and would likely require a slightly larger build. I'm 6'0, 88kg, and also have a pretty large head circumference (61cm) as well as large thighs and a bit of a gut (though I am working on that :P)
Of the recommended vendors, I'm not sure if my requirements may limit me to RT (4%larger bucket?) That said, based on the info in the FSID vendor thread, my preferred choice would be RS (they have an option inc an accessory kit- see my next point)
I'm also having trouble trying to calculate a total budget for the whole project.
I'm aware there is much more needed then just the initial armor kit and could do with some advice and ball park costings of the required accessories. (Everything for centurion level inc. e-11 blaster)
As I said above, I already own most of the tools I think I'll need, but I do also need to cost the extra parts and materials that will be required for the assembly (studs, Velcro, webbing, straps, screws etc)
I have a feeling much of this will have an element of "...it costs what it costs..." and I'm okay with paying a fair price. I have a pretty extensive Mtg collection that I can dip into to help bankroll this endeavour, but I'd also rather not spend more then I have too.
So that's my intro. Sorry for the wall of text. Thanks for reading this far.
- spoon