tuskentrooper

I started one a long time ago but never finished adding all the photos... http://www.multiplehat.com/whitearmor/binoctutorial.htm At the end of my tutorial, there's also a link to another tutorial.

Just a heads up in regards to some earlier statements in this thread. Although the 501st Charter does not specifically state that there cannot be more than one Detachment per costume type, that is implied and I have confirmed with Albin and Mark (Capt. of the Guard) that this is indeed how Detachments were intended (one per costume type). The Capt of the Guard has not confirmed receipt of any application form for the Moisture Farm Patrol. This is probably a moot point now since the MFP is not striving for official Detachment status anyway, but unit application forms are available on 501st.com, under Garrisons > Unit Application Forms. The smallest recognized units within the 501st Legion are actually Outposts (which only require 1 member). However, an Outpost can only be formed in a region currently unoccupied by any existing Outpost or Garrison (so this would not apply within the USA---all areas are spoken for!). Any formation of an "official" 501st group using the 501st name must be approved by Legion Command. This is because it is too easy for someone to put 501st on a patch or t-shirt and claim to be something that they are not, especially now that the 501st name is being used in gaming communities (Battlefront 2) and collecting forums (501st action figures, etc.). Having the backing of Legion Command will go a long way in helping to grow and promote a group. Note: At this point, the Legion is not sanctioning any additional units other than Detachments, Squads, Outposts and Garrisons. Groups such as the "Tampa Dirty Boys" or "Kilted Trooper Brigade" are not official 501st units...just groups of friends and they do not use the 501st name in conjunction with their identity or merchandise (if any). I hope this helps clear up a few misconceptions. Personally, I don't see a problem with the formation of any group as long as it doesn't use the 501st name. By remaining unaffiliated with the Legion, you can set your own guidelines, costuming/event standards and make merchandise to your heart's content. Feel free to ask me any questions and I will get answers for you from Legion Command. Troop on!

Got the e-mail and I'm on this.

I don't think it's so much a "double standard" as it is protecting the identity of armor makers. Keep in mind that the sale of any replica armor from Star Wars is a copyright infringement with serious legal consequences that have been seen put into effect. Lucasfilm has been kind to the 501st by turning a blind eye to our operations because we do not openly advertise armor sales and because we volunteer for a lot of promotional and charity work. My suggestion is always to identify your local 501st members (through 501st.com) and actually go to events to meet them. Introduce yourself, tell them that you really want to get involved, help out with some local events and a "handler"...and doors will magically open for you.

For those of you who are curious: There is a definite non-random pattern of slots (short/long, long/short, short/long, long/short, short/long). You can also see this handback on the EpIV DVD at the checkpoint scene. Sorry I don't have a screencap. The photo above is the best reference so far.

That's the only downside is the holes that remain from the standard TK kneeplate. You could leave some white rivets in place like you said, or get some kind of filler like wall patching plaster (which is usually white) and fill the holes. Even though the stuff is soft, it shouldn't matter since that area on the side of the knee shouldn't have anything poking into it. If the color doesn't match exactly, dirty it up around the knees like a real Sandtrooper should! Or....you could just leave the holes and nobody except you will ever notice.

If it's made with stacked styrene, not only do you hide the bolts (for easy swapping between knee plate styles) but also get sharper edges that are unattainable with a vacformed kneeplate.

On non-forum pages, the page titles read "Ditry Trooper Centrel" when it should really say "Dirty Trooper Central." I wouldn't mention it except that it's on the home page and rather visible.

TD899 reporting in. The site's looking great! I take it from the MEPD headers that sandtrooper.net is the URL for the MEPD now?