kurtweinreich

Ditto. Where DO you get those other pieces? Considering cannibalizing another 12" figure...

Sweet! They should make a TD version...

Sweet! Tutorial please!!!!!

Very nice. I may embed that on my Trooper Myspace page.

I don't know if this is anywhere on this site already, but I am seeing a different handguard for sandtroopers, specifically a different one for the left hand. Is there research on this? Just checking before I redo the hand armor.

I am renewing this thread to see how "patrols" can help the goals of the MEPD to expand the Sandtroopers abroad and how we can use them for that purpose. It has been discussed about localization of Sandtroopers for certain areas and the formation of patrols. We know that there were several spaceports on Tatooine, so other patrols could be nice as well. To be clear, this is not a proposal for "splintering" or seperating, but a way to enhance the effectiveness of Sandtroopers "in the field." What is the probablity of all the MEPD getting together? But how about Sandtrooper concentration and smaller areas, thereby showing a larger representation at events and such. Then maybe, at CIV or something, all the MEPD and patrols getting together for one big Sandtrooper event. With patrols, maybe two or three patrols could plan to get together to support other patrols, thereby increasing Sandtrooper presence at many events, even locally. Maybe for the desert areas in the southwest, the Sandtroopers could get together for one big event with mainly sandtroopers. Anyway, just some thoughts. I think the 69th Cavalry has shown a really good example of how this could work as they are sticking together in the south. Here in the mountain Garrison, we have several Sandtroopers as well and sometime get together in desert environments for photoshoots. I think we all, MEPD, MFP, etc., have the same vision to show how we are different than the average stormtrooper and we want the world to know that. I think a serious organization of these patrols should take place to enhance the goals of the Sandtroopers in the 501st. Since the MEPD, is the "mother" of the Sandtrooper movement, I think they/we should assist these patrols to make sure they stay true not only to the costuming standards, but the overall vision to have Sandtrooper representation throughout the Legion. The MEPD could certainly help with references, tutorials, etc. and allow new ones to learn and grow with the eventuality of becoming deployed in the MEPD. With small patrols, these ones could get hands-on assistance and support wioth their costumes instead of just depending on forums. At the local level, new ones, and verterans, can be encouraged seeing other sandtroopers at events, almost making sure a Sandtrooper is present at all times. As these patrols hopefull grow bigger with participation, that only enhances the strength of the Sandtroopers as a force within the Legion....

I am in the process of bringing my TD closer to spec and I want to replace the lenses for green ones. However, there are different sizes and shapes for dfferent styles of helmets. Can anyone tell me what type of helmet (FX, etc.) I have so I can get the right size lenses? Thank you.

On the side, like you said. I will just have to balance it. No, it is not in the movie, but I am looking at my Dewback Statue right now, and it seems all of the toys, figures, etc. that have one with a pike, had the gun attached. Should be fun. Gets us into events that don't allow the guns or guns to be "wielded."

Anyone tried attaching the MG-34 to a backpack? I know some of the ones out there are really heavy, so this issue probably hasn't been brought up. Mine is made of PVC pipe and wood. I want to attach it to the backpack so I can carry my Lewis Gun and/or my Dewback Prod. Apparently, the backpack attachment is usually only part ofr the dewback rider (grey). Anyway. I was thinking the rifle clips they put in trucks. Either way, there is a balance issue. Any thoughts?

Planning to be there, just putting together travel plans. Are we (MEPD) doing something as a group, or will we be assigned places by the 501st? I think we should let the regular troopers do the "guarding" of doorways and such, and we do the "patrolling."

I have made it a point to stay out of political debates for some time. When I was a newbie, the first thing that discouraged me when I first put on my TD was a.) the immediate politics and b.) the negative attitude towards accuracy. I had made a pledge to myself to not get involved, but reading this thread, there are some things missing... As far as the 501st first group itself, we are here for OTHER PEOPLE. Yes, we have great-looking armor. Yes, it is dirty and "accurate." But all that doesn't mean anything if we are not using it for our charities and communities to help enhance the assistance to those in need whether emotionally and/or financially. The MEPD is a DETACHMENT of the group and above all, THAT should be the first concern. As far as the costumes themselves, most of us chose to do the Sandtrooper to be one step above the other "regular" troopers. I have heard many times how our/my armor demonstrates more effort due to the details and "dirt" and how great it is to see a Sandtrooper among all of the other stormtroopers. This detachment should be keeping it along those lines, to assist anyone in trying to get their armor to te next level, not bash them for not having the EXACT dirt. Many of the items quoted here as "accurate" are really based on mistakes made on the original set. Once again, the dirty armor does no one any good in the closet, but is MEANT to be used in the community. As far as the politics, one thing I have discovered is that there is a separation between "old" and "new." However, from what I have seen, most of the power-tripping has come from who was "first," not who was better. First to do the website, First to do the criteria, First to design the patch, etc. This is not just here, but other detachments as well thereby discouraging newbies. My question to that is, speaking of military, what if the armed forces never replaced their troops? Don't be afraid of new ideas. The man who invented the wheel ws pretty happy, then someone invented the bike, then the car, and so on. What if we stopped at inventing the wheel, no one would have made it to the moon! The politics is the ONE thing that can mess up the entire Legion, and it needs to be stopped at the detachment (and even squad) level. The leaders and members of this, and other, detachment should be focusing on how to make us better to serve the community, by organizing and participating in more events, and remembering why this Legion was created in the first place. People have had awesome costumes for a long time, but it wasn't until this Legion was formed that they (the costumes) had a noble purpose. The MEPD can be no different and, in my opinion, should strive to set the example for others. Sorry for the long read. I just had to get it out. I have recently seen one of our local officers step-down and quit for exactly the reasons we are discussing. Again, this organization can be torn down from within... and it seems to be happening.

Replies in "Troop debriefing" section...

If it would help, you could please send me the templates as well and i can send them back to you. Just send me the required size and DPI. I could also help with anyone elses. Thanks.

Sweet collection! I was thinking I had enough with TWO costumes! I am looking to make a cool Clone though...

I just need to replace the knee place, which I have as we speak. I can email you pictures or you can check them out at my gallery TD2391. On the Mountain Garrison website, at the Starfest 05 gallery has my on/off bucket pictures. Thanks.[/img]

Thanks, guys. I was beginning to feel that I wasn't special or had a great idea. I guess I will be a "Hasbro Dewback Rider."

This may be a a really stupid question... But what is the exact rank designation for the differnt colored pauldrons? Mine is grey and I was told that these were for the dewback riders. Confirmation please for black,orange, grey and white. Thanks!

I just turned 33 TODAY! My son loves to tell his friends his dad is a Sandtrooper! You must remember that the majority of Star Wars fans today are not just the kids, but the ones who were young when the classic (real) series came out. Many of the photos I take with fans are the "older" ones who appreciate the work we put into our passion. It is now our job to extend that to a new generation... P.S. I did have one woman ask me if I was trying to relive my childhood and/or handle a mid-life crisis. I expalned to her that our "hobby" also benefits the kids and that I don't wear this stuff around my house on my free time... or maybe just once... or twice.....

Thanks guys! I know we are all trying to have fun, and I really made a point to put all the time and effort I could to stay as accurate and close as possible. I was surprised, however, after all my efforts, to feel that I still may not have gotten it right based on certain opinions. Thanks for all your support and all your feedback. Let the trooping begin!!

Hello everyone! I am new to the ranks and I have been up all night catching up on all the "new" sandtrooper information. I am currently going down the list and my armor is modeled after the movie "TROOPS" which may or may not be right, but that's what it is modeled after in coloring and form. The question that comes for me frequently isn't so much the must-list (you can look at my album: kurtweinreich), but the TYPE of dirt! I have seen airbrushed dirt, train model dirt, etc. up to and including dried clay. Is there a standard for the DIRT? The Original Sandies had some dirt (obviously), and the SE versions have more, darker dirt that looks more like paint. I have trouble believing that they got covered in mud in an environment full of dry sand that wouldn't stick. Yet I have seen armor with what looks like obviously airbrushed browns and/or peanut butter frosting. I am here to troop and have fun. I love being a Sandie and I have always gotten compliments on my armor from fans and troopers alike. But the coloring debate seems to always come up. Any thoughts?

That is a good idea. Where can I get the patch?

Hey Dirty Troopers! I am wanting to join. After consultation with Joe, I am still making the Ab plate modifications, but everything else is good to go! I still don't know how to "post" pictures yet, but you can check out my album at: kurtweinreich. Thanks.