Daetrin

Congrats Rolf! Glad to hear that after all that struggle it worked out OK. I'm sure you'll be a great Dad! It's a helluva lot of work, but so worth it. Take tons of photographs & movies - time will really fly now.

I can vouch for Brian's set-up. I have to say while it's not fancy, it has as he indicates been working flawlessly for 5 years now, and Brian has been regularly trooping that whole time.

Beautiful kids - you're a lucky man

Oi - remind me never to stand next to you once you're sandy - I'll look like crap ;-) great job

Hope you're having a good one

Instead of screws, you can use maybe dzus fasteners as they'll be faster to access?

Pretty incredible Terry! You're doing everyone a service by doing such a great tutorial. The places where I've had HIPS split is actually not on the limbs, but along the cod (which you may not get since you detached it), and at the top of the ab plate.

Complete awesome! It doesn't get any better, and it's great to see you guys upping the quality and accuracy of these pieces. Big thumbs up!

They need to be load bearing if you holster a blaster. I also like having some plastic inserts to prevent sagging when I attach ammo pouches. I'll agree with TM that while Wyatt's belts look great compared to some promo pix and Mark Hamill's belt in some scenes, I prefer the look of folded canvas. Someone once suggested it looked a little like white firehose. Honestly, I'm surprised someone who wore a suit or make them hasn't ID'd it for sure.

Believe it or not there was a bit of a debate in the GML area on whether they should be approved costumes or not. A final word from the LMO should be forthcoming, but so far it looks like it may be if sources are copied and it's well done.

LOL! I also have purple marks on the inside of my elbows after trooping that makes me look like a drug user. But I agree - chicks do dig the scars.

Depends. When I migrated the forums in 2008 it used the same page as FISD, which now allows this. So, it could be the same, but not sure how the Boss does it now.

Is there any way to get a count of deployed troopers back up on the deployed page, or a break out by garrison? It would be pretty cool to see.

I bet it also helps put the pack on as well in terms of sequence, no more unsnapping and snapping the bells to the shoulder straps. Just put your armor on like: 1) Should bells/biceps 2) Pack 3) Slide on Chest/back The quick release for the pouch is a fantastic idea. Can't tell you how many times rivets and snaps (poppers) have come undone, or slid down. Great job!!

Terry - I'm happy to be your go between in this.

I had a resin DC-15LR once and it broke and chipped just looking at it. Never again. Hey Lewis - I need some t-racks for my HF MG-34. Would love it if somehow they and the right gage wire found itself to my doorstep. Will trade swag or $$ :) FWIW, I'd take HF any day of the week. I've trooped with mine nearly every event for years w/o any damage/issues. Worth every penny.

Wicked!

Agreed - the trip of a lifetime - well done!

Typically Dad gets a tie and if he's lucky is left alone to get some private time to a hobby (which you never get enough of with kids), or a BBQ in the afternoon. Not quite the big deal for Dad's as it is Mom's. For me, I'll still make breakfast today, still clean up today, not much different than any other Sunday really. Perhaps when the kids (3 and 5) get older that will change.

LOL - I said the same thing when I saw it at D*Con last year - it's an Endor Rebel Trooper. Guess I never really looked at them before. Regardless, great job Mike

And my wife, at the Great Wall troop in Beijing: I'll have to get a new one as I'm trooping dirty today.

n/p Rick! I think having two and then trying both will really help. Everyone is different, so what works for one may not work for others. Still, I'm a big believer in being able to armor up/off by oneself in 5 minutes or less, so your ideas are excellent

This is awesome and better than either garter I have now. Here are some of my experiences: 1) Using cordura instead of low-stretch elastic for the straps can put excess stress on the thighs and also pull the garter down. 2) I'd suggest putting some suspenders on it. This helps keep the garter from being pulled down if your thighs are a little tight. 3. Like the straps, I prefer to use low-stretch elastic instead of cordura as it allows a little flex as you move about. The quick release is great. I like snaps over velcro as I hate having to re-jigger where to attach the velcro every suit-up and also I find that HIPS armor (ATA, TE2, etc.) doesn't take the strain of snaps in this one area like ABS does, but your way with the clips removes that worry.

boss

I'm grateful that you guys have done all the work - this is amazing to read and see.