TD2802

Just a suggestion but keeping in character with our 'elite' status, wouldn't it be neato to have an oath of duty or loyalty on the homepage, or somewhere prominent on the boards? Maybe when someone's applying for deployment they could check a box signifying their adherence to the oath. Again purely to stay in character once all the deployment requirements are met. Something along the lines of sworn to defending the empire, loyal to DV, elimination of jedi traitors, etc... Open the boards for possible submissions. Thoughts? Too cornball?

It's generally a spray lacquer, often referred to as gloss or dull coat. It would certainly help in sealing it, but I think it would ruin the look because you'd end up with either having dull/flat armor or shiny dirt. I went to art school for a number of years and don't recall it being anything other than one of those two items. Mike, You're the unrivalled weatherexpert! I'll probably end up getting some fuller's earth and see if any other sandies in my garrison would be interested in splitting the cost. Before doing so however, do you know of any alternative mediums to achieve similar results? If not then I assume fuller's is the only way to go. Thanks!

Thanks Paul! Edit on that last link: http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d168/ ... wis002.jpg

Slave, Those hyperfirms look killer! Well after tweaking my camera settings, I was able to get some half-decent pics. Please excuse the glare from the flash giving that washed-out look and doesn't do justice to my weathering attempts. Custom made the grips with a rasping file (LOTS of filing!) and sanding with 220 grit sp. More here: http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d168/ ... wis004.jpg http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d168/ ... wis003.jpg ttp://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d168/t ... wis002.jpg My gratitude goes once again to MEPD for the inspiration and helping making this a fun project.

And as soon as his camera is fixed, he'll post pix of what a great job he did. Tried to take pix again but either the photographer (me) or the camera suck (a 1998 model). Its ok for wide angle shots but closeups for detail come out way too dark. I try to avoid using a flash to avoid overexposure and instead use lots of lighting but still no luck. Anyway once I figure out what's wrong or get hold of a better camera I'll post what i've done.

A good decision to go with the darkside but the dirtside will always be here for you to command whenever you feel the urge for some of us to add daylight to a sandcrawler or 'foreclose' on a moisture farm

I think the concensus was that the stock was either black or a very dark wood stain on screen. The real lewis stock had a lighter finish which allowed the grain to show through. Personally I like the woodgrain finish better myself but I suppose for accuracy you can't go wrong with all black. What I did was compromise by painting the stock all black and weathered the edges and other wear areas. I later applied a wood gel stain to those places to give the illusion of the underlying wood showing through the worn areas.

A few weeks ago, three of us 'WA sandies' actually had an informal discussion about doing something similar inspired by our Tampa Bay comrades. Like td8020 mentioned, we felt it would create some 'esprit de corp' and be a source of help for any local newbies. It was fun coming up with possible subgroup names (ie. Sand Point [Patrol]) after a nearby naval facility, etc...) and patch designs. So I would agree that a patrol within the legion>garrison>MEPD would be a constructive idea allowing for more flexibility if time and/or logistics don't permit a garrison-wide turnout for a given event and a 501st/MEPD showing was needed on the fly.

Hey I'd be ready for Waikiki, Ala Moana, Haleiwa or a North Shore patrol!! Especially considering where I'm stuck now.

Thanks again guys. I'm planning on replacing the oil transfer can on the bottom left with something smaller and more accurate. Also will eventually place something on top of the cylindrical filter piece so it won't appear hollow. As for hydrating, haven't heard about integrating something into a pack itself but have heard it suggested that a camelbak under your armor may work.

I sense somewhat of a disturbance in the force with this - no wait, just gas

Like the lights setup Good job!!!

Guns, Great example! There was a similar thread addressing this issue: http://www.sandtrooper.net/forum/viewto ... 0&start=15 Looks like this puppy's not going to rest anytime soon!

I also carry some spare CA which is good for bonding small parts. Velcro also works in a pinch. Thanks Paul . Recently I've been using contact cement like Goop to bond things and haven't had any mishaps so far...

Thanks for this thread and tips guys on an oft-neglected piece of a TD's arsenal

Man that's wunderbar!! One of the best I've seen yet!

Niiiice!! You guys look like you're ready to kick some major okole!

Already got plans to mount my Lewis above the fireplace to give any would-be Romeos second thoughts.

Looking good!! Your conversion to the dirtside is just about complete. Now get deployed!

They recently were invited to perform on NHK (Japan's govt. run tv network) annual Red and White Show. Basically every New Year, they broadcast a bunch of their national celebrities and pop idols doing their thing. This year's had a SW theme in it. The pics were from the Japan Garrison's rehearsal and performance and does look pretty cool. Too bad they didn't do this when I lived there because the show can be pretty insipid at times.

Good work! Fear isn't in our vocabulary, including armor mods!

Anyone have any luck finding a rear sling swivel or something close yet? I already have a couple D-rings from an old MP holster one of them could go on. Thanks

Check this if you haven't yet: http://www.sandtrooper.net/mepd/require/ As long as you got the drive, persistence and patience you should do all right. Looks like you're already off to a good start! Kudos on the mg-15 btw - nice handiwork!

I was thinking of cutting some half-round dowels to length. Chocolate would melt and then you'd be smearing it. Then there are the flies...

Mike, Said it before and will say it again but Congrats on a beautiful baby! Hope to see her and the rest of your family in person soon!