SCRIBBLER

Thanks, Everyone for welcoming me into the ranks of the "Down & Dirty"! Ever since I first heard of this detachment, I was hooked to try and become one of you elite troopers. Months of visiting the boards and asking for advice brought me to where I am now with the MEPD. From trial and error on armor fittings, wrong accessories, bad fitting HIPS (haha)The trip was well worth it! I am happy and proud to march alongside you all. Much Mahalo again, People! Noel - I finally get to serve under your command, Brother! Juan - Thx for the advice you've given me over the past couple of months! Rick - Thx again to one of the best pack builders in the MEPD! Rolf - Thx for being an inspiration to all of us armor builders! 'Nuff said! Nathan ( SCG / GML) - Thx for being patient with me through this whole process. (Starting from becoming a TK STUNT to a TD) And this TD process didn't just start last week. I've been in contact with you on advice since last November! haha And to the rest of the troopers of the MEPD, a big MAHALO to each and every one of you for asking the questions and giving the answers on the boards to help us newbies get Sandy the right way! Sorry, if it sounds like I'm just rambling Everyone. It's just a great feeling to be able to emulate a character from a movie(s) which obviously inspired each and everyone of us growing up! (Now if I can only figure out how to mass produce 'Jedi Mind Trick Dampeners' for our lids, we'd all be set!) Oh, please feel free to check out my website. Just a collection of the commissioned Comic Book Artwork I do for a living. Hence the name "SCRIBBLER". (Warning: Some Mature Content) My link

Awesome weathering technique! Great looking armor, Brother!

Rick - Thx, Bro! And thx again for a fantastic pack! I'm finally going to be able to hunt droids with you and the 'Dirty Boys' (and Girls) now! (Ah, it's the little things in life!)

My link Nathan - COOL!!! Thx, Brother! Now to get down and dirty...er...Dirtier! Below are the hand plate mods you requested... Juan - I finally got approved for TD status! Woo Hoo! Also, below are the mods you had requested as well. Back Plate strapping set-up and repainted AB Plate section... If any more mods are needed, Guys please let me know!

Rick - Thx again for the pack, Bro! The details and work you put into creating this thing is fantastic! I hope others will look to you (and Quartermaster) as one of the many great resources here in the MEPD for screen accurate packs! I can't wait to join the 'Dirty Boys'!

Rick - lol No, It's cool, Brother! I know that the SC Garrison has been pretty busy with applications and training lately, so I totally understand that there will be a slight delay. I'm seriously going to use this extra time to tweak the armor and pack a little bit more. BTW, I got this Radio Dial decal in the mail today from TK 4510. It looks perfect on the pack you made me, no?

Dave - Thx, Brother! And greetings to everyone in the EMPIRE CITY GARRISON!

Nathan - For the record, I'm totally cool with the waiting process, Brother! I'm using the time to find ammo for the T-21 and to see if the Pod Races are still around over in Mos Espa...

Rolf - You're welcome, Brother! =) As for the pauldron, yes it was from tkboots.com / shoulderpauldrons.com I bought an orange, white and black one from them. I know I may be thinking ahead, but if and when I do decide to go S.W.A.T. (provided I get 501st TD status and MEPD deployment), I either want to be the 'STOP THAT SHIP' or 'LOOK SIR, DROIDS' Trooper. We'll see...

Excellent work, Darren! I really like your "down and dirty" weathering technique. Oh, and a nice little arsenal you got there too, Brother! =)

Gian - Thx for the compliment, Bro! Grazie! Juan - Thx again for the advice and PLEASE do continue to do your blog. I especially loved following your progress on your 'MOVE ALONG' helmet project. GREAT work! It's funny, I have more fun putting helmet kits together rather than the armor, believe it or not. lol

Mike - It's okay, Bro. Sandtroopers are used to Roadblocks. So I'm good. Juan - Thx for the advice, Brother! Ever since I came across your blog last year. I've been using it as one of my guidelines in putting together an accurate TD. But, I will definitely get those updated pics of the mods to you. I have some time to spare right now. (haha) The only question I can think of right now is if I should put a 'lab pipe' on the pack and what would be the best way to put that 'circular stain' on the pauldron. Oh, and what would be the closest diameter size for it? Lastly, I took the old TK Plate off my ab (It was glued on when I purchased it) and it sort of left some damage and I'm still trying to fix that area short of getting new armor pieces. Hence the weird paint job in that section. lol (I do have an order for some spares coming from ATA, though. So, we'll see. Gracias, Bro!) No worries, Brothers and Sisters. I know the waiting process is a chore but I'm totally fine with it. I want to do things by the book. Anyway, I'll just harrass some Jawas for the time being and pick off...er...greet some Tusken Raiders out by the Dune Sea for a spell. Keep up the fine work MEPD! See you soon! (Fingers Crossed)

Brad - Thx , Smally! You know that if I'm gonna act the part, I HAVE to look the part! Right? haha =) Rolf - High praise indeed!!! Especially coming from the first SWAT Officer of the MEPD! You were and still are an inspiration when it comes to armor assembly and appearance, my friend. Much Mahalo! Gordon - It's fantastic that you were able to find that part and Rick did a great job of including it with his kit! Remember when I told you last Christmas that I was gunning for MEPD deployment? Well, I think that I'm almost there. Fingers crossed! Noel - As much as I would like the process to 'Move Along' (I couldn't help it)... I have to show patience, Sir. Lest I get court-martialed and dishonorably discharged! I am looking forward to that locker, though! lol Thx again!

John - Thx a lot, QM! I still want to get a pack from you, as well! You and Rick do great work! Dan - Thx for the props, too! BTW, THAT is what I forgot to do... put on my blasted suspenders!! AUGGHH! Oh, well...since I have to wait for 501st TD approval, I might as well prep new shots. I'm definitely going to make sure I pull down and align the back plate with the kidney plate before I secure the backpack in place. Plus, I'll have another chance to 'pull up my pants!'LOL Geez, Sandys...I want to question non-cooperative moisture farmers so bad I can taste it! I also want to take this opportunity as well to say that since I started following the MEPD back in October, I've seen a lot of great armor, pack builders and much appreciated advice on the boards! Keep it up troops, ALL of you guys (and girls) ROCK! Hope to march with you soon!

Nathan - Oops, my bad! Much apologies, Brother! I thought I had seen some other officers deployed without 501st status or approved TD status. I guess In my haste and excitement of becoming MEPD, I may have overlooked some details. hehe I'll wait... Karin - The guards are. =) Rick - Hopefully, I have met the requirements! Scootch - I hope I can finally troop with my SO CAL brothers and sisters as a TD soon! ** Man, the wait for TD Status is gonna be hard! lol **

Applicant: Michael L. Ramirez (SCRIBBLER) 501st ID: TK 6985 (Officially became a Legion TD on 3/23/2011) 501st Garrison: Southern California Garrison Garrison CO: Lesley Farquhar (TR 3774) GML: Nathan Mutter (BH 439) Requesting Police Officer status with the MEPD... - Armor is TE (Assembled and weathered by Me) - Helmet by CAP (Assembled and weathered by Me) - Green Lenses and Tube Stripe Decals from Michael A. (TK 4510) - Backpack / 'MOVE ALONG' Version core pieces (Frame, Radio, Trays, Exhaust, Shotgun Shells, Gordonator's Cistern and Straps) built and assembled by Rick "Dirty Boy" (TD-4401) - Sidepipe Assembled by me using ABS and an AM Thermal Detonator Kit from Clint (TK 3059) - T-21 Custom Build from Anthony B.(TD-8266) - E-11 is scratch built using PVC, Wood,Metal and Resin ...and a few things in the background from my SW Toy / Comic Book Collection! lol I hope I have what it takes to join you guys in the search for those elusive droids! =) Much Mahalo! ** I just noticed that my pack caused the upper back plate to ride up my back higher than it should be! And that was AFTER I put my armor and gear away!! Do I have to retake those shots? (Aaak!) **

Just using your method as a guideline. lol Thx alot, Brother! Hope to finally meet you on a future SO CAL troop soon!

Never mind. =) I found it in the tutorial by Scootch! http://forum.mepd.net/index.php?showtopic=5225&st=40 Thx!

Aloha, Sandys! Can someone please steer me in the direction of a link that shows you the proper way of attaching the lid to the tube? Much Mahalo, All! =)

"Big Ups" to you, Brother! VERY much deserved, Rolf! Thx for paving the way for us hopefuls! =)

Now THAT is what I'm talking about! Nice work! Now get back to the Dunes!

On behalf of the 'Sandies' representing Southern California and the rest of the Empire's occupied territories... Happy Day Of Birth to You, Gordon! =) Once Hazmat cleans up the charred Rodian mess and the severed arm inside our favorite cantina, drinks are on us, Sir!

Much Mahalo, Brother! I hope to make you guys (and gals) proud with my TD Armor! Happy New Year MEPD! =)

Thx! =)

Aloha all! Just recently joined the 501st as TK 6985 (Southern California Garrison / Inland empire Squad) and hope to be TD deployed within the next couple of months! Happy New Year Brothers & Sisters!