SAND DEVIL

Jason, You got it right brother. To do these cards, scrape, scrape & more scrape. Takes me an hour per figure just to do the bubble. I tell the wife I am working, while I watch Star Wars and scrape. I tried asking someone who does the figures too, about the custom bubbles, but never got a response. Sorry. I have soaked them in everything I could think of. Melted one in a chemical too. Soaked it overnight, woke up to a plastic blob in the pan. Had to buy a new one for the wife, she was not too happy with that experiment. I am still looking, but for now, scrape, scrape, scrape. I really like the 30th bubble look. Thanks for your kind comments on my son's figure. It is a conversation starter for sure. His friends all think he knows someone at Hasbro...nope, just nerd dad. I just did a Vader for a guy overseas, and I think it turned out better than any so far. I now have clean templates for the cards. Makes it easier to mass produce. About to start a run (non official legion merchandise). Legion command just cleared me. Good luck with yours. They are cool.

Awesome and well done! Wow, made me want to watch them all again. Looked like his style too.

Congrats and welcome aboard Michael. Glad you found this great hobby. Like everyone said, ask away. We are all here to help.

So I ran into a snag with the electronics and wanted to know if anyone has any ideas: There are several parts that need to be soldered together. Some are copper, some are steel, some are aluminum. I can't change those and need them to solder together. When I soldered them, the steel wires all did fine. The steel to aluminum will not stick, just falls off the aluminum. I am not an expert at soldering. Can solder go bad or do I need another type maybe? It has been in my junk drawer for years. Any ideas from some experts would be awesome. Thanks.

Alex, that is just awesome. What a great job and details. Hate the wait game, but I don't think you have anything to worry about sir.

Thank you all for the support. Keeps me going. @ Vince, I believe you are correct sir, and really appreciate the call out. I looked at some screen shots and Rick's SWAT thread. He is the only one I know of who did details on a dewback prod. If I am wrong, please let me know. Looking at all those things I decided to remove the large bottom cap and replace it with a plug in the end. You called it right, IMHO. @ Rick, do you agree sir? Would love your opinion on the end cap. So I just started adding a nine light led to the tip, a buzzer to the tip, a push button on the handle and two sets of AAA battery holders into the rod. Wow it takes some doing. I will post pictures of that process I did soon.

Is that Darth Vader's girlfriend you are drawing on the table sir? Padme might be upset...

Just finished the ends on my build. Added some color buttons to camouflage the PVC. I tried to sand them off (and the tiny letters) once, but they just looked bad when painted. Even used 5 grades of sand paper 100-800. Might try it again with bon-do on my next one. Now to paint the staff and connectors. I split the 8' in half to make travel easier. The connector screws them together easy and makes a nice hand hold. I will try and add a buzzer there with button for a cool effect. Thinking of adding a red glowing led to the end. Any suggestions? Only a AA or AAA battery will fit (maybe). Off to Radio Shack I go...More to come.

Awesome! A new Boss to follow. Nice job sir. Can't wait to see the progress.

Mike, Thanks for making these brother. They are awesome. Now my workbench knows what it is dedicated to in my 'man cave'. You rock. Great way to make the deployed officers know they achieved a next level. Cool, one for the SWAT is coming too. Has anyone looked at maybe doing one for 'cadets'? New members that introduce themselves and get access. It's just an idea, but would be cool to say, welcome to the best detachment in the galaxy and we are glad you introduced yourself and here to help. I don't know if someone is actually tasked with monitoring that post or if it is just everyone trying to catch the new introductions. It would be the easiest way to monitor and say "Hi, glad you found us". A cadet ambassador if you will. Just an idea.

My wife hates going shopping with me now, especially to a hardware store. I also find my self making a "quick" stop into Home Depot or Lowes to pick something up. Unfortunately I was supposed to be getting dinner too. Always get a call: "Dude, did you go to another galaxy for dinner?" Hehe, sorry wife....

I agree with Lou and I vote for screen print. I agree with Nick that it might limit colors, but heat transfer is cheap looking and stiff. Like Lou said, one color, but with the right design, t-shirt color (background) and print color, you can make and awesome shirt. Screen is cheaper (cost) then embroidery. I think making something that is cost effective so as many people can get them is important. Sometimes things are awesome, but due to price it restricts so many of us.

Rick, Do we have any updates on the SWAT program sir? I know command was working on some type of panel or new requirements. It's been a few months and I just wanted to touch base and ask. Several of the troops have been asking me since they see I am still in limbo. That is why I posted here instead of PM. I know the command staff is busy and love the new certificates, but wanted to bump the SWAT program. Thank you for your time.

ROFL. Al, you are a sick, sick man. Love it.

That is a sandtrooper in the making, and the poor kid has no idea, just happy to sleep. Very cool.

Big guy in a little man's hat... Lol love it

ROFL! Al, you kill me brother. That was funny, but I would NEVER pick on the Boss like that. The Force is brave with this one....

Come on Legion.....We are ready, just some ideas. And we are focused on making them cost effective so EVERY troop can get one, not just the elite. Mock up ideas, one for each detachment:

That is funny! My son saw this and said "Yoda is going to be so mad". LOL.

Matt is right. I had issues with communication with Doopy as well. It got resolved and the product was great, but they are not very responsive on email. Pete's looks good too. Never done a Hasbro, just resin from Doopy. I was happy with the final product, just not with the customer service. Again, just IMHO.

Juan, You already are brother. Just check out those awesome professional pictures you had done.

So I have a partner and we are playing with this idea. What do you think?

OK, so I have reached out to all of the right Legion and Detachment Command to get approval to do these. Just waiting for a response....Then I can offer them.

Jamie, David did a great one here. It is much more screen accurate than the machined aluminum ones. Might help: http://www.djsyczylo.net/replicas/StarWars/DewbackProd/DewbackProd.htm

Will that be required for SWAT?