tk0158

I agree! I think it's so awesome when a married couple can share an interest not only in Star Wars costuming...but the MEPD to boot?! You're a lucky man.

I was 9 in May '77 and saw ANH (then just called "Star Wars") in a theater that no longer exists (it's a Lowes store now). I didn't really know anything about the movie (I thought Luke was holding some kind of gun on the poster), so I had no expectations and was totally sucked in during the first scene. The weather was really nice and we went for ice cream afterwards across the street. I had a chocolate milkshake, but the focus of my thoughts was on the prior two hours. Funny the things you remember.

So true...all that anxiety just melts away when you look in the mirror. Though the bitter-sweet side is that the fun of building it is over.

Congratulations! There's just nothing like opening a box of new armor! If I could afford it, I think my third set of armor would be TM. Good choice!

First and foremost, TD's are probably the most awesome imperial troop costume in the original trilogy. Simply bada$$. But to be very honest, it's the one costume that for me connects me with my love for Star Wars, which began in '77 when I was 9. ANH is, and always will be, my favorite SW film. Like for a lot of you I'm sure, that first 2-hour journey changed everything.

You guys looked great...I'm sure you really made the event. If you don't mind me asking, who is mentioned on your armband?

Congrats, my CTG brother! I believe we're all in good hands here!

Now you have to get some dirt on it.

Of course, it's hard to talk about dancing troopers without mentioning the TOKYO DANCE TROOPER!

Congrats!!!

Congratulations and welcome aboard, Gordon! Your weathering looks great...and the best part is the more you wear it, the better it'll look!

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone! This was a long time coming, and so I'm proud to be counted among you guys!

Sweeeeet! Thanks, Zac!

Congrats, guys! Good lookin' strappin' young men! It's tough getting up in the middle of the night...but with my 2nd one, I learned to enjoy that special private time. 1st time around...forget about it!! Savor it while you can...they grow too quickly!

Thanks, guys! I looked back to see when I first posted on the MEPD forums, and I'm embarrassed to say it was over three years ago. :o I considered applying in early '08, but I wanted to build a new pack to replace my junky one, and dye a couple ammo pouches. So I'm glad to finally apply!

FULL NAME: Robert Rak 501st TD ID: 158 LOG IN NAME: tk0158 GARRISON: Connecticut Garrison EMAIL: rakr@ccsu.edu TE2 suit, scratch-built MG-34. Scratch-built pack.

Great job, my CTG brother! I've put off my own application far too long, so hopefully I'll be doing that in the coming week. Not a lot of sand in Connecticut, but plenty of room for dirty troopers!

Requested a pair of size 10's this morning but they're sold out. He said there might be more in about 7 weeks. There are a few size 11's available.

Anyone got their boots yet? I can use a new pair so I'd like to know what you think.

Stunning, amazing, astounding piece of art. I'm a bit curious, though, with all the fine work with painting and lettering, are the lucky ones who procure these going to use them as-is on their packs? Or will people be re-painting/modding them? Or will they be ultra-cool Star Wars artifacts to adorn their collections? I'm wondering if these same boxes will be offerred either unpainted, as kits (thereby lowering the price), or painted a la A New Hope. Again, these are gorgeous!

I just used industrial strength velcro on the two ends of the long lens strip, with the lens arcing forward. It makes it easier to take out and replace if needed. Never had a problem with it. Downside is you may have some gaps between the helmet and the lens, but isn't that screen-accurate? In the page below, you can see straight through from one eye to the other on the far-left TD. Lens example

Hmmm...never saw this pack before with shotgun shells instead of a filter or box?! How many shells are we looking at here? 4 or 5? I'd be curious to see if anyone has done this pack. Very interesting. I'm gathering/making parts for a pack now, so this might be a neat one to do (apart from the upside down radio).

Happy Birthday!!! 39 never looked so good!

*sigh* I gotta get me a plane ticket.

Sweeeeet!