Future 501st Hopeful

[Lion]

Howdy folks. Hope you guys are safe, warm and indoors during this bit of wintry weather. I've been lurking around the forums for a while and the stuff you guys do and the dedication you have is awesome and inspiring. I live in Upstate SC (Clemson area). Over the past few months my interest in imperial/Star Wars costuming has grown and I began looking about for a decent and accurate TK suit that wouldn't break the bank. Before I did the proper research I got a cheap set (soft-pull on plastic) from one of the sellers on Ebay who is on the "Stay away" list. A buddy of mine who should also be registering soon is helping me with the project now, and we have made molds for fiberglass casting which we have completed for the helmet. From there we sand it down and apply bondo for the blemishes. I wanted to know whether or not this method is acceptable to the 501st, so long as the final product is accurate in terms of shape and dimensions. We just don't want to spend all the money on fiberglass just to be turned down later on. I have contact with ATA and TK-1336 (AP Armor) and I have prices and ordering info so I am ready to get other armor just in case. Unfortunately I am about a year and a couple months underage for the 501st, but I am planning to get my suit to standard and do a couple things on my own before I can join. I might come to an event out of armor sometime to meet you guys.

Hope to join you guys soon!

Fiberglass Helmet:

[xapologiesx]

Welcome to the Carolina Garrison!

[Brinkco]

Welcome, it's good to see another beginner around here.

Curious about your armor though, are the molds you've made based off of the eBay suit you bought, or of something else? Many of those eBay vendors are recasters, meaning they made their own molds of someone else's molds without their permission,( or maybe even copied from someone who did that). I'm no expert, but some of the staff here like CantinaSecurity and those on the FISD forum (whitearmor.net) can get you on the right path.

Welcome aboard and never be afraid to ask for help.

[Lion]

Welcome, it's good to see another beginner around here.

Curious about your armor though, are the molds you've made based off of the eBay suit you bought, or of something else? Many of those eBay vendors are recasters, meaning they made their own molds of someone else's molds without their permission,( or maybe even copied from someone who did that). I'm no expert, but some of the staff here like CantinaSecurity and those on the FISD forum (whitearmor.net) can get you on the right path.

Welcome aboard and never be afraid to ask for help.

Thanks for the response. The armor I have at present is a re-cast done by "Maker of Things" who is on the no-go list. We realized that after doing a bit more research. We have only casted the helmet and the ear pieces from molds of the MoT armor, and we are already planning to get either RS Props, ATA, or Troopermaster and to scrap the project, although we plan to finish out the helmet as a display item. Research before you buy I suppose.

[Brinkco]

Welcome, it's good to see another beginner around here.

Curious about your armor though, are the molds you've made based off of the eBay suit you bought, or of something else? Many of those eBay vendors are recasters, meaning they made their own molds of someone else's molds without their permission,( or maybe even copied from someone who did that). I'm no expert, but some of the staff here like CantinaSecurity and those on the FISD forum (whitearmor.net) can get you on the right path.

Welcome aboard and never be afraid to ask for help.

Thanks for the response. The armor I have at present is a re-cast done by "Maker of Things" who is on the no-go list. We realized that after doing a bit more research. We have only casted the helmet and the ear pieces from molds of the MoT armor, and we are already planning to get either RS Props, ATA, or Troopermaster and to scrap the project, although we plan to finish out the helmet as a display item. Research before you buy I suppose.

I feel for you man, it always sucks up get duped, but at least you found out early on before you put too much work into it. It should still make for a killer display piece.

As for armor, I'd go with ATA.

[Lion]

Welcome, it's good to see another beginner around here.

Curious about your armor though, are the molds you've made based off of the eBay suit you bought, or of something else? Many of those eBay vendors are recasters, meaning they made their own molds of someone else's molds without their permission,( or maybe even copied from someone who did that). I'm no expert, but some of the staff here like CantinaSecurity and those on the FISD forum (whitearmor.net) can get you on the right path.

Welcome aboard and never be afraid to ask for help.

Thanks for the response. The armor I have at present is a re-cast done by "Maker of Things" who is on the no-go list. We realized that after doing a bit more research. We have only casted the helmet and the ear pieces from molds of the MoT armor, and we are already planning to get either RS Props, ATA, or Troopermaster and to scrap the project, although we plan to finish out the helmet as a display item. Research before you buy I suppose.

I feel for you man, it always sucks up get duped, but at least you found out early on before you put too much work into it. It should still make for a killer display piece.

As for armor, I'd go with ATA.

ATA looks great and is very affordable as its says but I don't know if I am up for waiting a year.

[Cantina Security]

Every now and again, you can find one for sale. Are you interested in a kit ?

[silverBoyd]

If it were me....I would purchase a kit made of ABS from a vetted vendor. It'll be lightweight and durable. And will have the nice polish to it

[NegativeEleven]

We have a sandtrooper here in Charleston who is selling his 90% complete kit. He's a short guy, so it might have been trimmed a little too much if you're bigger. PM me and I can see if it's still available.