Carolina Garrison

Hey Everyone,

My name is Evan Schultheis, I live just south of Charlotte in Lake Wylie, SC. My friend Rusty Myers is already in the 501st and I've been looking to get into it for a while. I've talked with him and a couple other friends in the 501st about getting started and am ready to start assembling a basic kit this year. I was talking to a guy at Dragoncon and have been told that something like "reserve TIE fighter pilot" or "imperial gunner" is a good kit to get started with since many of the pieces can be used for various costumes and it's relatively affordable (he said it runs around 400ish). I'm looking at starting with that or maybe a bridge officer, which also seems pretty good to start with from what I can tell.

In the (far) future I've been thinking about doing something original, and was thinking maybe a KOTOR Sith Trooper (which has never been done before, from what I can tell.)

Anyways, any advice or recommendations you have I will gladly listen to.

Thank You,
Evan Schultheis

Evan, welcome to the Carolina Garrison. I started with a Reserve Pilot. which I eventually turned into a full TIE Pilot and Gunner. You are correct, there are a lot of options with that one.

If you haven't already, join the Jolly Roger Squadron forums and start researching. Here's my post from when I was building my RP. http://www.jrs501st.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=6479" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Good luck and don't hesitate to ask questions!

I second what Anthony said. Let us know if you need assistance.

Thanks for the help you two. I'll do some research, will have some money this winter and will hopefully soon start getting pieces.

Edit: I just noticed you're a Willrow Hood, lol. Nice, that's a fun one I'd love to do one day. I think I saw a Willrow at Dragoncon.

Yup, Willrow Hood is a fun one for the big events like Star Wars Celebration!

Wampa Wear is a great place to buy a flight suit. Reasonable pricing, and fast service. The belt and gloves are available there too. If you are doing bridge officer, you won't need gloves, but do both, get the gloves and be able to build the complete tie fighter pilot eventually with the same starter costume.

Boots, you can get motorcycle riding boots from boot barn, and have them shipped really quickly. With Minor modifications , they are approvable. Or if you have time and patience , look for German Zjack boots. Usually military left over surplus.

Good luck.

Yeah, the man I was talking to at Dragoncon was there in his TIE outfit and he said that there's a couple good places to get German Jack boots, and that since I have an uncommon shoe size they might be easier to acquire.

I also read about Wampa Wear on the link you all posted above. It looks like a good start. Thanks again!

Welcome Evan