Carolina Garrison

Good evening all,

Quick introduction and then a question.

New member in Denver, NC. As with most, my Star Wars passion has grown from playing with my Ewok village in the early 80s to now passing on the love to my two year old daughter as we watch Clone Wars together on Netflix. I've been wanting to join the 501st and build for some time and have finally come into the right moment to get started.

As for my question, I'm interested in a few builds but wanted to see what the need in Charlotte and surrounding areas might be. I looked at the build roster and only saw 10 or so. And while the member pages have several great photos, there's not a quick reference (that I can see) for what might be needed where I live. Based on the potential need, I'm interested in and would be happy with any of the following:

ROTJ Darth Vadar
TK Storm Trooper
TC Clone Trooper (Rex)
Royal Guard

Based on these, and I believe I read there's always a need for storm troopers, what would be everyone's preference based on those that live in the Charlotte area? Are there enough of Vadar, are there not enough storm troopers, etc? Looking to poll to get me started.

Thanks in advance to any responses and looking forward to getting moving!

Hello Chris and welcome aboard. There is a Vader in the Charlotte area and one being built in the Rock Hill area. At the end of the day you have to build the character that calls to you. Just keep in mind name characters carry the one in the universe rule so there can be only one at a event. Typically sign ups for events are first come first serve. All of the costumes you list are very cool but as I said build what character calls to you because it's a big investment in time and money. Good luck on your choice.

Good evening,

Was hoping to get some help. Came across this set for a Shadow Trooper. Seems better then the Rubies kits I’ve seen. Curious from the forum whether this would qualify? From what I see, only the gloves would need replaced and maybe a dab of black paint here and there? Thoughts?

https://m.facebook.com/marketplace/item ... eed_banner

Taking a look at the kit, the helmet looks like a Black Series Battlefront Shadowtrooper helmet. They require some modifications to be 501st approvable, there are a few build threads about the mods in the Spec Ops forums. The rest of the kit looks acceptable but I'd want to get some better photos and compare them to the CRL and compare the current owner's body style/size compared to yours to see how much resizing would need to be done. Stay away from the Rubies kits.

Thanks Chris, this is exactly the type of advise I was hoping to get and hear. The gentleman selling is the same height and weight as me (6’2” 195 roughly). The helmet I thought was close minus the blue stripes that need to be black. Wasn’t sure about the color on the abdomen as well. I’ll confirm with him tomorrow where exactly he purchased. Thanks again!

Hi Chris. Ended up getting the suit. Has quite a few surface scuffs and scratches on the body and the helmet needs a few mods to your post. Would it be possible to talk with you over the phone or directly? Have a few questions. Really want to make this 501st compliant and my questions stem more then just the web requirements. Please let me know. Thanks!

This thread is 4 months old, but I'm just seeing it, so I'm gonna say what was said earlier: hit up the Spec Ops forum. They're the experts on Shadow Trooprrs, and their detachment leader (in addition to our Garrison's GML) will be looking at your photos when you apply. Always go give the detachment first for build info. It's useful to have people in your area, but unless they've got the same kit, their help could set you back further on your path to the 501st.

Well crap! I'm not sure how I missed your post in October. Chris is correct, the Spec Ops forums are your best resources. You can post some high quality pictures of all the pieces and I can try to assist you in making sure or adjusting your armor to CRL standards.