My life as a Sandtrooper

More Move Along Replica Pictures

2011-03-21T13:13:00.000-07:00

Just for the show (not for showoff ;) )...

Move Along Replica

2011-02-25T15:28:00.001-08:00

Working with armor and white plastic is one of the joys in my life...
For years, I have been perfecting my techniques to make better more accurate props.

This I started almost a year ago and just now I have finished to my likes. It is still not perfect nor great, but it is a great step towards more accurate armor...

With no further introduction, my Move Along Replica Helmet:

Zenix Victory 75 Radio

2011-02-04T14:55:00.000-08:00

Of all the Sandtrooper gear, probably the most coveted and most difficult pieces to identify and find yet, is the Sonix Victory 75 radio. Legend says it is a cheap plastic radio produced in Hong Kong during the 70s. Reality says we have not yet been able to secure one real Sonix Victory 75 radio yet.

All our references come from pictures and the net. But no one at the MEPD has yet held or even seen a real one.

But, that wont stop us in our quest to become the best TDs we can. So after a lot of research, modeling, designing and more, one kit is finally out based on the design and research of Zenix and the forming skills of Crashmann: the Zenix Victory 75 Radio.

I was lucky enough so that my kit was one of the firt available. It arrived and it was awesome!

Trimming, cutting, sanding, plastering, more sanding, more cutting and finally glueing. A lot of work, research and love was needed to put together this radio for my pack. But at the end, I am very happy with it, and will make a great upgrade for my pack!!!

New Screen Accurate Ammo Pouches

2011-02-04T14:36:00.000-08:00

Ammo Pouches are a big thing for Sandtroopers.

Blasters would not be of much use if you run out of ammo. Yes, blaster contrary to popular believe, does not shoot laser beams but ammo that happens to look like a laser beam like when shot. And since we confront some of the worst scum and villains around, we need to be ready to shoot and shoot and shoot.

Now, original ammo pouches on ANH, were created by the art department based on German MP40 leather ammo pouches from WWII. But they were not put together as the originals due to production schedules and budgets.

A few months ago, together with other TDs on the Mos Eisley Police Department, we designed and put together a new run of Screen Accurate Ammo Pouches, based on the Screen Accurate run from Imperial Outfitters and Sci-Fire.

My set was made up of 2 pouches with vertical belt loops for the belt, and 1 with diagonal belt loops for the shoulder.
With these 3, my old canvas MP38/40 and my new small Spanish Pouches (later to be described), and my 3 pouldrons, I can configure pretty much every single TD seen in ANH...

So, here are how they look like when they arrived.

Check out the accurate hardware and rivets on both front and back.
Also the look, trim, sewing and color... this are the Ultimate pouches in the Galaxy.
Of course, I am very happy with them. Most of the credit goes to Zadokk as he is the one who made them.

So... now, how to give the pouches its wore look?

Few easy steps:

1. Put the leather pouches in some warm water.
2. Roll up and down the wet pouches, and twiste them left and right. All this to make it softer and used.
3. Stick some wood sticks into them the size of a real MP40 magazine... and leave them inside until dry.
4. You could also mold them pressing and rubbing them with a wooden spoon or your fingers...

Then, once it is dry... throw it to the floor (rough floor is best) and kick it around a bit... these to make the leather look old and scratch it here and there. Specially around the corners...

And Finally, spray it with some hairspray here and there and cover it all with dirt. sweep it away and repeat a couple of times until the pouch has that old, dirty and used look.

Now, they are ready to go on chasing some Jawas or shooting farmers.

The force is strong with this one...

2011-02-04T14:35:00.001-08:00

Accuracy required

2010-03-30T18:59:00.000-07:00

To be a Sandtrooper as accurate as possible is my goal and dream. I have perfected my techniques, crafts and skills during years to achieve this. Today, I think I'm closer to that goal. And just a little proof of that is my TE2 Move Along Helmet Sandtrooper.

I went really out of the way trying to make this as close to the helmet seen on the screen as I was able to. And the results are pretty much all I dreamed off.

Here it is, my bucket on the left of course, and the real bucket on the right.

I guess now I have a real goal for my next bucket, go further!

Blastech E11 Blaster

2010-03-30T18:49:00.001-07:00

Every Imperial Troop has a side weapon. No matter where you are, no matter what's the mision, if you are to serve the Empire, you need a blaster on your side: the Blastech E11

This is my new modified Hasbro E11 blaster.

Several work was done on it to make sure it is up to the job of being the side arm of a Sandtrooper.

New tip, counter, shaft, scope, power cylinders, ammo clip and housing, wiring, ejecting door, button cap, D-ring, aim, t-tracks, folding stock, lock and many other mods were done so that the Hasbro Blaster could become a Blastech E11.

Desert Storm Weekends

2010-03-30T18:40:00.000-07:00

Mission: Desert Storm Weekends
Location: Mexico City

In this mission, a Sandtrooper squad was to patrol the area know as Angel de la Independencia in Mexico City.

Four TDs were appointed to do this:

TD 8800 iconoclasta
TD 8330 Infernu
TD 4639 Bantha
TD 5516 Ponytrooper

We blasted some Jawas, burned a few moisture farmers, stormed into a Cantina and then had our picture taken by tourists...

Mission accomplished.

Mission: Adidas Orignals

2010-03-08T22:40:00.000-08:00

As you may know, Adidas Originals launched a new collection inspired by the Star Wars Original Trilogy.

The collection is made up of several different shoe models and clothing.

All over the World the Legion 501st was asked to be keep Imperial Piece in many different promoting events. And a few nights ago, it was the turn of the troops stationed in Mexico.

This is what happened:

Its all about the details...

2010-02-15T15:09:00.000-08:00

Here are a few close up shots of the details in my armor Im proud of:

This is the strapping system. Although it is not 100% the same as in 1976, it is based on that, modified to be more comfortable and easy to wear. Most of the straps are elastic fixed with industrial snap buttons. Not the easiest thing to work with, but far more trustful than velcro.

This is the shoulder/bicep/arm pieces. Originally they were joint by a long elastic running from the shoulder strap to the wrist. I tried to emulate this but dividing it in two different parts. Maybe next time I will make it ones single long elastic.

And this is how it fixes to the shoulder strap made of white elastic. I used snap buttons, so this is stronger than velcro, but more difficult to close.

This next two pictures show the detail in the crotch and butt part. One rivet on the crotch, two snap buttons on the butt. The thing here is that the three pieces go completely through the plastic, showing on both sides. This is how it was made originally.

Both parts are joint by an elastic.

This is the vintage cargo strap from the 1970's I used for the belt. It was found stored on a warehouse by a fellow Trooper.

Each plastic strip running down the arms and leg pieces has a different wide. Going from 0.75 inch on legs and upper legs, to 8.75 on thighs, to 1 inch on the back of the shins. This was carefully taken care of...

TE2 armor comes with a 4 button ab-strip for TKs. This are not only wrong being 4 but smaller. Tks use 4, TDs use 3. So I ordered this extra piece from Trooper Master and added it to my TE2 set or armor.

And this is the mysterious black circle on the orange pauldron. Its believed that it is some residue of glue from a sticker maybe, that caught some dust and dirt during shooting.

Now I am ready for duty, or for shooting a Special Special Edition of ANH!

Move Along! Move Along!

Going for the Screen Accurate

2010-02-15T14:11:00.000-08:00

Building armor has become one of my passions and for sure my biggest more time consuming hobby. Since 2006 when I started this blog till today, I have learned and evolved a lot with my prop making skills. A long path this has been.

From an FX recast put together however I could, to an almost screen accurate TE2 kit, I have discovered a lot of tricks, facts, references and ideas about prop and armor making.

Just a few weeks ago, I finished my second set of white armor. And this time, contrary to that first time 4 years ago, I made it as correct as possible. Looked for the correct parts all around the world and took my time to make every little detail in the most perfect way I could.

This is my TE2 Sandtrooper armor, inspired in the Move Along trooper at the Mos Eisley blockade scene.

Brand New TE2 Sandtrooper Armor

2009-12-14T16:24:00.000-08:00

This is it. Finally continuous research and work of 3 years has thrown a result: My new screen accurate Trooper Expert 2 Sandtrooper armor.

This armor has been made so it resembles as much as possible the real armors seen on screen in A new Hope.

The right measurements, sizes, assembly, style, parts, colors and techniques were used to put together this suit of armor and helmet to resemble the Sandtrooper seen on the Mos Eisley barricade scene, commonly know as "The Move Along Trooper".

I am really proud of this armor and how it looks. It took me several hours of very careful work, detailing every possible aspect and taking a lot of care to finish it the way it should be.

Here are the first pictures of my fully assembled TE2 armor. Now I am ready to go on patrol to Tatooine and continue serving with the Mos Eisley Police Department and get it dirty.

So, now that I have the armor, it is time to get some sand on it. And then go out and kill some rebel scum ass.

Building my new armor

2009-11-23T08:35:00.000-08:00

Its been almost 3 1/2 years now since I've got my fisrt stormtrooper suit of armor. Since then, I've built and update my armor, 4 buckets, 4 td backpacks, 2 MG15s, 1 E-11, 2 sets of pouches, 2 pouldrons and some other props. But all this was just a warm up, cause now Im putting together my TE2 armor in a screen accurate fashion (or almost), and this is difficult and time consuming. The real thing.

Here are some pictures:

I will try and describe the steps for putting together this armor in future posts.

New TE2 amor

2009-09-17T13:19:00.001-07:00

Its been about 3 years and some change since I first got my very first Stormtrooper armor. At that time, it was an FX armor kit made by iTrooper. It was great, for me it was just perfect. The first step into a larger world.

Three years have come and go, and after many many hours or research, work, more research and more work (not to mention the money spent), I finished my FX kit and upgraded it from Stormtrooper, to heavy weapon stormtrooper, to Sandtrooper to MEPD Deployed Sandtrooper to a better version of my MEPD Deployed TD. Going all the way from standard FX kit to a highly accurate FXlite TD Mos Eisley Police Officer.

Now it is time for the next upgrade. But it is an upgrade that will take me again along the road of building a new armor. A new screen accurate ANH armor. My very own TE2 suit of armor and helmet. In my book, this is the holy grail of Stormtrooper Armors.

The lineage of this armor starts with certain screen used helmets, two of them. These helmets were used to make the molds of the first screen accurate wearable helmet, the TE or Trooper Expert helmet. The armor molds were taken, as long as I kow, from a screen used armor from ANH with some parts from ROTJ (or is it the other way around?).

TE pulled armors for some years with these molds. The same molds that were used to make molds for other armors like Gino and some others.

After some time TE finished his days of pulling white armor, and sold his molds to a new maker. This was the begin of TE2 armor. Trooper Expert 2 armor is now my favorite armor and armor maker and one of the most respected star wars prop making community members.

A year ago, in the TE2 2nd anniversary run, I was lucky enough to be able to get a TE2 Bucket. This years, in the 3rd Anniversary run, I was even luckier, being able to get one of this great and amazing armors.

From now on, everything is just different. The whole way I see the world of propmaking and impersonating a Stormtrooper has changed for ever. I have my TE2 armor, and with it, lots of things come: joy, happiness, pride, but also lots of work, responsibility and dedication to make this armor all it can and should be. Pretty much, the best armor out there.

This is it. This is my new TE2 armor.

TD8800
Mos Eisley Police Officer
Mexican Garrison
501st Legion

New Hovi Mix microphone tips.

2009-09-11T15:48:00.000-07:00

In order to have the very best TD armor I can get, I ordered and just received a couple of Hovi's from Keith from the UK. These are pretty much the best hovi's available out there.

This will 70s microphone part will be used for the aeretors on my Bucket.

I really like then because the attention to detail, including the model engraving, is just perfect. The metal grid looks awesome and the whole piece is perfect. I only need to paint them flat black and wear off a bit of the paint on the grid to let the original metalic color appear just a little.

These, will be kept in their box for a few more weeks or maybe a couple of months, until I finish my new (soon to arrive) TE2 complete helmet and body armor.

New armor pictures in ECIV

2009-09-08T16:57:00.001-07:00

These are the new pictures of TD 8800 in full sandtrooper armor:

Expo Coleccionistas 2009

2009-09-08T16:41:00.000-07:00

Last August took place Expo Coleccionistas in Mexico City. This is the largest SW fan reunion in the country. The 501st Mexican Garrison was there and took control of the territories, establishing imperial peace.

This is the photo archive...

My new armor pictures.

2009-07-15T15:54:00.000-07:00

Enjoy.

New TD gear.

2009-06-15T17:09:00.000-07:00

So, now almost ready to be 100% finished and ready for battle... this is new newest coolest gear in my personal armory.

1. TE2 ANH accurate Sandtrooper helmet
2. 97-RTC Blaster rifle
3. MP38/40 Ammo Pouch
4. Screen accurate Backpack

Just need to finish my new handplates and maybe soon a new E11, the sidearm of choice of most Imperial Troopers, and I'm done.

RT-97C Blaster rifle

2009-06-15T16:56:00.000-07:00

What would be of a Sandtrooper without his BFG!?

So, I worked on my old MG-15 and make it a real bad ass gun! An RT-97C (Its now what was used to be called MG15).

Lots of work to be done including making 3 new scopes, a new canon shaft, resizing the whole gun and a new paintjob and weathering.

This is how it went from old MG-15 to new RT97C:

"Ok men. Load your weapons!"

"Blast them!!"

Back Pack weathering

2009-06-15T16:53:00.001-07:00

Having 99% of the backpack finished, there is still room for improvement.

One specially important thing is the weathering. So, using hairspray and actual dirt, I started working on it. It is still a bit to much and not so natural, but time will wear it off and make it just perfect.

Now its 99.9% finished!!

When going to the borders of the Empire, take lost of ammo with you.

2009-06-15T16:41:00.000-07:00

There are many different weapons and gear that an Imperial trooper can take to the front, but if you are deployed to Tatooine in the Outer Rim Territories, one thing you need is a lot of ammo.

For this, the elite Sandtroopers have different Ammo Pouches. Some of the most common are the ones known as MP38/40, and the less popular Stolla WIen.

I have just added an MP38/40 to my personal collection of ammo pouches, and worked it down so it looks like the real thing. Aging and weathering is the way to go.

First of all, I got my Imperial issued MP38/40 ammo pouches. But when they arrived, there were some upgrades to be done. Most important of them all, to take apart and re-position the small pouch in the correct place.

Brand new pouches:

This is how it looked with the small pouch in the correct place.

Then, some weathering was in order.

1. Put in hot water to make them soft and flexible.
2. Roll up and down the leather straps.
3. Dye it with black cloth dye.
4. Work the dying process to make it as desired
(The pouch color should be dark green, not black)
5. Let it dry with wood blocks in it.
6. Throw it around on a cement floor.
7. Using hairspray, put some dirt over the spots dirt would naturally stuck.

So, this are the results.

And now, this is the whole collection.

Now bring me those Jedi scum!!

99% Finished Sandtrooper Backpack

2009-05-13T20:24:00.000-07:00

This is my new almost finished Sandtroper Backpack...

Now I need to weather it, make some minor upgrades to the radio, and thats it.

New German MP40 Ammo Pouches

2009-05-13T18:16:00.000-07:00

Today the Imperial postal service brought me my new Imperial issued MP40 ammo pouches, a very important part of my TD gear. Actually, I think this is the last part of the gear I needed to be all set. Still, it needs a lot of work before I can go out and explore the wretched hives of scum and villainy across the galaxy.

Here are some pictures of the pouches.

Some mods that will be needed:

Remove and replace the small pouch.
Make wood fillings to pass as the ammo magz.
Weathering...

And hopefully in a few weeks it will look like this:

New Weathering, new Sandtrooper

2009-04-13T10:08:00.000-07:00

This time my armor is almost 85% done. Did a lot of work lately and it is paying off...

-New TE2 bucket
-New Backpack
-New Weathering

And several improvements done on the armor...

So far, this is it.

Check how different it looks from my original TD armor done almost 2 years ago:

And this is how it looks...

Having the job done in remote worlds is not an easy job, but you know by their looks who is the people doing it: Sandtroopers, the badasses of the Empire!

Scratch built Backpack

2009-03-18T16:49:00.000-07:00

Along with my Screen Accurate Backpack, Ive been building a scratch built one. Most of the pieces were made from common objects like tupperware containers, PVC pipes and other stuff found in supermarkets and hardware stores. This are the results...

Some of my backpack blueprints.

2009-02-24T08:34:00.000-08:00

Just in case anyone might be interested, here are some of my blueprints for constructing this backpack:

Note: the radiobox faceplate blue print is not accurate since I made it based on the older version of faceplate. But since this january the original Radio (sonix) was found, I need to update it. i do have it but I have not taken the picture yet.

Ill try and take pictures of the rest of my blueprints and upload them soon.

*UPDATE:

Hope it helps.

Backpack... almost there.

2009-02-24T08:12:00.000-08:00

Ive been working for a few months on my sandtrooper backpack. As you might have read, the most difficult part was finding the parts: original, replica and substitutes. The second most difficult part was getting the correct blue color for the blue parts. And finally, the least difficult but must fun of all was putting it toguether.

So, here are a few shots from my las working sessions on the pack.

So first of all, I fixed the blue box to the pvc frame.

Then, I used a "caution" sign to cut out and put together the tool box. And used the same kind of sign to make the exhaust port's box. After gluing it together, painting it black, fixing it to the black seedtray and adding the electricians tape, it came out like this:

I then printed the sticker for the radio box.

'

After that, I just painted blue the bottle, fixed the mushroom cap and worked on the final details.

Still need to work in some details on the radio box, the mortar tube and the radio dish... and then weathering it. But so far I think it looks fine.

TE2 Sandtrooper Bucket done.

2009-02-23T11:12:00.000-08:00

TE2 bucket
Original english rubber parts
Mike's assembly
Mike's decals
Acetate Lenses
Handpainted details
MH's weathering tutorial

To do the weathering, what I did is this:

1. With a sponge, make a few strokes of paint at its 100%.
2. With a damp sponge, extend the paint to the area while thinning a lot.
3. With a dry paper towel (or you could use some clothe) take away as much paint as you want to achieve the look.
4. With a damp paper towel take off all the paint you want to make some cool textures.

Repeat as necesary... and do this in several layers with different colors. Go from a black layer to a lighter (yellow, tan, etc), back to a dark one (brown, dark tan, etc), and then black again.

Finish it up by spraying some hairspray on the areas you want some "sand" and spread some fullers earth over it using a brush. I would advice to do this slowly and just a bit at a time and from at least 20cm from the bucket. I used some yellow dust in this step.

The result:

And...

Now Im ready to meet again the constant rising deployed standards of the Mos Eisley Police Department...

Orli Shoshan's fan!

2009-02-09T09:38:00.000-08:00

Last week I was told to check the new Orli Shoshan's website. I did and big was my surprise qhen I found this picture:

It was taken about 2 years ago when in a SW collectible convention in Mexico City. So these are fellow 501st trooper Rotten, Orli Shoshan (jedi Master Shaak Ti), and myself.

TE2 Bucket progress

2009-02-04T10:19:00.000-08:00

Finally I decided to start working on my TE2. So after a couple of months in and out of the box, the bucket finally started to get all the features that will make it the face of a Sandtrooper.

Backpack updates.

2009-02-04T10:08:00.000-08:00

It has been a slow project, but Im working and making some progress with my screen accurate backpack.

Since my last post I got a MH/SB backpack kit from Crashman, and seedtrays from MrBoJangles at the MEPD, so although Im still working in the built from scratch pack, I now have all the cool stuff to finish my screen accurate one.

Here are some pictures...

Screen Accurate Backpack, now for real.

2008-12-04T14:26:00.000-08:00

My first attempt to build a backpack was kind of shooting in all directions and none. I didnt had a clear idea of what I wanted so I just copied the easiest one to build and did it. Now, almost two years later, I want my backpack to be as screen accurate as possible.

So first I did lots of research. Then I started, slowly, to gather all the parts and even more slowly, to construct the pack.

This is what Im trying to build (this picture is from Rolf from the Mos Eisley Police Department)...

So far, I only have 3 pieces. But its a start.

The boy scout backpack frame made of PVC tubing...

The scratch build Hamburguer stacker and siphon (so far)...

And the main box for the exhaust port...

Im planning to have the pack finished by January. Lets see...

Working on my Helmet

2008-11-06T10:18:00.000-08:00

To finish the best bucket available, a lot of work, patience and skill is required.

So first I had to hot glue together all the pieces from the inside in order to get a solid and sturdy helmet. I did this by glueing together the face and bumpy cap/back pieces.

Then, cause sometimes the HIPS is thinner than desired, I used epoxy glue to make it a bit thicker. This is not required but recommended to make it more trooping friendly.

Here the pictures show the hot glue on both sides of the helmet inside, and a bit of epoxy dough.

The best TD bucket

2008-10-27T11:18:00.000-07:00

Just yesterday and after a long wait my new TE2 helmet arrived. This is the ultimate stormtrooper helmet. Made after two original TK helmets from A New Hope, it is just the best bucket available.

It arrived after a long journey from Hawaii to California to Washington DC to Dallas and finally to Mexico City.

Since it is still in its most basic form, a lot of work and lots of time will be needed to have a finished movie accurate Sandtrooper Helmet. But it is definitely worth it.

Here are a few pictures of it.

Its a matter of time...

2008-10-17T10:31:00.000-07:00

But sooner or later the Galactic Empire will take control of the whole universe. Its a fact.

Just check this out. The Empire has already started to take control of the third planet of the so called Planetary Solar System. The planet called Earth.

Just check this out.

Credit goes for the creators of this amazing video. Whoever the might be. Cheers!

Hasbro's Clone Wars

2008-09-05T13:47:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago Hasbro launched its new Clone Wars collection in night sales in several stores around Mexico. Being the 501st Legion a group closely related and in full cooperation with Hasbro and Lucas Films, the Mexican Garrison attended these events and secure the perimeter.

I was assigned, with TB8211, to Walmart Lomas Plaza where no less than a thousand people showed up to shop for SW collectibles and ended up being surprised by two Imperial troopers.

Here are a couple of pictures from the mission.

Mission Report: Expo Coleccionistas III

2008-08-13T08:27:00.001-07:00

Flat Green Lenses for a Sandtrooper Bucket

2008-08-04T10:28:00.001-07:00

The armor and helmet protects a Sandtrooper not only from blaster shots but also from the element. Being it sand, cosmic powder, wind, rain, cold of heat, having the armor up to specs is a must for a deployed TD.

A very important part of the armor are the lenses. It protects the eyes of a TD from cosmic rays, sand and wind too... while providing with scanning and zooming tools, increasing the capabilities of an Imperial Trooper.

Here are the mods made to my helmet to finally have the best possible pair of flat green lenses available out there. But since tatooine is not the best place to shop for armor parts, this is what i had to do.

A transparent green/clear plastic lunch box was the source of the material.

The first raw cuts.

Two raw lenses on their way.

Giving its curve shape using some heating and bending technique.

Fitting them in place.

Extra layer of smoke plastic help filtering dangerous rays.

Trimmed, cushioned and fit into place.

Flat Green Lenses up to specs!

And a little Extra: four to three buttons in the ab plate. I used an epoxy paste to seal the hole left on the plate after removing the button and then weathered it.

FX TD armor now finaly completed 100%.

More mods...

2008-07-29T09:19:00.000-07:00

More mods to my backpack

2008-07-21T10:08:00.000-07:00

This is the pvc tubing cut to measure and almost ready to assemble.

The 135° angle..

Assembled and ready for paintjob

Primer...

Correct Hovi-Mix mic tips

2008-06-11T17:47:00.000-07:00

Yep... its a very small detail but it makes a great difference. Specially when conected to an amp and an FX card... The Hovi Mix mic tips are the "tusks" on the stormtrooper bucket's chin.

I order my pair from a great Imperial artisan and now I am ready to place them in my bucket... But. Should I wait till I get a more accurate ANH helmet... desicions... Maybe Ill just do it now and switch them back if I get the new lid... Anyway... here is a picture of them...

MEPD Police Officer Iconoclasta TD8800

2008-03-12T18:25:00.000-07:00

Its done. I am now officialy a Mos Eisley Police Department Police Officer. The Elite of the Elite of the Stormtroopers in the Empire. To be a Sandtrooper is not that easy. But now, being a Police Officer in the MEPD of the Fighting Legion 501st, thats comepletely another story.

It took me lots and lots of work. Lots of time. And lots of patience. All toguether with thousands of references, pictures, tips and more, after almost two years I am part of one of the most demanding detachments on the Empire.

Here are a few picts of my Deployed status on the MEPD site. Thats me: TD 8800. MEPD Police Officer.

My profile:

Being welcome in the Deployed section:

>

And the thumbnail on the deployed gallery:

Long live Emperor Palpatine!

TD8800

2008-02-18T16:47:00.001-08:00

Finally, now its done and official. Im a Sandtrooper in the Fighting 501st Legion... my Legion id is TD 8800 and now im just waiting to be deployed with the Mos Eisley Police Department.

Here are a couple pictures, one as a Sandtrooper and one inspired by the fanfilm IMPS...

DIRT!

2008-02-06T09:04:00.000-08:00

What is the most distinctive trade on a Sandtrooper?

Not the pouldron or the heavy blasters. Not the ammo pocuhes and definetly not the green flat lenses or the sniper knee plate. What really makes the difference is dirt. Just that. The sign of being deployed in a desert planet and having the dirty jobs done.

After lots of mods to my TK armor and after lots of thinking I finally got the courage to get dirty. Now Im finally ready to apply to the Mos Eiley Police Department and become elite among the elite. To be one of the few dozens of Imperial troopers who have worked hard to really achieve a screen acurate armor and have become a Mos Eisley Police Officer...

To achieve the correct dirt look in my armor, I used one of the most common techniques out there: a multilayer, multicolor, paint treatment. The acrylic paint was dissolved in lots of water and spread on the armor

Firts, I applyed the black layer on the part of the armor that I wanted dirty:

After spreading it with the sponge brush I got a dirty look.

A layer of yellow paint to make the sandy look.

A little brown and more black on top.

The bucket:

Do this to each piece of armor and in a couple of hours the job is done.

My Sandtrooper armor is now ready.

Elite Imperial Forces gear

2008-02-06T08:32:00.000-08:00

When deployed to the most remote systems with some of the most dangerous and difficult missions, Elite Imperial Forces need special equipment and gear to have the job done. Although I already had my gear for a while, I have not posted or showed it yet. So here is a picture of this special gear, ammo pouches, leather bags, and other stuff...

Pouldron, utility belt and ammo pouch:

Different ammo and utility pouches, utility belt, imperial binder, my E-11 blaster and holster, and gaiters.

Being Elite is not an easy job, but somebody has to do it. But not any somebody...

Imperial Binders

2008-01-28T08:35:00.000-08:00

What good can a police officer do without a pair of handcuffs; and its no different for an Imperial Stormtrooper... therefore, I started building my own Imperial Binders.

To build them I used a few very basic materials: PVC tubing (wide enough for arresting even wookies), hinges, screws, hot glue and plastic welder, and foam.

So first, I cut some PVC pipe rings from the tubbing, just wide enough so hinges would fit on them. Once I had the rings, I cut them in half to make the two parts that would actually open and close arround the prisioner's wrists. And then, screw the hinges to them to make the main body of the binders.

Once the main body of both handcuffs were done, I started with the "ornaments" by cuting some extra pvc squares the same with of the main pieces, and then gluing them... this gives the binders the sw gear look (mine are not that great looking anyway). And used some magnets at the end of the two main body parts for an opening/close mechanism... *UPDATE: the magnets were not that good after a mission so instead I used Velcro...

Finally, I used a long screw and knots, and a smaller pvc tube to fix toguether the two handcuffs...

A few layer of primer, white paint and the binders were done...

Here is a picture of me and my partner in action, making an arrest with the binders.

TD: almost done

2007-11-22T11:55:00.001-08:00

Im almost done with all the modifications to my Stormtrooper armor so I can apply to the Mos Eisley Police Department and become elite among the elite of sandtroopers...

So far, my Sandtrooper armor alreadys has the following modifications:

TD style ab plate modification
Sniper plate on left knee
Canvas belt
No drop boxes or thermal detonator
MG15 heavy gun
No stripes on gray patches on helmet
Ammo pouches
Black pouldron
Backpack

And Im still missing:

Green flat lenses on helmet
Macrobinoculars
and most importat: DIRT!

Once this is done, I will be applying to the MEPD

Mission Report: Teletón 2007

2007-11-22T11:35:00.000-08:00

Location: Mexico City, Coruscant
Date: 160112007
Code Name: Teleton5012007
Mission: Take by assault La glorieta del angel, fund raise for Teleton and take control of the system.
Status: Mission accomplished

As a part of the 501st Legion, most of my missions include talking control over hostlile territories, engage rebels in combat and arrest or terminate them and other task involving military tactics and strategy. The Empire has to show everyone who is ruling this galaxy. We, as stormtroopers need to take care of the citizens and its security.

But, there are some citizens need more care than others. And the ones that we work the most for are kids of course. Specially kids that may be phisically challenged, are sick, live in poverty or in any kind of need. That is our speciality. Thats the main mission of Legion 501st, Vaders Fist!

So, this last weekend, the Mexican Garrison wore armor and went fund raising for Teleton, a charity that helps phisically challenged kids with top of the line medical treatment and rehab for free.

The mission was a success!

Here are some pictures.

Mission Report: Expo Coleccionistas 2007

2007-08-12T21:03:00.001-07:00

My first mission as a Sandtrooper. Exciting! And, my first mission as part of the Emperial Elite Forces.

I will only say that it was a big success... we, the whole 501st, arrested several rebels and suspects of rebel behavior all day long. We took control of the WTC at Mexico City and made it clear that the Empire Rules the Galaxy.

Here is just a little sample of the EIF at work... inspecting suspicious characters and making an arrest after finding illegal material.

And here, yours truly, is taking under arrest a TK for misbehavior... arrest ordered by Gral Petrovic of Clone Corps.

The Elite Imperial Forces, a special ops squad.

And these are some of the most important arrests we made during the ExpoColeccionistas 2007...

A Jedi Master

A Jedi Night

Princess Leia Organa

A Rebel Pilot

Mission acomplished!

My MG15: the weapon of choice of a Sandtrooper

2007-08-12T20:48:00.000-07:00

Yes. To be deployed in hostile territory is part of the job when you are a Sandtrooper. And in order to bring order to even the most remote and uncivilized systems, imperial military personel need the most powerful weapons. So, that is why I decided to build my own MG15 blaster rifle.

Here is the process:

Ready to be deployed.

2007-07-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, thats an important thing to a Elite trooper. And being a sandtrooper is Elite for sure.

My backpack is almost done. So Im near to be ready to become Elite.

Here are some pictures...

Soon it will be done. One step closer.

Get your gear...

2007-07-17T11:45:00.000-07:00

Slowly, my Sandtrooper gear is getting done. The backpack is almost done. Just need to glue some parts toguether and finish the strap system. Almost done.

The sniper knee plate and abplate are done already, and now I just need to start working in the canvas utility belt. Not difficult at all. Its exciting to see how things turn out and how everything comes toguether to become a Sandtrooper. Elite imperial forces.

And talking about Elite Imperial Forces, just yesterday I got news from one of my garrison master armors about the Elite Emperial Forces special gear that we ordered a few months ago. In sumary, Ill get soon my gaiters, special utility belt and arm armor... alltoguether with my backpack, pouldron, armor mods and my next project, my MG15 rifle, I will in a few words KICK ASS!!

Look sir, droids!

2007-07-13T12:32:00.000-07:00

Im working in some mods to my armor in order to become a Sandtrooper.

But first, Sandtroopers and regular TKs mnay look similar, but they are very different. Several modifications most be done before applying to the Sandtrooper dettachment or the Mos Eisley Police Department.

Some of them are: No black stripes on grey Helmet decals, no botons on ab plate, Sniper Knee plate on left knee, the use of a backpack, a pouldron and a field weapon besides the side weapon is necesary, green lenses and some other things.

So its not so easy or fast to do all these modifications, but its a fun job. I first started with the helmet. Here are a few picts.

The, I started working in a new shin armor and the sniper plate.

While the armor mods are in process, I also started working on my Backpack. A sandtrooper is only all the TD he can be with a backpack. So using some tupperware containers and other stuff, I started from scratch (or almost). I just got them from Wallmart and started putting in toguether in the kart, and that is it. For now.

The backpack will not be 100% accurate, but it will look a lot like the one seen in ANH. But most important of all, I like it a lot.

Imperial Citizens at CIV.

2007-07-12T10:01:00.000-07:00

Mission Report: CIV in LA

2007-07-04T08:34:00.000-07:00

Being a Stormtrooper and serving the Empire often means to be deployed in far away worlds to srve in special missions. This time, the mission was to take over and keep control of LA system, in order to ensure the correct functioning of teh CIV event. The 30th aniversary of Star Wars.

There is so much to tell... and so little time and space.

I was assigned to the CIV nission the same day it started, so I just had enpugh time to go to my barracks and made some mods and repairs to my armor, pack a few stuff and take the Starship taht would carry me to the LA system. Friday afternoon I was on my way.

The place was loaded withe regular imperial citizens. But there was an unusual concentration of rebels, spies and even Jedi Knights. Something not seen since Order 66 and the rise of the Empire. But, as a trooper, I was instructed to set for stun and bring prisioners alive to interrogation. So I did.

Several other TKs were deployed, along with many other detachments of the 501st Legion. Even as a TK, I am elite, being part of "Lord Vaders Fist" is a big responsability. So with Biker Scouts, Sand Troopers, Imperial Guards, different specialized troopers, more TKs, Sith Lords and even Bounty Hunters, I patrol the site.

People were witness to the supreme power of the empire, as on middle street, a few TKs arrested a whole crew of Rebels annd their leader, Princess Leia Organa, and brought them for a fast track sentence in front of our supreme commander himself, Lord Vader.

I had to take in mind that several enemies of the Empire might show around. So being alert was part of my assignment. And in deed, I spot Han Solo and his wookie companion. Also the rebel Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa. Several of them I must say. Lots of rebels and lots of Jedi Knights. With other troopers, we proceeded to arrest them and bring them back to the fiedl HQ.

During my time off, me and some other Troopers, and citizens, were able to meet lots of legendary officers and celebrities. I had the honor to meet and greet Jango Fett, Oola the exotic Tw`lek dancer, and well, even Jedi Knight Aayla Secura, whom I was tempted to arrest.

As part of the activities for troopers, I attended and cheered my favorite team during the Trooper Olimpics. Lots of fun. Lots of great athletes in our Legion. Troopers from all around the world took part of several different challenges including taking off and on the armor in the least posible time, marksmanship, obstacle courses, and driving segways... lots of fun.

After the trooper olimpics, I served as security for a few events, including the metal bikini club picture. A great experience, serving the Empire and Jabba the Hutt. And of course, being close to so many Slave Leias has its charm. A few Slave and exotic dancers showed up aswell, and a bounty hunter too. It was a toughth job, cause everysingle male (of every species in the galaxy) wanted to be there. But as usual, the Legion showed everyone who is in charge.

The end of Day 3 (day 1 for me) came up with the group photo of the Legion 501st. It was one of the most awaited moments in the mission. I was really excited and honored to be there. It was just amazing to see so many troopers, Sith Lord and Bounty hunters all toguether at once. My guess is around 800 elite members of the Empire best Legion: 501st, Vaders Fist.

Celebration IV, Los Angeles, CA.

2007-05-29T15:25:00.000-07:00

Report and more pictures comingo soon!

Mission Report
Celebration IV
Los Angeles, CA
24-28 May 2007
SW 30th Aniversary
TK 8800

XXX Years of the Force!

2007-05-24T08:16:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, may the 25th Star Wars will celebrate 30 years of magic, myth and fandom.

Its almost as if it was my very own 30th birthday. Although I did not watched the very first SW movie in the theaters, my very first cinema experience was watching Empire Strikes Back, back in 81.

Thirty years ago, the Tantive IV, followed by a Giagantic Star Destroyer flew over the heads of a few crowd, and took by asault the life of millions, changing the way everyone sees movies.

This is my tribute to Star Wars...

20 reasons why being a SW fan is so great (in no particular order):

1. Saying "May the force be with you" means something for real.
2. Its not about technology, its about the myth.
3. Lightsaber.
4. Using the Jedi Ming trick is fun.
5. Toys are not for kids.
6. Darth Vaders breathing sound.
7. Bad acting doesnt matter.
8. You know that parsecs is a measurement of lenght, not time.
9. The sound C-3PO makes when walking.
10. Memorizing everysingle line of the 6 movies.
11. Wearing a Stormtrooper armor is actually cool for everyone.
12. Blasters, lightsabers and proton torpedoes.
13. The Dark side of the Force.
14. Like Yoda talking cool it is.
15. Leias Metal Bikini.
16. Padme.
17. Order 66.
18. The milenium falcon.
19. Chewie and Han Solo.
20. Sharing with lots of SW fans around the world.

So, Ill just add now: May the force be with us, always.

TROOPS!

2007-04-11T14:09:00.000-07:00

Fun in the Empire.

Fund raising for the imperial Red Cross

2007-04-11T08:24:00.000-07:00

The 501st Legion Garrison Mexico joined forces with the Mexican Red Cross to raise funds.

The mission was taken by some of the best troops in the galaxy. A Sandtrooper and Biker Scout troopers formed the Special Forces squad, and toguether with some regula TKs, clones and even a Tusken Raider, the mission was brought to success...

here some of the most memorable moments.

Commsystem and ROMFX

2007-04-03T10:47:00.000-07:00

Nothing upgrades a stormtrooper armor better than a ROMFX voice processor and an mic/amplifier kit.

I already have an amp installed in my armor. It works alright and lets ppl know you is ruling the galaxy. Nothing beats trooping and surprising everyone around with a voice amp, nothing except maybe, doing it with the ROMFX card.

The ROMFX is a procesor card that, once conected to the main amp sistem, gives the static burts and soe other random sound FXs to your voice and whatever you say. It also distorts the voice so that it has the tipical Stormtrooper mechanical sound in it. Its great. Its the sould of a Stormtrooper.

Tsk roger roger tsk

I placed and order and was able to secure a ROMFX procesor for my stormtrooper armor. Its supposed to arrive today from canada. Im eagerly waiting...

I also bought a complete official comsystem, including the two way radio, a headset and a Push to Talk control. Arriving today too.

And, to start my transition into becoming elite, im also getting a new GF bucket. That means a real size accurate helmet with green lenses and all... just the first step into becoming a SandTrooper.

Its a long journey to become special Stormtrooper forces, but Im willing to walk it.

Antigravity boots

2007-03-14T16:24:00.000-07:00

So, I just order a pair of new Stormtrooper boots! Shinny white armor, antigravity soles and super comfortable insoles. Now trooping will be even better.

Mission: TNT

2007-02-14T11:29:00.000-08:00

Last week, the Legion 501st Garrison Mexico went on patrol and recognition mission to the TNT, a comic-anime-scifi convention in Mexico City.

We took by assault the con center and took control of the place. At the sound of the glorious Imperial March, the Garrison, led by General Trooper, marched and impressed everyone.

Theres no doubt, the empire rules the galaxy.

Here is a shot of the Garrison entering the main building.

Marching along the halls inside the WTC.

Imperial Sense of humor

2007-01-31T09:47:00.000-08:00

Even the most evil Sith Lord in the Galaxy has a sense of humor...

Life in the Garrison. (Q4 2006)

2007-01-17T09:46:00.000-08:00

Being an Imperial Stormtrooper is a hard job. Weaing the durasteel armor all day or night long is not an easy thing. Specially when patrolling hives of scum and villiany all over the galaxy.

The fellow troopers make the job lots easier. Specially the officers. Its a good life and it makes me proud to serve my emperor.

To improve my performance as part of my garrison, I have been working in several modifications for my armor. Some are, including the ones I posted before are: Mods to my E-11 blaster (the weapon of choice for most TKs), my speaker comsystem, and now, some new attaching system for my armor, also, a new underarmor skin, way better. And new search gloves with keblar, you never know what you might end up touching.

New projects comming soon is the comlink system, and some new mods to my E-11. And I am actually thinking about applying for a transfer to the TD Corps... To be elite, to be a Sandtrooper? well, maybe.

BTW, Im now a Sargeant. Sgt. Iconoclasta TK 8800

Myself, TK8800, getting ready for the mission

Me and fellow TK, Capt. Worch

TK Blekstrooper patrolling

501st checking on suspisious vehicules

Sunday Mission: Dak Coleccionables

2006-10-30T15:54:00.000-08:00

A new mission for the Garrison Mexico... The Grand Opening of a new SW store and an outpost of the empire. We ought to conquer and secure the area. No prisioners are to be taken. No Rebels must survive.

From noon to around 4pm, we stood guard in the new location of the Dak Coleccionables Store in the south of Mexico City. We had a big comitment cause the store owner has always been very nice to the Garrison, being a sponsor for prices and toys we give away in our activities. So we had to do a good job. As we always do.

To the event, as much as 13 troopers, Sith Lords and Empirial guards arrived ready to fulfill their duty.

It was great to spend some time with fellow fans and SW enthusiasts... Pictures, and just talking about the six movies. Ar some moment, we step out of the store and walked aroound the sidewalk, most cars slowed down and waved at us. Several more stoped completely and well, after realizing we were causing traffic jams, we had to go back into the parking lot.

One new thiing is that I had my new Comsystem. With an amplifier and a speaker hidden inside my chest piece, I had the whole experience. Static Burts and all. It was amazing and took me to a new level of trooping. Awesome!

Here are some pictures of the mission.

Pictures of my E-11

2006-10-17T19:17:00.000-07:00

So, finally I got some pictures of my finished blaster... after all the paintjob and the weathering, I am really happy with it. It just now needs the folding arm, but Ill build it in the next few days.

The Mexican Garrison hard at work

2006-10-17T14:55:00.001-07:00

Expo Coleccionistas Star Wars 2006 WTC

2006-10-16T12:24:00.000-07:00

This last weekend, the Expo Coleccionistas Star Wars took place at the Mexico City World Trade Center...

I was not able to attend the event during the three days, but I did had an awesome experience on Sunday Afternoon.

The event was great. Lots and lots of Star Wars fans. Lots of toys and colectibles available. One Jedi Night. And the Legion 501st of course. Awesome.

There are several things to tell. So I will just make a list of cool stuff that happend and post some pictures. Lets see...

Cool stuff:
-I got to wear my Stormtrooper armor
-I used my now almost finished blaster
-Met hundreds of fans willing to join the empire academy and become a stormtrooper
-Hopefully maybe two or three will actually do it
-Kids wanted to have pictures taken with me and fellow troopers
-The Legion 501st Garrison Mexico gave a conference
-The droid Hunt Contest
-Organization of the event was really thankfull to us
-I got my new sound system for my armor
-Got to see my friend Rotten wearing his armor for the first time
-Met Orli Shoshan, Shakti on Episodes II & III
-Enjoyed lots of good moments with my fellow troopers
-Got a Legion t-shirt
And on and on...

Cool troopers

Rotten, Orli and myself

Orli Shoshan (Jedi Master Shakti) and me

Weathering...

2006-10-11T09:07:00.000-07:00

i must say that for the construction of several costumes, props, and other stuff Ive done before, I have followed many times, tutorials and techniques found in the net. Never I have achieved the same result shown in the websites. Not untill now.

I must say that after the whole painting of the blaster, I was pretty excited about doing the weathering. Would it be cool, would it look real? So I got some sandpaper of different number and started slowly, but gaining confidence and striking the blaster with it.

First on the edges, then on the main body, the exit door, and the trigger... then I went a bit further, ageing it a bit, and giving cool touches to specific places where I felt it could need it.

At the end, the blaster looks great... it kindof has the look of a real weapon. I just now need to finish the ammo clip and some other mods Im planning.

Will post pictures tomorrow or later tonite.

Blaster E11

2006-10-10T09:16:00.000-07:00

I decided to start working on my blaster modis rightaway, so I could have it done for the weekend, since Im attending a convention with the Legion.

First of all, I had to decide how would I make the ammo clip. I had found some tutorials, being the best of them one that suggested making it out of wood and metal. Since I only have a few tools, I decided to follow the plans and steps on this tutorial, but making it out of estirene instead of wood and metal.

So, first of all I drew a blueprint, or kindof, to figure out how to build it.

So, then, I started cutting out the pieces from an spare estirene piece I had (it actually was the utility belt from my armor), and slowly started to put it toguether.

I finished cutting the pieces, sanded them and them glued them all tiguether with E6000 PVC glue. And in the mean time, I satrted working with the blasters paintjob.

According to several sites, tutorials and tips, I decided to paint it in three layers. First of all, I sprayed a coat of grey primer, then a coat of silver paint and finally a layer of flat black. This, so I could be able to sandpaper out some black paint from specific places, to give it the weathered look.

Only imperial stormtroopers are so precise.

2006-10-05T14:04:00.000-07:00

So, after a few weeks shoping around, I finally found and bought my Blaster. I found it in an auction site a couple of days ago, made my offer and got it!

Its a new version of the old Kenner Blaster. This version is supposed to be from the 501st Clone Legion in Revenge of the Sith. So the packages comes with a picture of a couple of clones with the ble stripes on their armor. Its cool. Its not a Stormtrooper but its exactly the same except for the paint desing.

I will be making some modifications to it in the next few weeks. I am thinking of adding an ammo clip and some other stuff, modifiying the barrel and also give it a new paint job and weather it. I hope it will be cool at the end.

Here are some pictures of the package and the blaster when I got them...

New picts on my Legion File...

2006-09-26T08:23:00.000-07:00

Check it out. My pictures are already on the Legion 501st id files. Here is the link:

http://www.501st.com/members/displaymember.cfm?costumeID=1&userID=6867

Its a hard life

2006-09-25T12:14:00.000-07:00

Some damage is always held by an armor after a mission. And the stormtrooper amor is no exception.

After the mission in the Rebelcon a few weeks ago, my Stormtrooper armor got some damage, and also, I found out that some mods were in order.

First of all and most serious, the helmet had some thinning at the lower part of the side walls. It was notoiuos and most important, delilcate, cause it could be the entrance door to come cracking and tearing of the material. It also had similar problems in the chest plate.

So, new modifications and repairs are happening as I write.

My main concern was to make the helmet walls stronger, cause it is one of the parts that get more action, so to speak. Every time I put on and off the bucket, I have to grab it from a rather thin part of plastic, that eventually started to look and feel really bad.

What I did to repair this, was applying a layer of epoxic glue on the damaged part. It looks kindof uncool, but it does the trick. I just need to sand it a bit and paint it black to match the rest of the helmet. Will do fine.

I will do the same to the sides of the chest plate, since the thin plastic is giving up and I would not like it to break or tear.

Next, will ne the re triming and rematching of the arms and thighs, so thet are more comfortable to wear. And joining with elastic the thighs to the abs plate. Will be cool.

This is a picture of the inside of the helmet during the repairing process.

Trooping is not for the weak hearted.

Back on the 70s...

2006-09-25T10:37:00.000-07:00

...people were lot more naive than we are today; there were no CGI characters in movies; no amazing special effects; and of course, people would not go through movies, analizing every inch of it.

So, thats why the original version of the SW trilogy looks so much different and even un realistic and still was such a big hit.

Its just amazing to watch again those movies, without all the CGI and new plot lines. It gives me gosebumps just to see agian Han Solo not having to be polically correct and shooting first. The jawas are jawas, the aliens are people in costumes and the puppets are well, just puppets.

Eventhough, the original release of the movies used state of the art technology in its production, today, it looks really well... vintage. LOL.

It must say that I loved the edition. The sound, the dusty film look, the scratches, the colors, the special effects. Even the vintage image look of the DVD menu is great. Its cool. Its original. Its old. I love it.

I must say anyway, that the special DVD set with the orioginal version, meaning, the extra DVD with the special edition release, is not a big plus. I mean, most people buying this version, is most likely to already have the Special Edition DVD set. So, why having it twice. Its the exact same DVD. Its all about business I guess. Cause I bought it anyway. Hope Lucas would think about the fans more and less about money. But oh well... its business, not a pro bono work.

I would have liked some extras though. Just a few, maybe the "Luke watching the starfight from tatooine" or the "I met your father when he was a pilot" scenes. As a bonus. As the extra material. But oh well... maybe later. Money talks.

A new DVD set.

2006-09-14T15:27:00.001-07:00

Star
Wars

It is a period of civil war. Rebel spaceships, striking
from a hidden base, have won their first victory
against the evil Galactic Empire.

During the battle, Rebel spies managed to steal secret
plans to the Empire's ultimate weapon, the DEATH STAR,
an armored space station with enough power to destroy
an entire planet.

Pursued by the Empire's sinister agents, Princess Leia
races home aboard her starship, custodian of the stolen
plans that can save her people and restore freedom
to the galaxy...

No episode IV. No A new hope.

Just like that. Just the way it was screened back in 1977. Its the original version of the original movie of the original trilogy, in the latest DVD edition. The Star Wars Trilogy the way you remember it.

Just two days ago, the new DVD set, including the three original released versions of Star Wars, Empire Strikes Back and Return of the jedi, was available in stores near you. And yesterday, I already had it in my place. Am I a geek, I rather be called a fan.

Its awesome, its cool, its vintage, its... so old. The effects, the sound, the film itself. It just looks so 70ish. I love it. No weird CGI creatqures, no musical scenes, no Greedo shooting first, just the story as it was supposed to be. Even the cardboard soldiers at the end of Star Wars. Its awesome. And its mine.

Still need to go through the audio comentary and the extra features. But it is already a great addition to my DVD collection and to my SW collection.

What else does Mr George Lucas has left for us in the future... TV show and Animated series for shure... And then?

Lests just hope something else will come after these!

News Flash!

2006-09-13T14:18:00.000-07:00

After the Rebelcon 2006 last weekend, the Legion 501st Garrison Mexico appeared on different media. From websites to newspapers to tv shows.

Just today I found out that my girlfriend and me appeared on a picture on the on-line version of the biggest newspaper here in Mexico: Reforma.

Unfortunately, a suscripction is needed to enter the site and have acces to the pictures, but here is a screen shot of it.

It was really cool.

Rebelcon 2006

2006-09-12T13:51:00.000-07:00

Last weekend took place the Rebelcon 2006 Star Wars convention, with special guests Zachariah Jensen (Kit Fisto), Daniel Logan (Boba Fett) and Ray Park (Darth Maul).

The event was a big success if we take in consideration the amount of visitors, the participation of the actors, and the very outsatnding presence of the Legion 501st Garrison Mexico.

This was my firt mission with the Legion and it was just amazing. We paraded, posed for pictures with the people, played and troop around... and of coourse, had lots of fun sharing our SW fandom. It was just amazing.

Some of my favorite moments I shared with my girfriend, who was with the whole time. Helping me, taking pictures and just enjoying the event toguether with me. She is so great! And also, we both enjoyed a lot of cool moments with the rest of the garrison and of course, with fellow SW fans who couldnt believe their eyes were seeing some clones, stormtroopers, sand people and even Darth vader just in front of them.

Here are some pictures of these moments.

My Fisrt Mission: BodyGard to Kit Fisto and Boba Fett

2006-09-11T19:15:00.000-07:00

Yes. Its amazing. Almost incredible. I was just accepted in the Legion last thursday and on Friday I had my first mission as a Stormtrooper.

I was assigned to the security body of Jedi Master Kit Fisto (Zackariah Jensen) and Bounty Hunter Boba Fett (Daniel Logan). I got to be bodygard for the actors but the cool thing is that I actually met both of them and actually chat a bit with them. Really nice people.

It was awesome. I know it sounds too amazing, but I have the pictures to prove it.

Another great day at the Mexican Garrison.

Im the trooper on the right, the taller one.

With the actors...

TK 8800

2006-09-07T11:03:00.000-07:00

Its official. Im part of the Empire and the Legion 501st Vader's Fist!!

My Operation Number (TKid) is TK 8800

I am now a stormtrooper assigned to the Mexican Garrison. This is really cool!!!

And already tomorrow I have my first official appearence as a member of the Legion... and its not going to be just any appearence, its going to be a press conference. Im nervous. Im happy. Im excited! I just want to shoot some rebel scum!

So, stay tunned for more news.

In the meanwhile, checkout my profile and id on the 501st website: TK 8800

Stop that Ship!! Blast them!!!

2006-09-05T15:06:00.000-07:00

After 26 years of dreaming and hoping for it. I finallly have my Stormtrooper Armor! Nothing left to say.

Belt, thermal detonator and everything else!

2006-09-05T14:38:00.000-07:00

I had read in many places that after the helmet, the thermal detonator is the most difficult part to put toguether. I must say, it is.

The firt big problem, was that both of the main body parts were not circular enough. I mean, the did not form a cilindrical shape when placed toguether. So to soilve this, I used the hot air gun and some tape, to give them the correct shape. It was not very diffciult, but it takees some skill to do it. Most importanto of all is being patient both to heat the part and to let it cool down.

Onces it was done, it was all downhill.

I pasted the main body parts toguether and then painted it in gray. This to paint the glue and hot glue I used toguether with the plastic. No problem. Then, I painted the edges in silver chrome, instead of using the stickers. Dont know if it looks better, buut it definetely doesnt look bad.

Then, I wanted to use the thermal detonator as a sort of storing device for keys or personal stuff. So before glueing the "lids", I glued part of a plastic pen, to tie some bungy cord, to allow me to open or close it. It worked fine. I did glued one of the lids, the other one is loose.

Once this was done, I just had to figure out how to attach it to the belt. I decided to screw it to the belt. And so I did. But before finishing it up, I needed the belt.

Instead of using the extra styrene pieces that I got with the kit to make the belt, I usd some white plastic fabric or something, to make a belt, and then attached the utility belt and the detonator to it. To do it, I fixed a piece of styren to the detonator screws and placing inbewtween them the belt. (sorry, my english is not at its best today). Here is a picture of it.

To attach the Styrene utility belt to the belt I used some styrene strips to make a kind of belt straps on the back side, and passed the belt under them. It was very tricky, but onced I had the correct glue, it was done nicely. And then the thermal detonator, the utility belt and the plastic belt were all one piece. I just used some IS velcro to make them attach firmly.

After placing th eblaster hoslter in place the belt is done!!

Next. Put it on!

Legs.

2006-09-04T12:59:00.001-07:00

Next step, and almost there... the legs.

I must say that this seemed to be not a big deal, but considering that my legs are slimer than the leg parts, I had to do a lot of measuring and trimming, not to mention the very difficult part of glueing it toguether.

To bigin with, I used blue masking tape (a very useful tape, cause it does not sticks permanently to the plastic) to secure the pieces in place at the front part. Then, and wearing the black underarmor pants, I measured and marked where would I cut the pieces. It was not very difficult, but deffinetly not easy.

Once trimmed, I glued the front part of the upper legs. And let them dry for 24 hours. In the mean time, I glued some velcro to the back openning of the shins. I used some crappy Velcro since I couldnt get any IS one. And also, used a crappy glue to do it. Needless to say, I had to repaste it later, using the E6000 glue.

I thought and researched about many ways to attach and wear the armor, but since I am just getting started, I wanted to test prove some systems of my own before ribeting or snap buttoning it. So, I went for foam in the inside. Enough foam to keep the pieces in place, and yet being comfortable to wear. So fo now, I think its doing a fine job. Lets see after my first trooping experince this saturday.

After glueing the back of the upper legs toguether, I just had to put the final touch t it: the leg utility belt and the knee pad. To make the utility belt piece fit correctly the circumference of the thigh, I used a hot air gun and after heating the piece, I used thge clamps to make it the proper curve.

I also glued some foam in the interior of the shins to make it more confortable and to keep it in place.

So, with the shins and thighs ready, I just needed the boots. I got them from the local market for a very reasonable price. They are not an exact replica of the ones wore on the films, but they are close enough.

Only the belt and thermal detonator left to do.

Chest, arms and shoulders...

2006-08-31T09:48:00.000-07:00

Its almost ready.

I ahd worked in the chest, upper and lower parts for a few days now. Trying different attaching systems: Velcro, Industrial Velcro, Glue, Hot glue, and even tape. But it seems that its is finally, almost ready. HEHE...

The most tricky part were the shoulder straps. It was a pain in the butt to have them properly attached and yet keep them remobable. So at the end, I used two different pieces of Industrial velcro placed in strategical spots, glued with E6000 and secured with hot glue. Worked fine.

Then, I attached the upper arm pieces to the shoulder pieces using elastic and hot glue. It worked fine, I just need to do the same to atttach the shoulders to the shoulder straps. Lets see. I also put some foam in the interior of the upper arm pieces to prevent it to move around.

At the same time, trimmed the upper leg parts and pasted the shins. I think I will paste the upper legs in both sides, and will use velcro for the back of the shins, while pasting the front part... This way, I ll try to reduce to a minumun the use of velcro.

And well... as a preview... here is the first picture of myself wearing at least part of the armor...

The Torso.

2006-08-29T09:02:00.000-07:00

Last night, after getting some E6000 PVC glue, I arrived home and continued working on my armor. This time, it was the turn of the arms, and finishing the torso pieces, and started to work on the shins.

Firts of all, I removed the snap buttons I had placed in the belly... This because I placed them all painted in black. But then found out, thanks to the help from my new buddies from the 501st legion garrison méxicoforums, I found out that the correct color scheme was differrent. So I painted some buttons in gray and some I will paint on blue, later on.

It was not difficult since I used hot glue, and painted using the same primer I used to paint the frown gray. I also cut it in two separate pieces to make it more comfortable to move and wear. I did this to the two lower torso parts.

Here is picture of the lower torso pieces, there you can see it still with the black buttons.

Then, to finish the lower torso, or attempt to finish at least, I hot glued some elastic that will work as suspenders... I prefered this option rather than attaching them to the upper torso, cause I think this way Ill have lot more room to move and will be more comfortable to wear. Hope Im right.

Now I just need to paint 3 buttons in blue to properly match the Death Star Stormtrooper look from ANH. Ill do it later on the week.

Nest step, I started with the upper arm pieces. It was not very difficult. Just pasted one of the sides. Once it was done, I trimed a bit of the other ends and paste it toguether... I must say that the clamps were of great use here. I dont know how would have ever done it without them... I used the E6000 glue here, from Home Depot. Its very strong so it must be treated carefully. And it stinks big time!!

Then, I worked on the lower arm parts. Its nice to be avarage size and complexion, cause most of the parts fits just perfect. Needed to make just a very few modications and the parts fitted just right. For these parts, I added some foam padding on the inside, to make them fit better and stay in place. I hot glued the foam and it works nice. I was able just to paste one of the ends on both arms, I will still need to do the other ends tonite or maybe tomorrow...

In this picture also appear the upper torso parts... more on them later.

Helmet done!!

2006-08-28T09:28:00.000-07:00

Righth now, my stormtrooper helmet is done and ready for trooping.

I got the fan and wires I needed for the ventilation sistem, so now it was just a matter of assembling it all toguether...

So first of all, I did the whole wiring thing from the baterry outlet to the fan and through the button. It was not very difficult since I had prior experience with elecrtrical stuff in other props and models.

Once the wiring was done, I put all the components inside some flexible tubes I got, and used anothe tube to make some kind of holder for the button.

This is how it looks after everything was put toguether.

Then, I hot glued some screen over the fan, just to have the safe feeling. I wouldnt like to have my dreadlocks sucked into the fan... LOL... And then, glued the fans over the wholes I drilled on the frown. I read some pleople place the fans so that one can blow air inside while the outher suck it to the outside... I placed both of mines blowing to the inside. After all, its not closed and the air can scape downwards.

And then, I hot glued the tubbing all around the edge of the helmet. It worked fine for what I had in mind. The helmet looks was looking as cool on the inside as on the outside.

Finally, I glued some velcro stripes where the battery would go. That way I could secure the batteries, buut have them easily replaced or moved if needed.

After doing this with both fans, the helmet was almost done. At the end, I just had to replace the black decals on the, mmmh, well, ventilation system I guess, with blue ones, to match the ANH look I wanted for my helmet. I did this using blue electricians tape and a cuttter knife, not very difficult and results were great.

Got amor!!!

2006-08-28T09:12:00.000-07:00

So, finally... after I dont know how long of dreaming about it, I got a brown cardboard box containing my stormtrooper armor!!! I was just like a kid on xmas morning... couldnt even decide where to start, since I was so exited. First step, the regular armor-on-the-floor shot...

The big brown box.

All the pieces were packed individually. I apreciated that cause it prevents any damage to the glossy finish.

Thats my armor!!!

I also got the ventilation system, some velcro, promotional stickers, flyers, a free t-shirt, snap buttons and several stuff... I also had some other things in Wallmart earlier: glue, extra velcro, some kindof industrial velcro, electricians tape, masking tape and some other stuff.

Tools, and materials.

Also, my neck seal is in process, Ill get it maybe in a week or two. Im on my way!!!

Almost there... almost there.

2006-08-22T08:41:00.000-07:00

Im almost done with my Stormtrooper Helmet.

So fa, I have drill the frown vents, painted the interior black and put on some padding . And now, the latest modifications, I painted the frown in gray, and a wire screen on the interior of the frown.

To paint the frown gray, I used some primer spray. Its matches de color of the decals nicely and gives a cool finish. Not very glossy but its fine with me. And to glue the screen, I used some hot glue. It was an easy job. Now the helmet is almost complete. I am now in search for the fan and electronic parts for the ventilation system.

Here are some pictures of the helmet.

This is the helmets inside. The Wire mesh is already in place...

This is a close up (a bit out of focus) of the paint job on the frown and how it looks with the mesh... cool I think.

An this is a shot of the whole thing!

Next, the fans and cooling system...

Padding and green lenses...

2006-08-18T12:25:00.000-07:00

This time, I wanted to put on the green lenses, so following some advice I found on the net, I used some Softdrink plastic bottle and cut some lenses. I must say the results were not great, but from the begining I knew it was going to be like that. So, I dont mind. Cause at the end.. well, youll see.

This is a pict from the bottle cutted down.

These are the lenses before pasting them.

I decided to leave the smoky flat glasses that my helmet already had. But glue the green one over them to make them darker and giving them some kind of greenish look. The result. well...

Here, we can see the lenses put into place before glueing them.

I hot glued them over the smokey lenses and then glue some padding over the whole eyepiece. It came out fine cause the padding prevents sharp edges sticking into my face and it also feels comfortable to wear. But a very cool thing is that thet stop light from coming from under the helmet to light my face. Nice.

Here is one eye with padding.

At the same time I was padding the eyes, I start glueing the pads for the side of the head. It was not difficult at old. I just had to be carefull not to put too much glue on the foam , cause it kindof melted a bit. But at the end, it came just great.

Once I finished with the sides and the eye pads, I think it was done. It fits great. And I have enough room to breath and for my dreadlocks. Eventually, when I cut my hair off, I will need some new padding system, but in the meanwhile, this is great.

I am trying to make the helmet look as cool in the inside as on the outside. Kindof tech and cool gadgets on it. So, I think its comng quiet well.

During the week end I will try finishing the paint job on the Frown, and maybe go shopping for the ventilation sistem, and some crazy Idea I had about a hidrating system, since everyone says its so hot and tiring to be in the armor for long periods.

will see...

Padding, but not yet.

2006-08-17T09:16:00.000-07:00

Yes, my girlfriend got me some padding stuff for th einside of the helmet, and also some darker gray spraypaint. So, now I can start working again on my helmet. As soon as I find some spare time.

But already yesterday night, for about 15 mins, I started to cut and give shape to the padding I will be using to get the exact fit for my helmet. First of all, here are the tools and stuff I used: duct tape, some other tape, cutter knife, scissors, some kind of foam pad use to cover ducts and thats it I guess...

First of all, I started by measuring the covers of the lenses. I want to place some padding around the edges of the lenses to make the more comfortable, and also to try and making it more difficult to see through them from the outside.

This I did by cutting sections of the foam tube, cutting it in 4 along the lenght of it. Then I placed it along the edges of the lense, cutting it down to fit, taking it apart and then hot glueing it toguether. That was my first attempt. It came out pretty good, but for the second pad, I will paste it directrly to the helmet. I guess.

After that, I placed a whole section of the foam tube in the forehead area, just to separate my face form the face of the helmet. This worked pretty fine. And eventhough its just secured with tape for now, I think that once its glued, it will work great.

To ensure that the fit would be fine, I temporarly taped the wire mesh to the frown vents. Everything worked fine.

Then, I covered the nots and bolts in the interior of the helmet. Placing duct pads sections cut by half with the tape, just to place it temporarly and had an idea of where should I paste them later on. It came pretty good.

So now, everything is taped into place, I just need to hoot glue it and I guess the padding will be done, and the fit will be great.

This is a picture of the front part of the helmet with the padding taped in place.

This is a detail from the side padding, covering the bolt and knot, and giving secure fit to my head.

And this is the view of the whole head padding, I left an unpadded section on the back to allow space for my dreadlocks to be. The whole thing worked out pretty cool. And fits just right. I will hot glue it in the days to come.

Needless to say, I decided against the hard hat liner and use the foam instead.

Thinking about it...

2006-08-16T08:51:00.000-07:00

Its wednesday, and in weekdays its kindof difficult to work in my helemt. But that doesnt stops me for surfing the net for tips and ideas on what modifications to make.

I hev been thinking for a while now about what the next step should be. First of all I will finish with the wire mesh inside the vents on the frown and the frowns paint job. Probably on friday. My grilfriend offered to go buy the paint and some foam padding I need. She is great! Its awesome how she enjoys this project with me. So after I finish all that, I will prbably start working on either the hard hat liner and the padding, or on the cooling system.

I found a great tutorial on how to install the fans inside the helmet. It comes with cool descriptions and very usefull pictures. It even has the Radioshack Item numbers for the parts I need. Ill post it in the links section on the blog, but for now, its here:

Obi Wan's Jedi Academy cooling system tutorial

I still need to think about where to place the fans inside the helmet. Probably where the frown vents are.

But oh well... such a long way to go. I think I will finish the wire screen and paint job, the liner, the vents and at then the padding. And still dreaming of the voice amp and comm sistem. But maybe later, just maybe.

Step 1. A New Helmet.

2006-08-14T10:34:00.000-07:00

Friday August the 11th, 2006 was the day I got my Stormtrooper Helmet. A shiny white plastic helmet. Almost as cool as a real durasteel ST helmet.

Since getting an armor is quiet expensive, I got a deal where I could pay for it monthly. Each month getting some parts of my armor. That works fine with me cause, that way, I can afford to pay it, and I can have enough time and not rush into building the whole armor at once. Im not very patient with these kind of things.

Ive heard all kindof stories about ppl being too impatient and excited, and therefore comiting several mistakes when putting toguether the armor. Specially the helmet. So, I was very thankfull to get my helmet all in pre-esambled and with the decals already on. But that didnt meant it was anywhere near finished. No.

So, I firstly studied the parts, how it worked toguether and how it was build. Evaluating what modifications to make and which ones dont.

Just before begin working on my helmet, I got a few basic tools: hot glue and hot glue gun, scissors, cutter knife, hand drill, spray paint, and some other stuff.

First modification, I decide to hot glue all the helmet parts toguether. Good call I think, cause now the helmet feels a lot more solid and doesnt feel like a plastic toy anymore.

Then, to give it a more "realistic" look, I spray painted the interior in black. It gave the helmet a really cool look and now it feels like if it was made of some real armored material. To do it, I masked the lenses, removed the black rubber rim and masked it from the interior to the exterior, this to prevent the outer side of the helmet to be painted. Unfortunately, I dont have pictures of any of these steps, but I do have some picts of the finished look.

After painting it, and letting it dry for several hours, I decided to get some metalic screen, and start working on the frown vents. In this part of the process, my girlfriend joined me. I must say that its for me a great joy and also it makes the whole thing more exciting, that she supports me, helps me and most important of all, is happy for me to have my armor! She is the BEST!

Using my hand drill, I drilled some wholes in the frown, and then using the cutter knife I carved the wholes until they were shaped like squares. Althought it took some time, it was easier than I thoughth it would be. At the end, I had the helmet with all the vents, ready to be painted gray to meet the ANH style.

To paint it, I masked the helmet leaving just the area that I was going to paint. Being careful to cover the holes from the inside of the helmet, to prevent any unwanted gray spots on the interior. I dont have pictures of these either, but here is one of the result.

Now, there were 2 main unwanted results here. First of all, the paint color did not match the color of the decals, so I was a bit disapointed about that. Need to paint it again in some darker gray. The second one, is that when removing the tape I used to mask the helmet up, some paint was removed from the helmet surface in the edges, and a big portion of it from the inner part. So, Ill have to paint it all up again.

Here is a picture of the detail of the paintjob.

So, once I accepted that I would not be able to work directly in the helmet for a while, I looked forward the screen I would use to place inside the vents.

What I did, was cutting three different pieces of screen, being carefull to position them in such way that it was difficult to see through them. And then, proceeded to glue them toguether with hot glue.

A problem I found, was that the edges of the screens had wires that coud harm or scratch my face. I glued plastic straws to the edges and had a softish, round edge for my screen! It worked fine. I then, just painted it black and the piece was ready to be glued in place. Too bad I cant do it for now, not until I have the paint job done right.

Here is a picture of the screen.

Next, and since I cant do much more until I get the correct gray paint, I just got an old construction helmet and took the liner apart from the hat. I will use it later on to make the right modifications to get a good fit for my head (I have dreadlocks so its not an easy job). Im thinking about fixing it with Velcro or something. Lets see.

Here are pictures of it.

White armor.

2006-08-14T09:21:00.000-07:00

The very first time a remmeber seeing a Stormtrooper, was at the movies: Star Wars Episode V Empire Strikes Back. The first movie I ever saw in a theater. Ever since, Ive been an Empire Fan! Darth Vader rules, and so does the Emperor, and of course... all the Imperial Stormtroopers.

Since age, maybe 3, I wanted a white armor. Its been one of my most persisting dreams. At some moments of my life it was even an obsesion... 26 years or so. And now, my dreams is slowly becoming real.

This blog will be dedicated, to showing the process of constricting, customizing, and enjoying my Stormtrooper White Armor... Pictures, tips, events, quotes and all the stuff that motivates and excites me about my armor.

Hope to have some fellow SW/Stormtrooper/Costuming entusiasts visiting and maybe leaving some comments.

May the Dark Side of the Force be with you.