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Well this is pretty nuts, but the granddaddy of ARTs just hit 10 years this year! Juan Jose Matamoros designed us a great 10 year logo Not sure if we will do patches or coins... stay tuned!

I've wanted to do this build since I saw it in Solo. I've been busy trying to finish a Shadow Scout for the past year. I've been on here a lot as you all have much better write ups about scout builds compared to SpecOps. I was recently offered a Resin cast PT helmet and that spiked my interest in this build again, so I jumped on the few items that @BikerScout007 had that I could fit in. So now that I have a helmet, boots, and gloves, it was time to start grabbing more stuff to make this happen. I bought @MrPoopie's files so I can start printing the armor on my Elegoo Neptune 3 Max, and my CR-10 S5. I'll be printing them in PETG as I don't have any enclosures. I'll also be ordering my pants from Uniform Warehouse per many recommendations. The jacket and belt were my biggest hang up. I recently was contacted by a prop maker named "Galactic Props" on Facebook and they said they could make the jacket to meet the Level 2 requirements, so I've taken a risk and ordered. As for the Belts and Belt boxes, I've gotten some recommendations and will be looking into those. So break down. Softgoods: Jacket - Galactic Props (https://www.facebook.com/galactic.props.2025) Pants - Uniform Warehouse (https://bit.ly/3GvRCGw) Gloves - Endor Finders Boots - Amazon (https://amzn.to/4lYQg7A) Belt - TBD Belt boxes - TBD Balaclava - Amazon (https://amzn.to/4jEZioI) Armor: Helmet - cast resin (not sure who they are modeled from). Armor - 3D printed PETG (MrPoopie's files).

Hey all! This week we launched our YouTube channel in order to house the many videos we've created and will create in the future. So instead of trying to track them down in a myriad of places, they are now all in one easy to find place -- including the Virtual Armor Party videos! More stuff to be uploaded soon! Please like and subscribe at https://www.youtube.com/@501stPathfinders

Well, I ran this by the DL and he referred me to the DCA. Last night I posted on FB that I was looked to commission a jacket. A prop vender named Galactic Props contacted me and said they could do it, and sent me some pictures and a video of their jacket. The pictures look like something that would pass basic approval, but the video seemed to show the flat stichig as well as the ribs. So I took a gamble and ordered it. They did ask for measurements and said it would take about 2-4 weeks. So, well see how it goes. If it turns out good, we might have a vendor willing to make the jackets. Link to jacket video. Patrol Trooper https://imgur.com/a/XvYsAzK Sent from my SM-S938U using Tapatalk

To the 501st Pathfinders Command Staff, I just wanted to extend a huge thank you for the time and guidance you’ve given throughout my kit build. The resources you’ve provided, and the support you offer through the forum, have been absolutely essential—and honestly, game-changing. A special shoutout to @Chopper, @Tarok, and @Aradun—your advice, patience, and dedication made a daunting process not just doable, but actually enjoyable. You’ve helped turn a pile of plastic into something truly epic. Thanks again for everything you do—not just for me, but for every builder chasing that screen-accurate dream. Scott B. - aka Sgt. Bilko

Some background, I've been with the 501st / Golden Gate Garrison since late 2014, served on Command Staff for a couple of years and helped a bit with garrison merch, but got retired due to lack of activity in 2024. A couple of reasons, one) all ABS armor eventually yellows. This was a battle with my ESB TK armor for the past 5+ years and it is now at the point of sanding and painting to rescue it. It saw quite a few troops when I was part of the Golden Gate Garrison. Two) we are in small numbers here in the Northern Nevada under Central California Garrison, thus event requests are far and few between. So with that said, I am planning to return back to active status this year with Central California Garrison (relocated to the Outer Sierra Mountain Ranges in 2023). We are looking to change this in 2025, so if you know anyone who is looking to join the Empire here in the Reno/Sparks area. We are here to help! This is my First Offical WIP entry. Not that there is anything that probably haven't already been done with other builds, but I did do a few tricks when fitting my TK armor to fit as good as I was able to accomplish. Something I am looking forward to doing here as well. My loadout: Armor: Studio Creations full kit. Ordered April 12th, received May 3rd. (Which BTW, at the time of this entry, they were offering a $504.00 price for their kit. Unheard of IMO and don't know how long this sale will be good for! Plus Kurt took care of me when I asked if he could accomodate my request. That was customer service!) Soft Parts: ChrisX909X: Full soft kit including boots. Hoping my experience will be better than some others had, especially regarding the boots. I wanted to give my business to someone in the USA. Ordered on April 27th, with an estimate of completion around June if I jumped in line but his original ETA was end of July, but as we say, "Time will tell" Gloves: Wampa Wear - Size Med Received April 30th. Base Layers: Basic black compression gear and balaclava used with my TK. I am hoping that I won't need to use the insulated ones during colder months with all the TB layers.😄 Voice Amps: Anker and Throat mic. Optional: TrooperTalk used with my TK. Ground Transportation: Honda CBR650F with Imperial Graphics Okay, since photo space is limited on the forum, here are pics from my Google Photo account. I'll be adding to it and sharing anything specific about my build from another image hosting site. Obligatory Big Brown Box and initial unboxing. Hasbro Black Series TB Helmet and LEGO key chain for inspiration. My next post will probably be helmet related as that doesn't need to have my soft parts for proper fitting. Until then Toybiz out...🫡

Nes, just a note for when you’re trooping. Don’t wear the balaclava over your mouth and nose. You’ll fog up the inside of your lenses super fast that way.

GLOVES: Wampa Wear is the obvious go-to, but I was intrigued by Endor Finders trying to more closely mimic the Esprit gloves what with the included zippers. Ordering was very easy but I did notice that a few sizes were out of stock, I'm not sure how often these are getting produced. I was between a size Small and Medium according to the size chart; I endored ended up getting a size Small and they fit pretty well (even a little on large side). Shipping was very quick and the gloves appear to be very well made. So far, I would recommend these if you don't mind the increased price and a little extra work to remove the zippers. More pockets!!! So about that zipper... To remove the zipper, I used the same method Aradun recommended in his thread here: This was a great resource and I probably wouldn't have gotten these gloves if it weren't for this topic. I considered cutting the zipper like some other posters, but ultimately went with the flathead + knife approach. Personally, I prefer the look with the nylon zipper attachment intact and way it affects the form of the gloves, but I may cut them out later if they are a problem for approval or durability (I would like to go for Lancer status eventually). I'll probably cut the zipper pulls on the wrist at some point as well. All in all, very happy with these gloves. At some point, I may look into modifying a pair of Esprits since they don't seem too uncommon on Ebay. Apologies if that's a photo overload!

Agreed! It constantly gave me headaches. Here is my setup. I used to have a pad on the top, but it lifted the helmet up too high

Look online for First Order TK belts. The material is the same.

The ribbed material is ribbed rubber floor matting / grooved anti slip matting https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/402300779926?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=JXXRYntqTvu&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=sDN08318Qna&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY A guide on how to construct the pouches can be found here https://forum.501stpathfinders.com/topic/20477-ruthars-patrol-trooper-build/page/2/#comment-187463 It's been a few years since making mine but I think I used 2 of the medium sized pouches as the smaller one was to small IMHO . I used the belt material on the back of the pouches, cut to size and super glued back on to the belt, using the ridges as a way of having a large contact area and also making the pouches sit flush and close to the belt,it's held up for 3 years and I've had no problems. Sent from my 21091116UC using Tapatalk

I believe the Lucas museum in downtown LA opens in early 2027? Likely not a coincidence…

Finally getting some time to work on this again. Got all the pieces glued together. I realized after gluing the barrel pieces together that they weren't properly aligned. I'm pretty sure that big gap between the cooling fins should be on the bottom of the barrel, not the top. Oops! It's glued in too tight, so will continue working on it for now to get some practice in. I got the gappy pieces Bondo'd together and sanded down and prepped for spraying. First layer of filler-primer done, will add 1 or 2 more layers before sanding down again, then will start painting. The misaligned barrel shouldn't be too obvious when completed and definitely some lessons learned for the next one I'm working on.

I’ve been following the 501st since I was a kid, and I’ve finally resolved to try and do a 501st approved costume of my favorite modern Star Wars trooper. I’ll be getting a 3D printer within the month, but I’m still a bit overwhelmed by the entire process if I’m abit honest. Going to try and post the process over the next year or so here so I can track my own progress and help others avoid the mistakes that I’m sure I’m going to make.

@Hask @Ruthar are our PT armorers and they can help guide you through the build process. @MrPoopie, besides being a PT himself, designed 3D files for it and is our 3D printer expert. He also did his own jacket, since the original source for it dried up. Feel free to post up any questions you have about the costume here.

Ok, took me a while but I wanted to share some first pictures of my new Scout Helmet by iron Motion in germany. He offers three different options on his website: 1) Kit 2) Pre-assembled kit 3) Finished kit I chose the pre-assembled version because of too many projects you know... 😉 It only needs some finishing touch like minor trimming, final sanding, assembling, installing all parts of the helmet and painting. When I'm finished I'll make some new pictures with a tape measure and side by side comparison with my SC bucket.

Was able to use your recommendation for the sandpaper around pen trick (not sure why I didn’t think of that), and it worked out really nice and was able to get them more symmetrical for both side. Tip of the cap to you Chopper! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I dislike the “hard hat” insert from RS prop masters for the helmet. Any padding suggestions? Anyone willing to share a few photos of the inside of their bucket?

I've used both of these styles in different helmets: https://www.amazon.com/Aoutacc-Universal-Airsoft-Replacement-Accessories/dp/B07PGF4CTH/ref=dp_prsubs_d_sccl_1/144-1238176-3458826?pd_rd_w=PS5H0&content-id=amzn1.sym.efe5d038-dc89-42e0-b82c-81ca9bb5c760&pf_rd_p=efe5d038-dc89-42e0-b82c-81ca9bb5c760&pf_rd_r=3GRSFS4DDVY7G3EGHMT5&pd_rd_wg=Rlb1t&pd_rd_r=763a4310-e4fb-4bc4-802e-09640706bcee&pd_rd_i=B07PGF4CTH&th=1 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Y5JZFGB?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_10&th=1

The neck seal is optional and the dip in the front is not a problem.

I will have to check. Probably? I won't be home for a few more days but I will look

Gloves ✅ Black Coveralls ✅ Black Balaclava ✅ Strong Velcro ✅ 3yds White cotton fabric ✅ 1 roll batting ✅ 2yds white duck ✅ 1/2-, 1-, & 2-inch black elastic ✅ 3yds white cotton webbing ✅ 1 roll white nylon webbing ✅ 4, 1 1/2-inch black buckles ✅ WampaWear Gloves ✅

Hi Nes, Yes, those thigh patches, and thigh straps, are too low. they should end above your knee and the strap should be at the middle of your thigh.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I bought a Jet Trooper file set from them. They're not well detailed and really not designed to turn into a costume. It could be done but with sooooo much work.

I have a printed set of Galactic Armory Scout Trooper and I wouldn't use it for Approval. Maybe pieces of it. I have a Studio Creations kit I am building alongside two Galactic Armory prints and I am not even approved and I can already see problems with some of the pieces just from my casual reading of the CRL, particularly for Level 2 approval.

Thank you! Also, just dropping these in since I'll probably need these pics for approval anyways:

I was able to remove the square stitching, and hand stitch the remainder of the top. I also used the hairdryer recommendation and I’m shocked at how well it worked out. Thoughts on the repair job? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I was at Kohls the other day and found an Adidas pullover on sale for $7. I’m going to use that for my pattern. It fits me like a glove. I’m just waiting for my fabric to come in. Then I guess it’s go time. Good luck, finding someone to make my jacket was too hard where I live.

Sorry fell asleep right after work. https://drive.google.com/file/d/10SmbGObcgXyR9jmPRNlxV14Mwj7HAKhu/view?usp=sharing

Greetings everyone, Like most build threads, this is one a long time coming; I think I've been lurking and researching this costume on and off for 10+ years (at least since the bikerscout.net days) and I'm finally in a place to get started. Now that pieces are ordered and the first piece has arrived (gloves), I thought I'd start documenting; here's the full vendor list: Helmet: RS Prop Masters Armor: RS Prop Masters Soft Parts: KriptonTop Balaclava: NB Tactical Boots: Crowprops Gloves: Endor Finders EC-17: RS Prop Masters (considering keeping this on display and printing, molding, and casting one for use) I'd like to build a DLT-19x to go with it eventually. I've seen some recommendations for surfinbird132's model, but unfortunately it seems they've taken it down from thingaverse/cults3d in the last month or two - does anyone have recommendations for an alternative?

I think I do. Let me look when I get home from work later.

Ah I see... well again @Hask would be the expert here (especially on Hot Toys!), but if it's lacking a screen reference that's not something we would add to a CRL.

So I'm down to some small pieces of soft goods. What is everyone using for the belt and belt boxes? All the CRL says is: The belt is ribbed and made from rubber or rubber-like material with no visible buckle or fastening mechanism. The belt contains 3 leather or leather-like pouches with hard plate and press stud on each flap. So, I'm not sure where to start. Any guidance would be appreciated. Sent from my SM-S938U using Tapatalk

. Sent from my 21091116UC using Tapatalk

I am in the same boat . Sent 2 messages and I am 7 months in . Wish I saw this previously . Not good business to not at least respond .

Any chance this maker might be willing to make more?

Uh... sounds like a good opportunity to visit the west coast of the states. I guess there will be a lot of you guys around! 😁

Congrats mate! Looks awesome!

I would not get that Kelodon one in the first link.

That part of the CRL is intended as a catch on people wearing massively oversized gloves. If you are wearing properly sized wampa wear gloves, then they will not need any modifications.

Pros: Great quality materials. Measurements were correct. Always responded in a timely manner when I had questions. Cheaper than Keep Trooping. Cons: Wait time. I Their website states wait time is 20-28 weeks but I believe it was actually a 40 week wait time. I understand they moved to doing work part time as they used to be full time prop makers. That most likely explains the time but be prepared to wait. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Dry fit. Bag on the wrong side and my boxes need adjusting. Not too bad. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The side armor and ammo boxes are all painted, not in picture. Left with the largest armor to work with. The AB armor look kinda tricky. Not sure if I need extension by the sides or by extending the back plate. Will figure it out. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hi everyone, this is a thread I've been wanting to post for a while now. There are plenty of great build threads on the Pathfinders Forums, but I thought it might be helpful to share some tips for keeping your scout costume together while trooping. Usually these are the sorts of things you discover after you've been walking around in your armor for a number of hours! I'm not a huge person, so, when I first started trooping I found that a lot of my armor parts would shift around throughout the day (particularly my belt, knees, biceps, and forearms). After my first few troops I started modifying my scout costume to try and make it as stable as possible. Anyhow, below are a few of the modifications I made to prevent parts from shifting awkwardly and falling off. All of the mods are non-visible once everything is attached and I was approved as a Lancer with everything I've shown below. Remember, this is by no means the only way to keep everything together, but hopefully it'll provide some good ideas for all you new scouts trooping away out there. Tank -- I wanted to make it look like I was using the 1/2" elastic strapping to keep the tank on, just as was done on screen, but I wanted to make it a bit more stable. My 1/2" elastic strapping attached to velcro on the inside. Also, for stability, I anchored 2" velcro strapping on the inside of the tank, and attached it to the back armor. Undersuit -- I sewed 2" hook velcro onto on the knee, bicep, and forearm positions of my undersuit and and placed loop velcro inside the armor parts. In order to find the proper positions to sew the velcro, I put my armor parts on and then marked where they were in chalk. This meant I wouldn't have any velcro sticking out awkwardly when the parts were anchored on. I know that some folks add stirrups to the bottom of their pant legs. I tried it, didn't like it, and ended up sewing boot blousers to the bottoms of the legs instead. Flak Vest -- I sewed 2" hook velcro on the front of the vest and loop velcro on the back of the cod. My vest is a little bit longer than most, but you could easily do this mod on your undersuit as well. The end of the 2" elastic coming off of the cod attaches to the back of the vest. The front of the cod has a large strip of hook velcro for anchoring the front of the belt. As I mentioned, my belt was constantly slipping down, so this keeps it in place. The corresponding loop veclro is mounted on the triangle portions on the inside front of the belt. Also note that my 2" webbing on the belt extends much further beyond the single rivet on the inside. I velcroed the webbing to the inside of my belt in order to take the load off of the rivet, which is a known stress point. The vest also has hook velcro to attach the bund just underneath the armpit level as well as two small pieces of velcro on the upper chest to hold the front armor in place. The velcro tab on the back of the bund attaches to the back of my belt and helps keep it from slipping down in the back. Pouches -- I added some velcro behind the pouch and on the bund to keep them from flopping around. Belt and Detonator -- I used velcro to affix the det to the back of the belt. Of all the mods I added, this is the one I'd probably do differently. The velcro makes it difficult to slide the det on the back of the belt and, although it's not going anywhere, it's also a pain to get on. Boot Holster -- Probably one of the most common issues is keeping your boot up when you've got a pistol in the holster. Try this -- before you rivet the holster onto your boot, sew an elastic boot blouser to the vinyl. This will help anchor it in position to your leg and prevent the dreaded boot droop! And that's it! Hopefully this will be helpful and useful for all you scouts out there. I realize some of this may be overkill, but you can take what you need, and leave the rest. Thanks and keep trooping! Chopper

THANK YOU PATHFINDERS!! I am both honored and humbled to continue on as Detachment Leader for the 2024-2025 Term. Last term was one of the best ones of my tenure, in large part to the excitement around the 40th Anniversary of "Return of the Jedi" -- the origin point of our Detachment's founding costume. Thank you all for joining us for the festivities. I can't wait for the 50th! This year should be a back-to-basics year, with no major anniversaries (well other than "The Rise of Skywalker") and no Celebration until Japan 2025. But as always, we are ready and willing to help you all meet your costume goals! CRLs The only CRL we are working on currently is the ST Grunt variant from "Andor", and we are just a few photos away from completing it. Other than that... let's just see what Disney has in store for us! Merch As last year was all about the ROTJ Scout, this year we will be returning to a more Pathfinders-centric theme. So if your costume was left out last term, expect to see it this time around! Also, with the Legion working on a revamp of the merch rules, we are hoping to be able to offer some mainstays with a bit more regularity, like a Detachment t-shirt. We are standing by, watching as that unfolds. Videos The Pathfinders videos are some of the most popular ones on the Legion's YouTube channel. As a matter of fact, the 1st, 3rd and 10th most popular videos are all ours -- so we are making even more! This year we plan to bring you the Armor Party Part 2: Soft Goods as well as a video covering all the CRL tweaks to the ROTJ Scout since the original video back in 2020 (currently the Legion's most popular video with almost 9K views!) Staff A new term means more people hitting me up for Staff jobs Sorry folks, just like last time, the current roster of Pathfinder officers and armorers are staying right here in the bunker! I know I'm pretty good at getting my face out there, but I truly could not do it without these fine folks, so I want to take this time to put a spotlight on them all: Command @Dart Executive Officer - When I took this job I was just under 4 years in the Legion, and it's been great having Andry to lean on for some of that institutional knowledge that predated me. He's also always quietly in the background working on the website and database, making sure we have a smooth operating front end. @Chopper Captain of the Guard - Fair-minded, even-keeled and with a great depth of knowledge, Chopper has been a rock of this Detachment, and we are all lucky to have him. He's one of my favorite folks to bounce ideas off and our debates always leave me better prepared to tackle new challenges. @MrPoopie Detachment Costume Advisor - What more is there to say about the legend, the icon, the one and only Mr. Poopie? If you've got some costume that you just can't find a kit for, chances are, Justin has already designed 3D files for it. How many folks have built not just one, but TWO speeder bikes -- one of which is completely mobile? His accomplishments speak for themselves. @KOtrooperDetachment Costume Advisor - Our second most popular family of costumes has a true champion with Melody. She's an expert builder, both when it comes to armor and soft goods. Not to mention she has a great sense of design, as anyone that has the Recon Fatale shirt can attest. We are so glad to have her here at Pathfinders! @Jakeputt Detachment Costume Advisor - After building a Scout and going for Lancer, Jake single-handedly breathed life back into one of our oldest costumes, the Kashyyyk Trooper. After we lost Grumpy and Ferra, Jake picked up the ball and ran with it, spurring new folks to start building Kashyyyks again. I'm really going to be leaning on him in 2025, when the Kashyyyk turns 20 years old! @Hask Detachment Costume Advisor - Hard to believe, but before joining Pathfinders, Kris was just a soft costume guy. But something about the Patrol Trooper spoke to him and he embraced it and Pathfinders whole-heartedly, becoming one of only two folks to have Level 2 as a PT. He's also become a Lancer Scout, so he knows his stuff. Also helps that he's been Pathfinders' LMO rep, which has been a real boon when writing CRLs! @plagu3isMerchandise & Branding Officer - John, my brother, one of the Pathfinders I've known the longest, and someone I speak to every day. You have been a genius at taking whatever crazy idea I have for merch and turning it into a reality. The spinning 20th anniversary coin is still one of my favorite things. I can't wait to collaborate with you this term! @Minimo Public Relations Officer & Armorer - Joe started out as one of our Shoretooper armorers, as we recruited him as soon as we realized what a great builder he was. But when I put out the wanted sign for a PR officer, he answered the call and really delivered. PR is something I never need to worry about, as Joe does a masterful job of keeping our social media going every single day! So many times I see a photo I want posted, only to find out Joe has already done it. Kudos, man. @Jennk182 Public Relations Officer - Jenn has been a leader in the Detachment, both in PR and in running Recon Fatale, the fireteam for the women of the 501st Pathfinders. Besides keeping Recon Fatale's social media populated with great photos, Jenn has also taken the lead in making sure RF is represented with some of the best merch around. Though she got a little tied up with the birth of the Imperial Scottish Garrison, Jenn is back for more in 2024! Armor Team @Retrofire Armor Team - Pete is the definition of "overqualified" Besides having previously held the position of Captain of the Guard, Pete was my rival for DL back in 2018. He knows his stuff, and though some real world concerns have kept him from spending as much time here as he would probably like, I am glad to have him here when he is able. @Aradun Armor Team - Enthusiastic, caring and selfless, Dennis has made a big impression here since joining the Detachment in August 2020. When a new position on the Armor Team opened up, it was a no-brainer. A lot of people owe the ease of their builds to Dennis, and I'm happy to have him on the team. @Ruthar Armor Team - Taylor, besides being GCO of NER Garrison, is a very involved builder, serving roles in many different Detachments. Here at Pathfinders, his specialty is the Patrol Trooper, and he is one of only two Pathfinders to have reached "CHiPs" status with his build. A great asset to the team. @M.J Armor Team - Kelly, or as I like to call her "the night shift", is often on the forum while those of us in the US and Europe are tucked in our beds! When it comes to soft goods, which is a HUGE component of the Biker Scout, Kelly is second-to-none, and I am so glad that she is still here as one of, if not THE longest serving member of the Armor Team. Well that is all for now! Let's get those buckets on! Mickey Bukowski TB/ST-81974 Pathfinders Detachment Leader

Here are some original screen used details of Retun of the Jedi Biker Scout Gloves. I found those Pictures at Julien`s Auctions.

It might be fun to paint one of these black and covertly carry it next time we have a "Blast-a-Trooper" event, so when they start shooting, I can shoot back.

Velcro is a life saver! Well done