Carpeteria

Major thanks to the guys who recommended those flat/wedge X-acto blades. Totally did the trick. One boot down, one to go!

Those look great - I'll definitely give that a try. Thanks!

I thought so too, since the elastic I have on there now is 1.5". Is there anyone to talk to to ask to make an update in that thread? That must be stumping multiple people.

Thanks for the replies, everyone! I definitely agree the boots look better with the cuts. I haven't used a hot knife before, but it might be worth looking into, if that works well, though it looks like I've been using the wrong style X-acto blades. As for the side webbing, I was going by this section of the Lancer standards: "2. Shoulder bridge Straps attaching front and back armor should white cotton webbing. Nylon webbing is not acceptable- Side under arm chest/back straps should around 45mm (1 3/4") white webbing ( off white if using off white pouches/drop boxe straps), but for trooping practicality, place elastic on the ends hidden by the armour." That's coming from this thread: http://forum.bikerscout.net/index.php?showtopic=12081 Glad to hear that 1.5" is acceptable. I appreciate the offer, Retrofire, but I actually just ordered a few yards of the 1.5", as I'm redoing my belt with a new kit, and needed some for the belt boxes. Here's hoping I'll be applying for Lancer soon!

Hey folks - I've been wanting to go for Lancer status for awhile now, and I'm picking up steam on getting there. I only have a few bits left on the list to check off, and I had some questions. First - I'm having a really hard time locating 1 3/4" white cotton webbing for the sides of the chest/back armor. I've used elastic since I started trooping, and I need to upgrade that material for Lancer approval, but it's really difficult to find. Does anyone know of a good source to get some? I've looked online and in places like Joann Fabrics, but no luck. I would need really only about half a yard, if not less. Second - I need to start cutting out the inlets on the boot soles, but it's been slow going. I have a pair of generic hiking boots from K-Mart, and the rubber for the soles is REALLY hard. An X-acto is taking forever. I've thought about trying my Dremel on them, but I don't know if it will gum it up or anything with melted rubber. What have folks done to make those cuts? Looking over at Lancer apps, people have done a great job, and I'd love to hear some advice if there is any good info to share. That's it, really - thanks in advance for any help.

Looks like an 80's Kenner figure that has been abandoned in a backyard for a few years. Definitely too much.

As much as I love that Costumes book, I was actually a bit disappointed with the amount and type of photos in there - I was actually expecting it to be more of a reference guidebook than a sort of historical accounting. Nothing wrong with that, but as noted above, I was hoping for more breakdowns of the outfits, measurements, etc. That's definitely more of a niche market, of course, but a guy can dream. In the Ghostbusters community, some folks I know have been granted access to a lot of original props and costumes in the Sony warehouse to make measurements, take lots of closeup photos, etc., and it's been a massive boon for those of us making all of that weird stuff. I'm surprised there hasn't been the equivalent with the Lucas prop collection.

Ok, that's good to know. Maybe finding a happy balance between the two lengths then? Are people starting to make the codpiece separate from the band now? It certainly looks separate in the book photo, maybe attached by velcro behind the front of the band itself?

Overall, I guess my questions is this: is this the correct shape?

Hey guys - I know there has been a ton of discussion about the SW Costumes book and either new info or inconsistencies, etc., but I haven't seen a lot of definitive info here regarding the shape of the cummerbund. From what I've seen, the cummerbund as approved in the past extended past the belt to meet with the bottom, as in this photo from the 501st site: However, the photo in the Costumes book seems to show a gap between the bottom of the cummerbund part, with the codpiece going underneath. The gap is shown circled in this photo, with blue lines showing the apparent shape of the band: The pouches clearly rest much lower in the Costumes photo than they do on the 501st one above, with the bottoms of the pouches flush with the bottom of the cummerbund itself. I did see a post or two about people suggesting they're re-thinking the shape/design of their codpiece, but what about the cummerbund itself? Is it shorter than previously thought, or is it just hiked up a little higher than usual in the book's photo? We're planning on making our own cummerbund from scratch, so before making the pattern, I was hoping I could hear some ideas on this. Apologies if there are any pre-existing discussions on this topic - I didn't see anything specifically addressing this. Thanks guys!

Just getting started with mine, but I'm definitely planning on weathering mine. As with most props/costumes, a little goes a long way. I've seen a lot of 501st trooper folks with massive weathering, and it's more distracting than anything. On the flip side though, when I see people with spotless armor, it looks ridiculous. Up to the wearer entirely, of course!