iceknyght

This is similar to the setup I have been using. I love my setup and it makes sure everything stays in place! Here's a schematic of how I do mine:

Good to know! Does just the costume get removed or does the GML get in trouble as well? I think the overall system works fine, for the most part. It's that the organization has become so big (and having so many Garrisons/Squads/Detachments/etc) that there are bound to be some costumes getting through that shouldn't. I would imagine, it's a pretty low percentage at this point. The pre-approval process is also something that can definitely help people that either have no idea what they are doing and/or not much local help.

I totally get it. The bigger an organization is (especially on a global scale), the more stuff like this will happen. There's only so much you as the detachment can do. One thing I have been wondering about lately, and it's probably a discussion for another time/thread, but what happens if a GML approves just an AWFUL costume? Can the approval be revoked? Can the GML face repercussions? Through the different groups I'm in, I see a Buch of "yay, I'm approved!" posts and think to myself, "how?" Not to sound elitist, but just bewilderment as it doesn't even conform to the CRL's... Why have CRL's if they aren't going to be followed anyway? That last part is good to hear... At least he's thinking about it. There are a TON of people that have their first interaction with SW costuming stuff be his FB page and it would be nice if his stuff was up to par! I know on his newer stuff he's been making, they seem to be more accurate, so there is hope!

True. That's a good point.

It is crazy to think, only 10-20 years ago, the best costumes were basically "ok to bad" by today's standards! Which opens up a whole other problem with grandfathered in costumes, IMO. I do agree, Level 1 should be pretty accessible, but not at the detriment of overall accuracy. The slightly wrong style sticker or slightly off color is one thing, a helmet that looks like it's melted and only vaguely looks like the actual prop is another. Which also brings me to another question, why do prop makers (especially in this day and age) continue to sell outdated/wrong pieces? There are enough reference materials now that they could re-tool their bucks. I know that means more overall work, but selling inaccurate stuff seems like taking advantage of those not knowing enough info when they go to buy armor. Especially if their goal is 501st approval. And in some cases (not really with TB's, but other kits, especially low-volume costumes), the inaccurate pieces are all that available... Also, I feel like some detachments are far too lax and others are far too strict on even their basic level approvals. I do feel like the Pathfinders are right in the middle, for the most part (which I think is a good thing). I strive to make my costumes the best that I can. Even update them as time goes on and new stuff becomes known and/or available. I also know tons of people that have no desire to be "perfect" and just want to be apart of the 501st, so the basic of the basic (and built as cheap as they can) is all they strive for, which is fine (assuming the basic level is already pretty good). I am glad that the 501st has options for multiple types of people. I do think that if I was GML (which, you probably wouldn't want me as GML honestly, LOL), I would definitely not want to approve a WTF Scout as a RotJ Scout. Even with a different helmet. As a Mando Scout (as long as the rest was done right), sure! There are just too many inaccuracies for me, IMO, for the RotJ version.

Agreed with everything you said about the comparison. The only thing I think I liked better about the WW gloves is that they taper just a smidge at the wrist and because I have thin wrists/forearms, that part fits me a bit better. Other than that, the EF gloves are much better overall. Also, my WW gloves are mediums and I got my EF gloves as large and for me, they fit/look very similar in size. And do you think a pair of needle nose pliers would work as well with the removal of the zipper? I might try both.

I wouldn't be surprised! I was in Troop 60, based out of Stockton. I was born in Mountain View but grew up mainly in the Central Valley (Lodi/Stockton area) and we traveled and camped all throughout the state. A lot of stuff close to us, like Calaveras Big Trees, Yosemite and lots of stuff up and down the coast but we'd head up to Fort Bragg area and Redwood Parks every once in a while as well. From the ages of 12-18, I was doing a camping trip like once a month, if not more...

Man, those pics bring back memories. I was in the Scouts (many, MANY moons ago) and did a LOT of camping trips and I still have that Paul Bunyan and Babe statues seared into my brain! LOL! Even those campground pics look familiar... It's beautiful up there.

Nice! These pics are going to be amazing!

Truth. Also, it was 40 years ago in a Forrest. LOL! I mean, just being "in" the Redwood area is going to make for some awesome pics! You don't really have to go very far in either. At least, from what I remember (it's been quite a few years since I was up there). And if anyone has (or could make) a Speeder Bike for photo ops, man, that would be so friggin cool!

I doubt I'd be able to make a meet up this year (my year is already getting busy with travel), but sounds awesome! One of the things I am super sad about is that I used to live a few hours away and visited the area a few times but didn't start doing 501st stuff (and especially my Scout) till after I moved out of state...

Cool, thanks! Yeah, my flak jacket sits higher than in that pic (basically goes right across the base of the collar), so I might need to play with that a little. We’ll see, I just got my neck seal in and haven’t put everything (all the new stuff) on yet…

Finally got my updated IB flight suit. Well, I got it like a week ago, but was out of town last week... Overall, it's pretty nice. I might need to tailor the legs a smidge (they're a little baggier than my original suit), but definitely an upgrade overall. Below are the pics of my current suit (IB Medium from March of 2020) and the new updated suit (IB Medium, October 2022). Overall impressions: Nice suede patches/flap (that are heavy compared to my faux suede ones). Butt flap is a little longer (original measured 12" and the new one is 12.5"), but that's probably a good thing and an easy fix for me. Suede patches go right to the top of my knee. The old suit went to pretty much the top of my calf. I like the open collar compared to the mandarin collar. I have a neck seal showing up today. The suit comes with one but it is too small for me. I'll need to stretch the elastic straps. I needed to do that on my original one as well. My thighs are on the thick side. Also still need to add my stirrups and velcro patches on the new suit Question about the new collar, when you put on the flak jacket, should the collar sit on top of it? Here's the Original one: Front Back New Flight Suit: Front Back

I don't like the headband/plastic helmet liners myself, so all my helmets have foam pads instead. I will still get headaches occasionally, but usually for me, they are caused by me not eating/drinking enough before/during the troop. With my Scout helmet specifically, I do get this weird pinching on the top/back of my head after wearing it about an hour or so. Not sure what is happening, but none of my other helmets do it...

It will definitely depend on body type. I have been using the "old" version for a few years and it fit me just about perfect. The "only" issue I had was with the elastic on the legs (my thighs are a bit on the thick side) and they were just a bit snug, so I had to stretch them out a little, but the suit itself fit great! But that is on my body (and I had to get a medium when normally I wear a large in just about everything).