Getting Started

[Crumbs]

Hi everyone, I just joined the pathfinder forums and have a couple questions to help get started. First off is about 501st access requests, I'm fairly certain it is but is that meant for active members with TK-ID numbers and not recruits though I just want to be certain. Might as well ask early on, if anything just to satiate my curiously! 

Second is recommendations of places to start, I've been browsing the 501st guides regarding requirements and am reading forum threads but I'd be curious to hear about recommendations for first steps for a complete newbie. This is all new and exciting to me and I'm look forward to getting more involved- thanks all!

[BikerScout007]

48 minutes ago, Crumbs said:

Hi everyone, I just joined the pathfinder forums and have a couple questions to help get started. First off is about 501st access requests, I'm fairly certain it is but is that meant for active members with TK-ID numbers and not recruits though I just want to be certain. Might as well ask early on, if anything just to satiate my curiously! 

Second is recommendations of places to start, I've been browsing the 501st guides regarding requirements and am reading forum threads but I'd be curious to hear about recommendations for first steps for a complete newbie. This is all new and exciting to me and I'm look forward to getting more involved- thanks all!

You are absolutely right on the access requests.  There is certain information that one has to be a 501st member to see.  Once you are approved, you will be able to request access.

I guess the first step is deciding which armor you are going to pursue.   Did you have a choice already?   Obviously ROTJ Biker Scouts are our most popular, followed by the Shoretroopers, but we have many other choices.  

[Crumbs]

Understood, thanks for the clarity! For armor I was leaning towards the the biker scout, either ROTJ or Mando, but I was surprised to see number of options on here. Are there any versions that have less components overall or are easier to build for a first timer? For example I saw the rebels scout has less components overall in the catalogue but that could be mean nothing. Any help or direction is much appreciated!

[Aradun]

For a newb, my recommendation would be a ROTJ Scout. There’s a wealth of information, guides, tutorials, and references for that costume. It’s been around for quite a while when compared to the others

The Mando Scout would be a similar build, but requires weathering techniques that may present a bit of a learning curve for someone without any experience. Of course if the Mando is your preferred look, then there is plenty of resources here and support from the armory team to get you across the finish line.

Some other questions you may want to consider is budget? Are you looking to build this yourself or commission a set from a vendor (which is the most expensive option)? Are you willing to try your hand a making some of your soft goods, like the cummerbund, pouches, boots, etc.? That can save you some cash.

While making your own stuff may sound intimidating if you’re a newb, know that most of us here were in the same boat when we started, and it was the help of the community here that enabled us to tackle that challenge.

Like I said, you’ll find plenty of support here so don’t hesitate to ask any questions.

[Crumbs]

Can't go wrong with a classic, plus the weathering process difficulty was kinda turning me away from the mando version, I'll probably start with the ROTJ scout then.

Admittedly I'm probably planning on commissions for a good chunk of the set, for some of the soft pieces I'm willing to try and hand make but the hard armor parts I'm looking to see what I can buy.

I'll look back at the guide to start but what vendors are typically the most dependable/used? Honestly I'm just curious to see what's out there at this point, and I know people's armorer preferences can be subjective. Thanks again for the warm reception and offer for assistance!

[Chopper]

If you're looking at making a ROTJ Scout, then you might want to check out this thread, if you haven't already:

 

[BikerScout007]

3 hours ago, Crumbs said:

Can't go wrong with a classic, plus the weathering process difficulty was kinda turning me away from the mando version, I'll probably start with the ROTJ scout then.

Admittedly I'm probably planning on commissions for a good chunk of the set, for some of the soft pieces I'm willing to try and hand make but the hard armor parts I'm looking to see what I can buy.

I'll look back at the guide to start but what vendors are typically the most dependable/used? Honestly I'm just curious to see what's out there at this point, and I know people's armorer preferences can be subjective. Thanks again for the warm reception and offer for assistance!

Check out the pinned posts in the Biker Scout HQ.  Not only is there an approved Vendors list, but there are also CRL walkthroughs and other things to get you started.

http://forum.501stpathfinders.com/index.php?/forum/91-biker-scout-hq/

It's also highly recommended to check out the WIP threads and start getting an idea of what is involved in the build:

http://forum.501stpathfinders.com/index.php?/forum/96-biker-scout-wip/

Once you get started, you'll want to start you own so we can help guide you down the Path!

[Crumbs]

Fantastic, I'll start there- thanks to both of you for sharing out these helpful resources!