Ewok sized scout build thread

[zediyeti]

Coming in at 5'3" and 105 lbs, I'm not very physically imposing. I have more than once been assumed to be a child in my mando kit, though the illusion is rather ruined once I speak. I've already begun preparing responses to the "Aren't you a little short for a stormtrooper?" comments, which I'm sure will be plentiful despite the lack of being a stormtrooper. I was intimidated away from any sort of vacuum formed kit for the longest time due to my size, but it's something I've had my heart set on and I want to give it my best go even if I end up in a situation that will require some 3d print work. I've read through some great build threads on here, and it's my hope that this thread will one day be able to provide encouragement to someone the same way theirs have for me. Especially any short men such as myself, as it's all too easy to fall into height insecurity in a hobby like this where you are comparing yourself to those on screen. If my past costumes are anything to go off though, I know I'll feel great in this kit regardless. 😎

Now onto the build.

I am going to be ordering a kit from SC, as soon as that sweet sweet tax return hits my account. After emailing with some questions, I've determined I'll be getting the smaller pulls as well as the smaller belt. I appreciate that needing the smallest kit possible means my vendor options are limited, it really helps with decision making.

After going over the helmet comparison thread, I really found myself liking the MC helmet. They're local to me, so that additionally influenced my decision (local pickup = no shipping cost). I've already ordered this and it will be ready for me to pick up by the end of April.
I know the SC helmet is smaller, so I will be ordering the kit with the helmet included just in case. I need a second helmet anyway for an Ezra Bridger costume, so I figured whichever one I don't use for the scout can be used for him. Ideally I will use the moncal for the trooper, and the SC for Ezra as it has a "softer" look to me.

I am a fairly experienced sewer so I will be making the soft parts myself, starting with the flight suit/under suit. The sewing is the only thing I am not nervous for in this kit, haha.

Gloves have been ordered from wampawear. I thought about making them myself just to have a project to do while I wait for the armor to finish the other soft parts, but I've settled that the $20 extra to have them made for me is worth it.

Though not required, I'll probably print a blaster of some kind at some point just because they're fun to make and I have no projects planned on my printer at the moment.

I will also make the boots myself, which is where my first question arises. Do these look like an acceptable base shoe? I have a small foot (size 5, 6 if if there's no other choice) so children's shoes are my best option. Is the stripe of black on the sole an issue for basic approval? Most of the other shoes have a distinctly brown and not tan sole, or are out of stock in the bigger sizes. If they won't work, has anyone got recommendations for smaller boots that would?

 

That's all I've got for now, I hope to be back with a flight suit update soon. Cheers!

[DukeOfNachos]

These are the boots I used, also the boots that Steph's Imperial outfitters uses as well

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-Men-s-Troy-Boots/931045664

I hadn't really done any armor before I built my SC Kit (TIE Armor is literally drill a few holes and attach everything) while nervous at first that first cut is pretty liberating as you're committed at that point! The detachment has your back, and even being on the small size I have a shorter garrison mate who worked her SC armor pretty well while waiting for her soft goods. 

 

 

[LittleScout]

Hello there Micah! 

I see the Duke has linked my build thread, so feel free to use that as much as you like! I'm basically EXACTLY the same height and weight, so hopefully that thread offers some guidance. I'm almost finished with my build so there's lots of info there, plus there will be updates as I near approval. 

I'm using SC with great success thus far. That armor should do you well. I'm using Pilot Bay for the helmet and soft goods but it sounds like you're set for those. MC was my second option for the helmet; I've heard they run smaller, so that's good for us short scouts, and local pickup is definitely a great selling point!

My boots are mentioned a bit in my thread. I used the same that the Duke used. Not sure about the black stripe but my first thought is that it's okay because it's covered by the vinyl, but I'll leave the experienced opinion to the approved scouts on here.

Don't hesitate to reach out here for help... that's what the forum is for! And I'm happy to help with any Ewok-sized scout questions as well. Shoot me a PM any time, or post questions on your build thread and I'll answer so the info is out there for all the short scouts.

Best of luck with your build! 

[BikerScout007]

Okay so -- having a single color sole is ONLY a L2 requirement.   We see two-toned soles often enough

However -- the L1 requirement is that the soles are tan.  When we typically see a two-toned sole, it's two various shades of tan.   Not tan with a black stripe.  So I would definitely either make sure it's covered by the vinyl or paint over it.  

[zediyeti]

These are the boots I used, also the boots that Steph's Imperial outfitters uses as well
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-Men-s-Troy-Boots/931045664
I hadn't really done any armor before I built my SC Kit (TIE Armor is literally drill a few holes and attach everything) while nervous at first that first cut is pretty liberating as you're committed at that point! The detachment has your back, and even being on the small size I have a shorter garrison mate who worked her SC armor pretty well while waiting for her soft goods. 
 
 

I have to double or triple sock up in my sketchers boots (size 6.5) so i’m not sure the smallest size of those would fit as it’s a 7, but if it’s only a half size up so maybe i could get some bonus height with some small lifts while also making the shoes fit.. hm!

[zediyeti]

Okay so -- having a single color sole is ONLY a L2 requirement.   We see two-toned soles often enough
However -- the L1 requirement is that the soles are tan.  When we typically see a two-toned sole, it's two various shades of tan.   Not tan with a black stripe.  So I would definitely either make sure it's covered by the vinyl or paint over it.  

That was my main concern, that it’s black. There’s another pair that’s similar but with a tan stripe that I’m hoping will come back in stock for my size as it was in stock while I was looking, but sold out yesterday. I’ll keep lookin’, maybe try out the ones duke linked and see if i can get them to fit!

[zediyeti]

Hello there Micah! 
I see the Duke has linked my build thread, so feel free to use that as much as you like! I'm basically EXACTLY the same height and weight, so hopefully that thread offers some guidance. I'm almost finished with my build so there's lots of info there, plus there will be updates as I near approval. 
I'm using SC with great success thus far. That armor should do you well. I'm using Pilot Bay for the helmet and soft goods but it sounds like you're set for those. MC was my second option for the helmet; I've heard they run smaller, so that's good for us short scouts, and local pickup is definitely a great selling point!
My boots are mentioned a bit in my thread. I used the same that the Duke used. Not sure about the black stripe but my first thought is that it's okay because it's covered by the vinyl, but I'll leave the experienced opinion to the approved scouts on here.
Don't hesitate to reach out here for help... that's what the forum is for! And I'm happy to help with any Ewok-sized scout questions as well. Shoot me a PM any time, or post questions on your build thread and I'll answer so the info is out there for all the short scouts.
Best of luck with your build! 

That’s great to hear about SC! I read through yours a few days ago and I appreciated being able to see the specific issues and solutions that could come with being of a smaller size. I’ll send you a PM for a specific question I have, actually. Standby!

Someone in my garrison fb build group said “remember, ABC: always buy colorado” which was honestly what really convinced me to spend the extra on moncal because I thought that was clever.

[Retrofire]

MonCal is a good armor set so you won't go wrong there. My kit is a combination of SC and MonCal.

The DL recently did a great video on getting started with your build. We're here to help you be successful so let us know if you need any help or have any questions.

 

[zediyeti]

I will check out that video! I saw it when it was posted but didn't get around to watching it.

 

I went to go check out walmart per suggestion of @LittleScout, to try on the boots she linked and see if they fit. Near all of the stores around me were out of stock except for one, so I trekked out to see if I could find them. I actually did not end up finding the ozark trail boots, but spotted some that looked pretty similar in the kids aisle. Upon further investigation it appears that they are the exact same shoe, just smaller and rebranded under the "Wonder Nation" name. Here is the website picture vs the wonder nation boot. The smallest size avaliable in the men's shoe was a 7, which likely would've been slightly too big for me. This kids boot is a perfect fit though, as well as being $10 cheaper. It was such a lucky find! I can't find the kids version listed anywhere online, though.

Here's the two for your comparison:

I'm currently stuck awaiting materials before I can move forward with my flight suit, so I figured I'd give a shot at cutting the boot sole while I wait. I've sketched out one side and would like some feedback on how it looks before I go in with a knife. I know this part is not necessary, but I don't mind a project to keep me busy for a few evenings! The shaded parts are what will be cut out, and I will attempt to make it as even as possible regarding height of the cutouts even where the drawings are not as even 🙂

[Chopper]

Those cuts marks should work a-ok. Remember that the depth of the cuts don't need to be super deep -- we're talking about 1/8" at most.

[zediyeti]

2 hours ago, Chopper said:

Those cuts marks should work a-ok. Remember that the depth of the cuts don't need to be super deep -- we're talking about 1/8" at most.

Doing my best to make clean cuts but there is definitely a learning curve here, the first cuts I made are not so pretty or smooth. Is there any tips to clean it up, or is this okay? I think I recall seeing other people asking this same thing but I can't find those threads any longer to review. It's not really noticeable from a distance I don't think, but would like to check before I move forward.

[DukeOfNachos]

I know I had some boot stuff towards the end of my build thread

 

[zediyeti]

5 minutes ago, DukeOfNachos said:

I know I had some boot stuff towards the end of my build thread

 

Yours is exactly the thread I was remembering. Thank you! Did the soldering tip work for you? I'll test it out on the bottom as suggested but curious if it does neaten things up

[DukeOfNachos]

I didn’t use the soldering tip much, I think @LittleScout may have more so than me. Mine was mostly xacto blades, tedious hours of xacto blades

[Retrofire]

Some folks also use a dremel tool to make the cuts and smooth them. Your cuts look fine and I also used an Exacto knife to do mine too. You're moving right along so keep up the great work!

[LittleScout]

The cuts look good! Based on what I've heard here, a bit of a messy cut is hard to avoid, so don't worry too much about that. All you can do is your best. And considering how you just used an Xacto, those cuts aren't bad at all!

I used a hot knife for my cuts, which I picked up at a local Michael's craft store for $16. It's basically an Xacto knife attached to a cord. The heat made the cutting faster for sure, but it was still a little choppy-looking. I did find that pressing the flat of the knife into the carved areas and smoothing it across them helped clean the cuts up a little. They're still not perfect, but it's an option that could help. Again though, your cuts look great already, so using a hot knife would be down to personal preference on your part. 

[M.J]

Hi ya Micah, 

Good to see you found the build threads for the outstanding compact Scouts

Being 4’11 I made it work, when you’re up to soft parts remember pouches for a 6 foot is very different sizing for someone not as tall, and we are looking to making it an illusion. 
I get it with being mistaken for a kid, my adult kids find it quite amusing.

mind you it is good when wearing an Ewok 😚

[zediyeti]

1 hour ago, LittleScout said:

The cuts look good! Based on what I've heard here, a bit of a messy cut is hard to avoid, so don't worry too much about that. All you can do is your best. And considering how you just used an Xacto, those cuts aren't bad at all!

I used a hot knife for my cuts, which I picked up at a local Michael's craft store for $16. It's basically an Xacto knife attached to a cord. The heat made the cutting faster for sure, but it was still a little choppy-looking. I did find that pressing the flat of the knife into the carved areas and smoothing it across them helped clean the cuts up a little. They're still not perfect, but it's an option that could help. Again though, your cuts look great already, so using a hot knife would be down to personal preference on your part. 

I switched blades and ended up having far more success on the soles. I was looking for a replacement blade for my xacto and found that I had a #17 chisel blade lying around. Switching to that made it so much easier, and I was able to do a decent job cleaning up the initial cuts and all of the ones I made after that were pretty dang clean. I'm much happier with it now! I think you can see the comparison pretty well here, and it is all but indistinguishable when you're standing and looking down at them. Once I got into the groove of things it only took about an hour to get both boots finished, and it was a breeze. Much much less scarier than the angled blade was.

The soles had a really irregular pattern to the slots already cut into the treads between the "V" shape and the more rounded shapes, so I did my best to keep the pattern even for my own need for symmetry while also lining up with the cuts as much as possible. I certainly hope they hold up to the idea of "close enough"! Someone please let me know if any more pictures are needed at this stage.

 

24 minutes ago, M.J said:

Hi ya Micah, 

Good to see you found the build threads for the outstanding compact Scouts

Being 4’11 I made it work, when you’re up to soft parts remember pouches for a 6 foot is very different sizing for someone not as tall, and we are looking to making it an illusion. 
I get it with being mistaken for a kid, my adult kids find it quite amusing.

mind you it is good when wearing an Ewok 😚

Hopefully I will have success with my illusion skills as well as I have on my previous costumes! We're smaller so we're sneakier, right?

[LittleScout]

Nice cuts! That Xacto blade worked really well in that second picture. Those are some of the cleanest scout boot cuts I've seen!

[Aradun]

Nice! I was just catching up on this and was going to recommend using a chisel blade for a smoother cut, but I see you got thing squared away with great results. Keep up the great work!

[zediyeti]

I think I've got the flight suit finished, just checking in for any adjustments that might need to be made.

I used Joann's 100% cotton sportswear twill for the fabric, and based the pattern off of my mando flight suit. The riding patches and butt flap are pigskin suede, and the straps are 2" elastic. I know we're moving away from the mandarin collar but it's the only kind I know how to pattern and sew so that's what I did. If I need to or want to change it to an open collar one day it'll be easy enough to unpick and replace.

I'm unsure on the butt flap, is it too narrow? I'm not standing square to the camera and I don't have an experienced enough eye to tell.
Anything else that I should adjust or fix? The shirt is looking weirdly shiny on camera, which the fabric is not at all in person.

[Chopper]

I think your butt flap sizing is in the right ballpark.

Everything else seems to appear a-ok.

[Aradun]

Great job on the suit and the patches. You’ve got mad skills with sewing.

[zediyeti]

7 hours ago, Chopper said:

I think your butt flap sizing is in the right ballpark.

Everything else seems to appear a-ok.

Great! I've got plenty of leather left to replace it if needed down the line, at least.

50 minutes ago, Aradun said:

Great job on the suit and the patches. You’ve got mad skills with sewing.

Thank you! I was pretty okay at it before, but my skills have really grown since joining the clubs. Here's to hoping the rest of the soft parts goes smoothly!

[DukeOfNachos]

Seriously man, chefs kiss.. I had nearly 0 sewing besides junior high Home economics (That class thats like not taught anymore...) so besides doing my Jawa the softgoods weren't that bad to the 'low skilled' person such as myself! You should seriously breeze through it