Looking to join, questions about first armor set

[Guest CabbieNamedAxel]

So after browsing the site for a couple days and trying to figure out what the hell the acronyms stood for, I finally figured some of it out. I was checking out the KS armor kits, but I'm still pretty novice at pointing out the details missing from the movie costumes. How much work is involved in getting it up to 501st standards?

 

[StudioCreations]

If I read your question right, you are wondering how long it will take to complete the costume once you get the armor kit in hand. Is this correct?

 

If you purchase an armor kit that is precut (or even "rough" cut, an armor kit that you need to sand the edges smooth) , you still need to get the white cumerbund and pouches made, find a proper fitting black flightsuit/under suit and black balaclava, get boots (either buy them or make them), and acquire gloves. This means you are probably looking at anywhere from 10-42 hours of work to finish out the costume. I could be a little off in my estimates, but this is how I see it breaking down from a 'novice' skill level, someone who has very little if no costuming experience...

 

6-12 hours = Assemble the armor parts for fitting

1/2-3 hours = researching and ordering the black undersuit and balaclava

0-2 hours = seam ripping pockets off the black undersuit that shouldn't be present.

1/2-10 hours = boots (buying online through a vendor, or making the boots yourself from the bikerscout.net tutorials)

1/2-10 hours = Cummerbund and Pouches (again ranges from buying online to making it yourself)

1/2-2 hours = Gloves (research and buying what fits your budget)

2-5 hours = tweaking the costume to get it to fit right once you have it on and take your 4-sided-pose photos

 

Like I said, I could be off in my estimates. Anyone else care to chime in on time estimates on how long it takes to do some of these?

 

I did not include a blaster in my estimates. I think, and I could be wrong, that one does not have to have a blaster for the scout costume in order to be accepted into the 501st, correct?

 

 

 

So after browsing the site for a couple days and trying to figure out what the hell the acronyms stood for, I finally figured some of it out. I was checking out the KS armor kits, but I'm still pretty novice at pointing out the details missing from the movie costumes. How much work is involved in getting it up to 501st standards?

[c0wboi]

Jeff, that is right on. Well all except the blaster. The hold out blaster IS required for completion.

 

I'm a great example of no experience/no time. I have 3 kids, work 50 plus hours a week, and wanted to join. Never done ANY costuming before at all. I spent a few weeks here; researching, reading, asking questions..... I bought almost everything pre- made. It cost more in money, but made up for it in time.

 

Once I had the raw armor kit in hand (SC, if you were wondering) I would guesstimate 16 to 18 hours of work. Fitting, sanding, painting, etc. Not too shabby!

 

Good luck and we are here if you need us!

[Chex]

I would seriously think about going with SC armor, but that's just me. Jeff can give you more info on it.

 

 

[TK6918]

SC or MC when it comes to armor kits.

[StudioCreations]

 

I would seriously think about going with SC armor, but that's just me. Jeff can give you more info on it.

 

 

Bah!... any of these kits are good, IMHO. SC, KS, MC, EP or MLC... did I forget anyone major?

 

The point I am making is... "Get into some armor."

 

Nothing beats running around in costume and acting like a kid again.

 

A good looking costume will take 'time' though, especially if you are a newbie to this hobby.

 

I wonder what the hardest part of the costume is for a newbie to tackle? I am thinking the boots, but it could be attaching that back hump too.

 

 

 

 

[TK6918]

Jeff, I think the hardest part for any newbie would be patience.

[TB-5027]

Hey, welcome to BSN!

 

As a newbie myself I would say that you can manage your time while waiting for things to ship in; working on your boots, studying reference pictures, looking up people's WIP's and tutorials. I lost a few pounds from the anticipation alone so that's something to look forward to

 

Like Cowboi I ordered most of the stuff pre-made and preferred to pay more for quality. I have a full time job but no kids (I don't know if a dog and 4 cats count as kids ) so I was able to dedicate at least 2-3 hours a day to my costume. I ordered the parts in mid-February, and completed everything by mid-April.

 

I'm working on this blog that contains all the progress pictures I took between work sessions:

http://scoutdaennika.blogspot.com/

 

Good luck in your future endeavors

[Witness]

I like SC armor, but I want a new set

[Lonescout]

Yup, SC armor are great kits... I built three of them and helped others with thier SC kits. I personally think it's a great kit.

[Ursus]

I'm working with LadySewForUs on getting my soft parts. I have had MANY years of experience sewing costumes, mostly for RenFaire and the SCA. It is more satisfying to do it yourself... but time does equal money. I'm starting off with the cumberbund with pouches. I have a blsck flightsuit... somewhere around here... I also have plenty of surplus and uniform shops in my area (SF Bay Area). The vest and a more accurate jumpsuit (with "suede" bits) will come later when I go for Lancer.

 

I already have some boots and a blaster (that I need to cut the trigger off of) plus a helmet from KS and a balaclava.

 

Get your armor from any of the folks mentioned here. My helmet is a KS but I'll likely get my armor from SC or maybe MC. That is in the order of cost from least expensive to most expensive. I'm going with ABS so I don't have to paint it. If it gets scratched up too much... then I can paint it.

 

Just get into gear and start going to events: conventions, parades, parties and celbrations of all kinds where the 501st is invited or welcomed. If you don't have a blaster your first event, don't sweat it, it might not "count" as an official troop, but you get your armor on and see what you might need to tweak to fit better.

 

Good luck and keep us posted!

 

Tracy

[TMC]

SC....Very well done, easy to assemble and you wont wait 3 months to get it.

 

TMC

[TK6782]

So after browsing the site for a couple days and trying to figure out what the hell the acronyms stood for, I finally figured some of it out. I was checking out the KS armor kits, but I'm still pretty novice at pointing out the details missing from the movie costumes. How much work is involved in getting it up to 501st standards?

 

Much like you I have been snooping for ages but haven't been too committed until now. I've been researching and just ordered sc armor and a KS assembled helmet. Can't wait to get it.