Stormtrooper armor help

[Sakic Jade]

Hello all. My wife, who has been ademantly against Stormtrooper armor, surprised me for my birthday with a first piece, thus giving me permission to slowly start building armor. My question is, what are some resources to use to build the armor piece by piece? It's going to be a slow process so I'd like to know where the best places to get pieces in small amounts for the best prices. Thanks for your help!

[TK3446]

I could be wrong but it might be better to buy a kit instead of building it piece by piece. Would be faster and cheaper to order a kit. Depending on your seize there are few good makers out there.

[Sakic Jade]

I figured that, however we aren't looking to drop all the money at one time. We want to buy it in pieces and spread the expense out over time.

[TK3446]

Are you planning on making molds and vacuum forming your own pieces or just buying one piece at a time from different people?

[Sakic Jade]

Buying the pieces already made I think. Either 1 by 1 or in groups of pieces that go together. My wife bought one piece from a site in the UK but was hoping troopers here had other resources for already made pieces, or some other way to go about it a little at a time.

[TK3446]

Remember if buying pieces not all plastics are the same. Colors and thickness will vary from different makers too. I suggest ABS plastic cause is more durable. I do recommend buying a kit cause it will be uniform. It's probably cheaper in the long run as well. Maybe others will chime in here and help out.

[Sakic Jade]

Thanks for the help! I appreciate it!

[TK3446]

Something you will need to buy in pieces are no plastic parts. Shoes, gun, holster, and undersuit. There's always more to do or add on to armor but those for things are a good start.

[woulf]

Patrick, if youre not a member already, I would reccomend joining the F.I.S.D. boards, first imperial stormtrooper detachment. there are several approved armor makers there, but as neil has already stated...I would try and stay with one, as different plastic is going to be different shades and thicknesses. Also, some makers dont really piece their kits out, only sell as kits. And also you maybe on a waiting list as well, especially for pieces if you find a maker willing to sell you individal parts.

Here's the link for F.I.S.D

http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/index.php?act=idx

best bet is just to contact the makers and see what they say

[138]

Woulf and neil have given you sound advice !!!
As i have just completed the piece here - piece there
Replacement game for 2 suits !!

And true that on not only different shades ( colors )and thicknes
also different Materials. And part sizing !!
Not to mention some parts you can ONLY find used !

Then theres construction / refurb- reconstruction
Not to metion shade differences in plastic means == painting it all so it matches
Which inturn = constant upkeep touch ups or weathering
~~ and inevitible re- painting.

The uk guy sells pieses and on ebay , but he is OVER. Priced
Buy the time you buy all his pieces at over inflated prices and add shipping
You could have bought Nearly 2 + kits from a u.s. maker on f.i.s.d.

If $$ is a factor. This is not the way to do a tk
Also buying a used tk is also verry problematic although cheaper /
This has many various pitfalls and added expense as well ( not all but some do not come out ahead on
These ventures as well > myself included x 3 > )
The verry best advice i can give is :
1. Go to fisd do plenty of research
2. Go to local events and look at the folks using tk kits
Ask thier makers and guauge what sets would or could work for you ??
3. Attend armor parties if available - even if your not building - just
To meet and greet members , and get a hands on view of things being assembled etc ..
Even if it not what your getting ??
4. Save your pennies ...... !!!!! Untill you have enough for the kit and shipping

5 . Most importantly researsh tk armor makers - read build threads - see
The differences in kits , builds, makers, prices, - sizing of armor depending on your body type -
DO ALL THIS while saving pennies so when you have enough saved

YOU can make an informed intelligent armor purchasing descision .
That your comfortabe and excited with Making
And when your brown box comes

You will have a kit your proud to assemble
And you can aways vist fisd build threds as you go .. As well as help from fellow
Members in your area ,, who will offer assistance when you time comes ..
As they did when it was there time

[BLUERAM]

If you are still set on buying individual pieces you might want to consider other costumes. 2 that I have worked with somewhat piece at a time is Biker scout and Fett/custom mando. With Biker you can buy a set of armor, helmet, jumpsuit, gloves, boots, cumberbund all separate without trouble. My final cost is going to be well under $1000. Fett is way more in the long run but you can build a custom for $500 if you buy wisely and can do the work yourself.. Not trying to discourage you on doing a TK but wanted to give you options in you situation.

[Vadersblade]

I've got to agree with everyone else. If you spread out the armor pieces, in the long run it will cost you more money and you might have to get stuff sourced from multiple sellers. Even if it's the same maker, sometimes there's subtle differences in the plastics that might make the pieces look very slightly off-color or maybe even a different thickness from run to run.

If you definitely want to go TK, I'd just put $$ away every time you want to buy a piece. Then when you get enough together, buy a whole kit.

[Sakic Jade]

Thanks everyone. Only troopers would know. I'm going to hold off and get a kit at some point down the road! I can talk to some of you at Bartkett for more tips! Thanks!!

[SHEEPDOG54]

Hey Patrick! I'm one of the guys you met at the Kane County Cougars game. I was talking to you and your wife about the ATA ARMOR I was wearing. Your better off just buying the whole kit at once and I think I told you the price the ATA Armor was going for. Piecing it out will cost you way more money in the long run. Woulf was there also in ATA Armor and Steve GAZA as well.

[SHEEPDOG54]

Patrick email me.

[Sakic Jade]

Patrick email me.

Hey. I tried to send a PM but I don't know if it's going through. Let me know if you get it! If not send me one and I'll send you my email address.

[SHEEPDOG54]

I received your PM and sent one back.

[woulf]

Woulf was there also in ATA Armor and Steve GAZA as well.

I dont have ATA armor but it looks good, right?

[SHEEPDOG54]

It looked the same as our ATA ARMOR and you looked MARVELOUS!

[Sarge]

patrick,

I have to agree here with everyone, getting one thing at a time when it comes to armor is a bad move. If anything just save money for the whole kit. ATA is an awesome kit and well worth the money. He is affordable and it wont break the bank. I have that armor and turned it into a sandtrooper, it is good quality.

Keep in mind this is an investment that will hold its value. I advise you to join FISD and MEPD for tips on building.

good luck with your build!

Sarge
TD/TB 6074
MEPD police officer