New Incoming Member

[AscendancyIntel]

Hello everyone! My name is Jared and I am very excited to be here. I have wanted to sign up and join for a while now and am just now getting started, so please excuse my excitement and possible extra motivation to get going here.

Some background on me - I am 41 year old husband and father to a wonderful almost 2 year old daughter and a big animal lover. I spent a little over 10 years in the USN (in an Operator capacity) from 2004-2014 and deployed multiple times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom both on sea and in country working with the Army, Marines and Navy Spec Ops in joint operations. After I got out, I went and got my degree from UArizona in Management of Information Systems.

I am a BIG fan of Star Wars, although I am sure there is more to learn and I am here for it. I am currently making my way through the Thrawn: Ascendancy books by Timothy Zahn and am thoroughly enjoying them. I have a full sleeve tattoo on my right arm of the Empire (Vader, Storm Trooper, AT-AT, Death Star, Tie Fighters etc.) and actually got motivated to come here and sign up because of that tattoo and a current DSG member noticing and sharing his while letting me know I should look into the 501st while I was grocery shopping.

For my costume, I am wavering between TX - Imperial Death Trooper or TX - Crimson Trooper, leaning towards Death Trooper. Excited to start my build and participate in some amazing events!

[Hesikaya]

Hey Jared. Welcome to the forums!

Both of those sound like solid choices and like you've been doing your homework. Of course, the Spec Ops detachment would be the obvious landing pad with your background. Have you also introduced yourself at the Spec Ops detachment forums? It is highly recommended to do so and to start a Work in Progress (WIP) thread when you begin your build. That way members of the detachment can give you advice on your journey.

I know there have been some problems sourcing some Death Trooper materials so make sure you have that figured out beforehand. I'd hate to see you start on a project and have trouble acquiring pieces. These kits aren't inexpensive. As far as the Crimson Trooper, you could also find a lot of info on the FISD or First Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment page to help you along.

I too have been enjoying the Thrawn: Ascendancy books. I think Mr. Zahn has done a great job with them.

What part of the state are you in? Keep an eye out here for meet and greets and other social events where you can find even more of us and get to know others.

Looking forward to meeting you and seeing your progress.

[Stahler72]

Welcome to the Club! I look forward to seeing you get your costume approved. As Scott already said, joining the detachments is a great way to get more information and help with specific troopers. We also occasionally have "armor parties" where you could meet up and get some help from our members. Depending on where you live, some members could also step up and help you directly in a more one-on-one role.

Again, welcome. Feel free to post questions here.

[AscendancyIntel]

Ok, so I decided on Imperial Death Trooper! I went and joined the Spec Ops Detachment forums and made my introduction there and now am looking to start my costume build. I had heard of these armor build parties and am very eager to attend the next one whenever it occurs. Reason being, I am somewhat at a loss for where to start on this build? I have been searching online for build guides etc and saw that there are 3D print plans for the armor for sale on Etsy and other places, would that be a good place to start? Although I do not have a 3D printer unfortunately, was hoping someone here might and if I bought the supplies and plans would help me print these out? Is that a recommended route?

Really just looking for what is recommended as the jumping off point for building this costume. I haven't found too much in the way of "how to" videos on the Spec Ops page/forum, but I could also be looking in the wrong area.

Any assistance or guidance anyone can provide to a noob who's excited to get his costume built and join up is extremely appreciated!

I live in South Scottsdale as an FYI, right on the border with Tempe (N. Scottsdale and McDowell) but am more than happy to drive to wherever for assistance in getting this built. Thank you all and can't wait to become an esteemed member of the 501st, pending costume approval obviously.

[AscendancyIntel]

Annnnnnnnnnnnndddd... I'm a dummy and found the Death Trooper costume builds Archive in the forums on the Spec Ops page. Solid move on my part lol. However, sentiment remains the same if anyone has any advice or recommendations I am always happy to receive information from those who have the experience. And would especially like to know when the next armor build party is if possible! Again, thank you to everyone here for any help or advice!

[kylodidit]

Good morning! We actually have 1 other Death Trooper in our Garrison, planktonimore is the username. Definitely shoot a message. Having a 2nd Death Trooper is going to look amazing! Best of luck on the build

[Hesikaya]

Hey Jared,

Great job making it over to spec ops and picking a costume. I would suggest making sure that you are also asking these questions there as well. I have found that looking through the WIP or Work in Progress posts allows me to look at what others have done and learn from them in a passive way as well as pick up tips from their mistakes.

If you see that files are available, check the forums to see if anyone has printed them and gotten them approved. One of the biggest hurdles with 3D Printed armor is the finishing work. You have to get rid of all the layer lines which requires a lot of sanding and priming and painting. I am not trying to scare you away from 3D printing, just wanting to make sure you are prepared for that. Also, if you find someone who has printed the file you can find out if they needed to modify the files or had a someone print them for them. I have printers but I'm down in Tucson.

The most important thing with the whole process is verifying that what you are doing will be approvable. Don't rely solely on a vendors word. Confirm through Spec Ops that they are good. There should be a list of approved vendors or just search their name to see if it pops up with good marks in the forum.

As far as Armor parties go, keep your eyes on the forums. They are not regularly scheduled but they tend to pop up from time to time.

[planktonimore]

We can always use more death troopers in our ranks! Feel free to shoot me a message if you need help with that! I am also a huge fan of the Timothy Zahn Thrawn books by the way, Thrawn’s death trooper squadron are especially bad @#$% but I am definitely biased since I also have a Thrawn costume.

[AscendancyIntel]

Thanks for the responses everyone and to give an update, I have found a solid list of resources, guides and how-to's on the Spec Ops detachment page (also asking there for assistance and not just here). @Planktonimore I will 100% be messaging you with questions. And I couldn't agree more on the Thrawn Death Troopers! Thrawn is my favorite tactician, hands down. Ol Mitth'Raw'Nuruodo is a savage on the battlefield!

I hope to have some updates here soon on my build and will obviously keep everyone posted as to when I am ready for approval!

...so it begins...

[Endotech]

Hello there, Jared. And welcome to the DSG boards. Good luck on your costume, and I hope to see it soon. Rick

[Redhead MJ]

Jared,
Welcome to DSG boards.
This journey from idea, to materials, to being in your costume at your first troop will become reality.
There is many here to help and guide you on this journey.
Be patient. Ask all the questions. (who to purchase from, what is approved materials or vendors).
Planktonimore- will be your best resource and guide.

Our son is serving in the Air Force in Eglin, Florida.
Thank you for your service.