tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24090759272878882972026-03-23T02:35:48.336-04:00Providing construction and modification tips for replica Stormtrooper armor since 2002.DEAN (TK-899)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08119044169281170123noreply@blogger.comBlogger83125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409075927287888297.post-80236090692113650142022-07-24T12:07:00.026-04:002026-02-16T21:27:57.045-05:00

2002-202520023.23.02 Armor Party at Dave's (Orlando, FL)0.00.02 Jerry's Armor Party (Orlando, FL)4.19.02 Sawgrass Lake Elementary School Reading Assembly (St. Petersburg, FL)5.4.02 Wal-Mart Star Wars Promotion (Oldsmar, FL)5.15.02 Citrus Park Town Center Episode II Premiere (Tampa, FL)5.16.02 BayWalk Episode II Premiere (St. Petersburg, FL)5.17.02 Universal

DEAN (TK-899)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08119044169281170123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409075927287888297.post-51184252027843024562014-11-02T14:26:00.003-05:002014-11-02T14:26:41.343-05:00

Asheville Comic Expo (ACE) was a one-day con held on September 20, 2014, at the U.S. Cellular Center in downtown Asheville, North Carolina. In its third year, ACE was founded and organized by local comic shop Comic Envy. The show didn't have a heavy emphasis on costuming (other than attendees and a few groups like the 501st Carolina Garrison and Carolina Ghostbusters), but featured a number of

DEAN (TK-899)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08119044169281170123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409075927287888297.post-26418556157411800832014-07-29T10:48:00.000-04:002014-09-21T10:59:31.873-04:00

You could lose an eye if you're not careful! Billing itself as "the largest 3-day multi-fandom & pop culture convention in the upstate of South Carolina," MonsterCon was a 3-day July event in Greenville, SC, at the Furman University campus. Only in its second year, the offerings have expanded far beyond the horror genre despite the name. Thanks to the 501st Carolina Garrison, Talon Clan of

DEAN (TK-899)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08119044169281170123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409075927287888297.post-59972363105830304312014-06-08T12:46:00.000-04:002014-06-08T12:51:06.304-04:00

Credit: Unconventional by Brent Brown GeekOut 2014, now in its third year, was held at the Sherrill Center on the UNC Asheville campus as a 3-day event featuring both tabletop and video gaming, live fighting demos, artists, celebrities, photographers, vendors and more. The Carolina Garrison made sure that the 501st Legion was well-represented with a prime

DEAN (TK-899)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08119044169281170123noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409075927287888297.post-46370021351588602602014-05-12T15:54:00.002-04:002014-05-12T16:03:49.458-04:00

Literally the day before the event, my daughter (an anime fan) asked if we could attend SpartanCon at the Spartanburg County Public Library in Spartanburg, SC. A quick check revealed that the 501st Carolina Garrison was planning to make an appearance at the May 10th event, so I decided to make a family trip out of it to catch up with my fellow troopers and give my son another chance to wear his

DEAN (TK-899)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08119044169281170123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409075927287888297.post-86417272221379065802013-05-10T20:29:00.000-04:002014-05-10T20:38:48.433-04:00

Although one could argue (and many do) that the 25th of May is the better-suited date, the geeky play-on-words "May the 4th Be With You" seems to have triumphed this year as pop culture's official "Star Wars Day." Despite somewhat unexpected roots, the saying's ubiquitous presence in Internet memes, t-shirts and media reports was additionally sanctified by a special day-long event at

DEAN (TK-899)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08119044169281170123noreply@blogger.com0Peachoid Road, Gaffney, SC 29341, USA35.0915249 -81.69055609999998135.065539900000005 -81.73089659999998 35.1175099 -81.650215599999981tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409075927287888297.post-10971499209714991522012-10-28T12:55:00.001-04:002012-10-28T13:02:40.051-04:00

A long time ago, on this very blog, I posted something nebulous about rapper Kanye West. Bear in mind that was prior to his notoriously career-killing racist rants and his "Imma Let You Finish" interruption of Taylor Swift's acceptance speech at the 2009 MTV Music Video Awards. Some four years later, I can finally reveal what that was all about. Admittedly, this will be somewhat

DEAN (TK-899)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08119044169281170123noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409075927287888297.post-39376787486073160242012-09-10T20:22:00.000-04:002014-05-10T20:40:36.747-04:00

Only two years after 2010's Star Wars Celebration V, Orlando played host once again to the year's largest Star Wars convention as 30,000+ fans from around the world converged on Central Florida's Orange County Convention Center to revel in four geeky days in honor of that galaxy far, far away. I've always enjoyed being involved with the planning of the 501st Legion's presence at any event (

DEAN (TK-899)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08119044169281170123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409075927287888297.post-85543210962009347272012-03-17T18:27:00.010-04:002012-03-17T20:09:15.089-04:00

Time for a confession. Today was the first time I've trooped in more than a year. If it weren't for the good graces of my Carolina Garrison CO, I'd be on the inactive list.While my family and work are still the number one priorities in my life, trooping at the First Annual Asheville Tattoo Fest reminded me that I still immensely enjoy suiting up in the white armor to bring smiles to kids of all

DEAN (TK-899)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08119044169281170123noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409075927287888297.post-91248883547627266282011-08-01T14:40:00.003-04:002011-08-01T14:53:34.215-04:00

Here's the Reuters article from July 27, 2011, that gives us an update on the lawsuit between Lucasfilm and Andrew Ainsworth's Shepperton Design Studios surrounding the rights to replicate Stormtrooper armor and helmets. Lucasfilm won in California courts, but was recently ruled against in the UK. This essentially means that SDS can't ship to the States, but will continue producing armor.The

DEAN (TK-899)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08119044169281170123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409075927287888297.post-59364153125671399122010-07-30T14:49:00.006-04:002010-07-31T20:40:41.364-04:00

Okay, so the term "flash mob" is a bit of an exaggeration. This early-morning 501st event in uptown Charlotte, NC, was a planned promotion for Star Wars Celebration V on behalf of Lucasfilm and Reed Expositions (the folks running the big summer 2010 Star Wars fan gathering). We were asked to help drum up some media coverage in regions outside of the Florida market to ensure that fans in the

DEAN (TK-899)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08119044169281170123noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409075927287888297.post-49201182640435697022010-07-28T13:11:00.002-04:002010-07-28T13:34:02.446-04:00

It's been a few years since Museum Replicas acquired the license to produce Star Wars costume replicas, but we finally got a gander at the new original trilogy Stormtrooper armor this past week at San Diego Comic-Con 2010. Bearing in mind that some costumers are very particular about the accuracy of their reproductions---sometimes down to the inclusion of what are clearly shortcomings/errors--

DEAN (TK-899)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08119044169281170123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409075927287888297.post-20001018301975577612010-04-23T08:46:00.003-04:002010-04-23T09:12:03.352-04:00

The company known as eFX Collectibles acquired the license to produce certain items that were being made by the now-defunct Master Replicas. While the Master Replicas Collectors Edition (MRCE) Stormtrooper helmet is still available though a number of online retailers, eFX is now releasing an Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back version that appears to be made from the same molds as the MRCE. The

DEAN (TK-899)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08119044169281170123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409075927287888297.post-6555226979756829862009-10-31T21:53:00.002-04:002009-10-31T22:08:51.290-04:00

Rain or shine, the trooping must go on. Trooped in armor for the first time in more than a year and was glad that that suit still fits, albeit repairs are in order. The Carolina Garrison was helping to promote the Star Wars: In Concert tour which will be at the Bi-Lo Center in Greenville, SC, on Thursday, November 5th. Ticket sales are suffering from some high priced seats and a weeknight event (

DEAN (TK-899)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08119044169281170123noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409075927287888297.post-86947083799374197512009-09-11T09:51:00.003-04:002009-09-11T10:05:46.072-04:00

Amazing! Sensing the huge amount of support for the top two entries in the Chick-fil-A Cow Appreciation Day contest, the food chain decided to award TWO grand prizes. Both the Jobe Family of Boone, NC, and Noel (TK-8541) Green will receive a year's worth of meals. Noel, of course, has pledged to donate his winnings to his local New Mexico food bank to assist those less fortunate. As an added

DEAN (TK-899)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08119044169281170123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409075927287888297.post-37670458542810659072009-08-29T22:51:00.002-04:002009-08-29T22:55:27.404-04:00

The competition is pulling out all the stops in the Chick-fil-A Cow Appreciation Day competition and the 501st Legion's very own Noel Green (TK-8541) needs your daily vote from now through Monday, August 31st! Although fans were able to push Noel into the No.1 spot late last week with a surge of votes, the outcome is now uncertain. The CowTrooper respectfully requests that you do your part for

DEAN (TK-899)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08119044169281170123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409075927287888297.post-15181299251769145532009-06-11T10:24:00.002-04:002009-06-11T10:55:25.209-04:00

Just donated to a great (and fun) cause. On November 22nd, 501st member Joe Schonberger (TK-3699) will run the Philadelphia Marathon in Stormtrooper armor to help raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation in memory of the late Katie Johnson (daughter of 501st Founder Albin Johnson). Yes, it's crazy. Yes, it's even crazier because he'll be wearing a kilt (Joe is also a member of the Kilted

DEAN (TK-899)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08119044169281170123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409075927287888297.post-87794530786262989052009-01-24T19:20:00.002-05:002009-01-24T19:29:29.999-05:00

DEAN (TK-899)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08119044169281170123noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409075927287888297.post-44280953096794004922008-12-30T21:30:00.002-05:002008-12-30T21:36:56.485-05:00

I just received a great note from a fellow trooper...I was going through some old boxes yesterday and I found my son's first wallet which he lost about a year or so ago. It's a vinyl Darth Vader wallet I got for him at CIV. Inside was a single dollar bill and a single 501st trading card with a trooper holding a paper ewok target. :wink: Happy New Year-Brack The trading card referenced is my own

DEAN (TK-899)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08119044169281170123noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409075927287888297.post-61944902205751197882008-11-29T20:01:00.003-05:002008-11-29T20:37:22.080-05:00

Thanks to JediInsider.com, here's a peek at the soon-to-be-released Spacetrooper figure from Hasbro. You might recall my previous posts about the zero-G backpack, an original trilogy "Holy Grail" prop that has not yet been identified in full. Click the image above for an enlargement and I think you'll agree that this action figure interpretation probably isn't as accurate as we prop-builders

DEAN (TK-899)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08119044169281170123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409075927287888297.post-23314567185431200912008-10-29T08:20:00.001-04:002008-10-29T09:50:25.139-04:00

Over the years, I've fielded many inquiries regarding armor-building. In fact, finding a distinct lack of helpful feedback from existing armor owners was one of the main reasons why I launched this website six years ago. While I enjoy the dispensing advice about all things armor, it's enormously satisfying when I receive thanks from fans who have completed their own costume. And it's even sweeter

DEAN (TK-899)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08119044169281170123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409075927287888297.post-76591913522221247382008-10-27T19:56:00.008-04:002008-10-28T13:58:47.888-04:00

In 2005, with Star Wars Celebration 3 quickly approaching, I saw the need for something to hand out to young fans at troopin' events. During this time, the 501st typically had stickers, temporary tattoos, buttons and such, but those were consumables and supplies often ran low, or the event organizer simply didn't have enough lead time to have them produced. Inspired by an early Legion coloring

DEAN (TK-899)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08119044169281170123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409075927287888297.post-51095202208050000252008-09-24T09:17:00.008-04:002008-09-24T09:47:17.973-04:00

One of the more iconic scenes from 1977's A New Hope is Luke and Leia's swing across the Death Star chasm. Ironcially, the basis of this scene is one of the least-realized Star Wars props---the Stormtrooper grappling hook. I posted some early reproductions of this item under Accessories on my original site, but here's a new one from Andy (TD-6372). Although there are no clear shots of the

DEAN (TK-899)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08119044169281170123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409075927287888297.post-66821920066511619742008-09-21T22:47:00.003-04:002008-09-21T22:59:04.135-04:00

TK-899 celebrated 37 revolutions around the sun today. A somewhat mild day for a Stormtrooper, playing with the little clones on the farm and doing some financial planning. However, I did receive a very cool piece of fan mail from a listener of the 501stCast who illustrated me as seen on my Florida Garrison rookie card from 2005. Thanks, John!

DEAN (TK-899)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08119044169281170123noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409075927287888297.post-80792101357657204982008-09-21T13:41:00.000-04:002008-09-21T22:46:18.681-04:00

Dragon*Con 2008 was a blast, as expected. Of all the cons that the 501st is known to attend regularly, D*C is the most laid-back in terms of 501st costuming. Honestly, aside from the Saturday morning parade down Peachtree Street, it's difficult to find a plain ol' Stormtrooper or otherwise canon Star Wars costume. On the other hand, if it's FemTroopers or Darth Hello Kitty that you want, you've

DEAN (TK-899)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08119044169281170123noreply@blogger.com0