tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24090759272878882972009-11-01T06:33:53.001-05:00Providing construction and modification tips for replica Stormtrooper armor since 2002.DEAN (TK-899)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08119044169281170123tusken@multiplehat.comBlogger71125tag: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/08119044169281170123tusken@multiplehat.com0tag: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/08119044169281170123tusken@multiplehat.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/08119044169281170123tusken@multiplehat.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409075927287888297.post-77229218285053131402009-07-03T22:17:00.003-04:002009-07-03T22:22:28.062-04:00

Been playing with Google Calendar for a quick way to get the word out on international 501st Legion events. While it's easy to use, customization seems a bit limited.If anyone's got a better collaborative calendar option, please let me know!

DEAN (TK-899)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08119044169281170123tusken@multiplehat.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/08119044169281170123tusken@multiplehat.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/08119044169281170123tusken@multiplehat.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/08119044169281170123tusken@multiplehat.com0tag: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/08119044169281170123tusken@multiplehat.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/08119044169281170123tusken@multiplehat.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/08119044169281170123tusken@multiplehat.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/08119044169281170123tusken@multiplehat.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/08119044169281170123tusken@multiplehat.com0tag: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/08119044169281170123tusken@multiplehat.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409075927287888297.post-76129068734226580092008-09-16T07:01:00.003-04:002008-09-16T07:09:05.399-04:00

YouTube is interesting. Since it's user-created content, things will appear at seemingly random times without any regard for when they actually happened. I just came across a video uploaded this week that shows the Disney Star Wars Weekends parade from back in June. Check me out at 3:21 with my homemade "Go 501st!" banner...make sure you watch in high quality mode. Also worth noting is the

DEAN (TK-899)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08119044169281170123tusken@multiplehat.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409075927287888297.post-19365932998237299462008-09-09T19:31:00.011-04:002008-09-09T19:47:02.522-04:00

Attention: Owners of TE, AP, RT-Mod, SDS or even FX armor proceed at your own risk. The following images of the Rubies Supreme Stormtrooper costume are graphic in nature. TK-899's White Armor Chronicles assumes no responsibility for involuntary regurgitation or gouged eyeballs.If you are searching for Stormtrooper armor to join the 501st Legion, please do not purchase this costume. If you are

DEAN (TK-899)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08119044169281170123tusken@multiplehat.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409075927287888297.post-50759157182351979212008-09-05T10:07:00.002-04:002008-09-05T10:08:34.740-04:00

The reason for this seemingly random post will be revealed at a later time.

DEAN (TK-899)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08119044169281170123tusken@multiplehat.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409075927287888297.post-87311152846800878152008-08-25T10:41:00.008-04:002008-08-25T10:58:54.481-04:00

I've been creating 501st PR material for some time now, on both the local and Legion level. I really enjoy creating flyers, advertisements, banners, posters, trading cards, the Legion PR kit, kid's activity book, the first official Legion typeface and more. I heard that the 501st booth at Dragon*Con was in need of some things, so I put together a 3-sided "Fast Facts" display using the trivia list

DEAN (TK-899)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08119044169281170123tusken@multiplehat.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409075927287888297.post-20493274029827455102008-08-18T08:46:00.006-04:002008-08-18T19:25:37.458-04:00

Star Wars: The Clone Wars premiered on Friday, August 15th, so many theaters around the world contributed to the hype by hosting midnight screenings for eager fans. I have to say that a lot of the fun surrounding new Star Wars films is the anticipation, the lining up, the going to the movies in costume, and the instant connection you feel with fellow fans at events like this. There wasn't a huge

DEAN (TK-899)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08119044169281170123tusken@multiplehat.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409075927287888297.post-54387170894990890102008-08-11T22:45:00.007-04:002008-08-12T23:28:54.144-04:00

The 501st Carolina Garrison was asked by Warner Brothers to supply some characters for a Charlotte, NC, press screening of Star Wars: The Clone Wars on Monday, August 11th, at Regal Phillips Place Stadium 10. Ironically, I didn't see anyone who really looked like press, but, as an extreme anti-bootlegging measure, WB supplied three very intimidating bodyguard types who wanded everyone entering

DEAN (TK-899)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08119044169281170123tusken@multiplehat.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409075927287888297.post-11777256412410057422008-08-04T20:15:00.005-04:002008-08-04T20:47:49.708-04:00

I came across the full hearing document from propmaker Andrew Ainsworth's recent court loss to Lucasfilm regarding claims of intellectual property rights over various Star Wars helmets and armor including those of the classic Stormtrooper, Imperial Gunner, TIE Pilot, and others. Hardcore costuming enthusiasts may find a few gems within the lengthy court document. Although not directly mentioned

DEAN (TK-899)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08119044169281170123tusken@multiplehat.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409075927287888297.post-12991695216440898152008-08-03T13:56:00.007-04:002008-12-09T08:48:42.026-05:00

More dreadful shots of the Rubies Supreme Stormtrooper costume are surfacing. Here's one from Celebration Japan which shows that you, too, can have an Imperial mannequin that does "The Robot" for the price of 90,000 yen ($837 USD): An out-of-costume 501st member approached the Rubies booth at San Diego Comic-Con 2008 and had an interesting conversation with a sales associate:The Rubies guy

DEAN (TK-899)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08119044169281170123tusken@multiplehat.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409075927287888297.post-75032014330472305922008-08-03T09:38:00.002-04:002008-08-03T09:49:55.154-04:00

I first posted about the case of Andrew Ainsworth's unlicensed replica armor back in April 2007 (click here for the background info). It took months to come to a conclusion, but on July 31 a British High Court judge ruled in favor of George Lucas and Lucasfilm regarding ownership rights of Star Wars costumes including the iconic white-armored Stormtrooper design. While many argue that Ainsworth/

DEAN (TK-899)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08119044169281170123tusken@multiplehat.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409075927287888297.post-72800418493333103962008-08-02T17:54:00.011-04:002008-12-09T08:48:42.498-05:00

Every so often, Toys R Us stores will host midnight toy premieres on the eve of their official release date. The closest thing I can think of outside of Star Wars is the Harry Potter midnight book release parties. It's been a while since I've attended one of these (I think the last one was for The Phantom Menace before even I joined the Legion), but since there was a store only 9 minutes away and

DEAN (TK-899)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08119044169281170123tusken@multiplehat.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409075927287888297.post-11746873531166855572008-07-31T12:06:00.005-04:002008-12-09T08:48:42.771-05:00

I made a post a while back about the elusive "holy grail" of Stormtrooper costumes, the Zero-G or Space Trooper as seen outside the Death Star docking bay in 1977's A New Hope. Hasbro's presentation at San Diego Comic-Con 2008 revealed that they will be releasing a 3 3/4"-scale figure of this very character which they are calling a "Space Trooper." Not a lot of detail on this image, but I have to

DEAN (TK-899)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08119044169281170123tusken@multiplehat.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2409075927287888297.post-2531420371962576552008-07-31T11:26:00.005-04:002008-12-09T08:48:43.084-05:00

If you buy the new Clone Wars 501st Legion Clone Trooper action figure you will get an instant membership in the famed 501st Legion costuming group! Well...not really. This is another case of the fictional 501st Legion being potentially confused with the real-life costuming organization which was honored by Lucasfilm's inclusion of their name into Star Wars canon back in 2004. The confusion is

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