TK1571

Droids are not really part of the 501st, but of course members have many interested that don't always fall under the 501st banner.  
 
Droids are managed by the Droid Builders and they have forums at https://astromech.net/
 
But specifically Mouse Droids have the Mouse Droids Builders Club, which is a subset of the Droid Builders, and have their own forums here: https://forum.mousedroidbuilders.club/
 
Both also have Facebook groups.
 
I love my mouse droid, although sadly I don't bring him out as much as I should.   I need to take some updated photos one of these days.  They're better accompaniment for flightsuit-based costumes, and I usually troop as an officer or Stormtrooper, which makes it harder to manage the controller.
 

 

Happy Holidays to everyone.

Sent from my SM-S916B using Tapatalk

Happy Holidays to everyone.

Sent from my SM-S916B using Tapatalk

Happy Holidays to everyone around the IOC World!!
 

Just ordered mine on Amazon:
 
https://a.co/d/dVoTKxJ
 
+
 
https://a.co/d/4bMXVlq
 
 

Best of luck!

Sent from my SM-S916B using Tapatalk

I ended up using some tinsnips as material is pretty soft.

Sent from my SM-S916B using Tapatalk

Flight suit has been bought through moncal and has officially shipped. Just a few more pieces to get now. Need boots and the belt. And to put some cog patches on the suit. 

Because we don't have enough tools in the fire, we are undertaking the creation of a new detail page for CRLs, delving into Code Cylinders in the same way other Detail pages delve into Code Disks, Belts, Rank Bars, etc.  We hope to feature most of the main Code Cylinders seen, showing examples and providing some details, including listing do's and don'ts with DIY chalk holder modifications.
 
If anyone has thoughts on some specifics that should be included, please feel free to post in here, so we don't miss anything important. This is likely to move fast, though, possibly in just a couple of days: We want to include links to this in our big CRL overhaul going on right now, and don't want to have to unlock 30 or so CRLs AGAIN in another month or two.
 
Below is my first pass at this:
 
 
Imperial Belt Boxes: Overview
 
[Image to be cleaned up or re-shot]
 


 
Imperial Belt boxes have been seen in three distinct styles and sizes, referring here to the first sightings: 1- Original Trilogy Style (left) 2- Rogue One Style (center) 3- Andor Style (right) Box types are never mixed, on the same costume.  
 
Imperial Belt Boxes: Original Trilogy
 

Made of a silver sheet metal. Box size was noticably the largest seen, at  approximately 2 1/2" (63.5 mm) by 3 1/2" (88.9 mm) by 1" (25.4 mm) thick. Boxes were worn either as a pair, with one on either side of the belt buckle, or as two pairs, with two on either side of the buckle. A small number of characters wore a pair of belt boxes which were oriented horizontally instead of vertically. Placement of the screw / rivet for the belt boxes should be on the shortest side (top and bottom for vertical belt boxes, left and right for horizontal) Belt boxes include a shallow lid on back of the box.  
 
Imperial Belt Boxes: Rogue One
 

Made of a silver sheet metal. Box size was significantly smaller than the OT size; dimensions are approximately 2 inches (50.8mm) wide by 3 inches (76.2 mm) tall by 1 inch x (25.4mm) thick. Boxes were worn vertically as a pair, with one on either side of the belt buckle, or as two pairs, with two on either side of the buckle. Belt boxes include a deep lid on back of the box. Boxes have a pill shaped detail in the top and bottom of the back lid.  
 
Imperial Belt Boxes: Andor
 

 
Screen-used boxes were made of cold-cast resin from 3D printed models, which give a convincing appearance of metal. High quality replica boxes tend to be real sheet metal, to withstand closer scrutiny and enhance realism. Some screen-used boxes were gray or olive in appearance. Box size is the smallest of the three main types, with dimensions of approximately 1.77 inches (45 mm) wide, 2.64 inches (67 mm) tall and 1 inch (25.4 mm) thick. Boxes were worn vertically as a pair, with one on either side of the belt buckle. Belt boxes include a deep lid on back of the box. Corners have a “stepped 90-degree cutout” in the shape of a square on all four corners of the face of the box. Boxes have a pill shaped detail in the top and bottom of the back lid.  

Sounds good overall, not sure how accurate the 3D printed ones are I have not seen one to compare with the originals, not sure if there are any pics either but might be a good idea to have a comparison between all versions no?

Sent from my SM-S916B using Tapatalk

In conjunction with our massive CRL update to update and conform Hat and Belt requirements, the LMO team encouraged us to consider two more, which we agreed with and are proceeding to implement along with the other approved updates:
 
1) For all CRLs that feature standard dosimeter-style code cylinders, a minor clarification line will be added, noting: "Black end caps, sometimes seen on real and replica dosimeters, are acceptable, but optional."
 
and
 
2) All CRLs which still permit chalk holder style code cylinders (some do, some do not) will have the language slightly tweaked, to require that chalk holder style cylinders be "heavily modified" and "with accurate clips".  This is an effort to eliminate the tendency by some to simply use off-the-shelf unmodified chalk holders with highly inaccurate modern pen clips, which are unfortunately sometimes approved by GMLs who aren't paying attention, or don't care.
 
Unmodified chalk holders bad:

 
 
... but modified per instructions on this pinned thread, they can look nice:
 

 
(Tools needed: Scissors, maybe $10 in parts, including the chalk holders, a small cheap sheet of thin brass, a nail file, an emery board, and some blue nail polish from the 99 cent store, all done on my coffee table while watching TV)
 
Let's be real: Proper dosimeter replicas are FAR better, but for those on a super tight budget, sometimes this can be a good stand-in until better ones can be budgeted... and as you can see, the end results are actually darned good.

I think it oughta be like this: 
L1: Belt boxes for Non-Saga or Andor are okay, OT boxes aren't 
L2: Belt Boxes are Andor style (inc. 45 degree steps) 
L3: Pill shape 
 
I think it may be worth adding a line about the boxes being either metallic or gunmetal in color. It's pretty visible that the boxes have various shades of color throughout the show, and aren't consistently worn with either costume. FWIW this also applies to the ISB Officer. Some of the boxes are even darker gray than the attendant uniform: 
 
For additional color references on what shade of gunmetal, the darker boxes are used on the Ferrix and Aldhani costumes also. 
 
I'd also suggest a Trenchcoat option: 
 

Do we want to Shouldn't we also address belt holes while we're at it?
 
According to an image search I just did, I'm seeing belt holes on Tarkin's and Veers' belts but those belts are ungrooved(?).
 
Meanwhile, I don't see them on a lot of belts from ROTJ onwards, if any at all.
 
Basically it looks like there are no holes on grooved belts, but holes do exist on the no grooves / raw edges -- I also guarantee it's not as easy or consistent as this.
 
(It's another CRL headache I know, but they do add a certain flair to this very precise design where it's canon -- as modelled by Ozzel and Veers ...)
 
 
 

Sounds like a good idea.

Sent from my SM-S916B using Tapatalk

We are planning a minor update to the ISB Attendant CRL:
 
ISB Attendant:  https://databank.501st.com/databank/Costuming:ISB_attendant
 
1) Rank: Remove the OT/Mandalorian size rank bar pip options entirely. 
 
2) Code Cylinders: Remove line about not allowed multiple code cylinders.
 
 
The CRL was first developed in this thread:
 
At the time this CRL was made, the rank block was copied from other non-saga costumes, which have had more varied appearances with different sized rank bars.  The ISB attendant, however, had ONLY ever appeared in Andor.  And has ONLY ever had the newer larger sized rank pips.  The size variations have calmed down a bit and been more consistent in recent shows, as well.  So we believe the Attendant uniform should reflect this new reality.
 
Obviously, should an attendant appear wearing the older size rank pips, we can edit the CRL and add the option back in, but I find that unlikely.
 
Any objections to our plans, here's your chance to chime in, else we'll proceed in about a week or two, to give people some time.

1) I'd need to think on that more, and probably run it up the flagpole... the LMOs may have some opinions on that, as well.
 
2) So that's not a no, but for now, I want to keep the focus on the existing Bridge Crew CRL.  Because that's a fairly major reorganization of multiple CRLs, as opposed to simply updating Bridge Crew.

Are we able to consider including the grey ESB imperial bridge crew (grey flight suit / olive cap / headset / no gloves / no compad) during this review? They were quite visible on the Executor's bridge as working crewmembers ...
 
 

 
 
... not the most thrilling costume perhaps, but they had their moments. 
 
I think this costume has some potential and it's a shame to see that wasted as a second option in the Scanning Crew CRL, who they have operationally less in common with.
 
 
 

Hi all, this is a long overdue update, IMO.
 
We would like to make some minor (yet major?) updates to the Bridge Crew CRL to clarify some items that have been unclear, and correct a few long-standing errors, in this costume's requirements.
 
https://databank.501st.com/databank/Costuming:IC_imperial_bridge_crew
 
First, a little history:  The IOC's "Bridge Crew" costume is essentially (nearly) identical to the JRS' Reserve Pilot costume.  Arguably they are one and the same costume, but a decision was made long ago to basically allow the costume into both detachments, as a starting point.  Functionally, there's little difference, but clearly some are crew, serving on the bridge (or Death Star, etc) and doing various ship functions, and others are essentially regarded as off-duty TIE Pilots.  The distinction as to which is which is vague, however, in many scenes, so the 501st took a purposely vague approach that allows the two costumes to work in both Detachments.  We have no intention of dishonoring that long-standing decision, made many years ago jointly by IOC, JRS and LMO team leadership.  There ARE areas where the two diverge a bit... Crew who are sitting at consoles on the bridge, for instance, often do not wear gloves, whereas Pilots essentially always wear their gloves.  So for Reserve Pilot, those gloves are always required, but for Bridge Crew, they can be optional.  (If anyone has an issue with on the JRS side, please take that up with JRS leadership... we do not have any authority over their CRLs.)
 
For basic approval, this costume is pretty straightforward.  Rather than making multiple CRLs, however, or even tabs (which are treated as separate CRLs in the Legion database), it was decided that, for people seeking higher level approvals, specialization as a specific movie variant is required, using various optional components to demonstrate the specialization.  Again, current Detachment Staff is not seeking to change this, at all.
 
With all that said, these areas of the CRL are up for updates:
 
GLOVES:
 
This has been a long standing request, from a number of members, for some time.  As noted above, sometimes Bridge Crew is seen wearing gloves, and other times they are not, depending on the movie.  Also, sometimes the gloves can be seen relatively clearly, and other times, they cannot.
 
ANH: In ANH, Bridge crew is literally seen only in one shot, that I saw: When C3PO and R2 escape the Tantive IV in the escape pod, and one Crew person says to the other, no life forms don't bother firing.  Unless I missed one, running in the hallway sequences, that's literally it.  On the two we see, we can't see the code cylinders, compad, OR their arms.  No headset.  Everything is pretty much assumed, for this most basic costume version.
 
Thus, this is the base level requirement, used for higher levels if the ANH configuration is used entirely: "ANH: No gloves or compad, has no code cylinders, no headset."
 
ESB: In ESB, many Bridge crew are seen on the various Star Destroyers, seated at or standing before consoles, or walking around in general.  In the scene where 3 Destroyers nearly collide, working in "the pit" is a BC with 3 code cylinders and a headset, but no gloves.  Same with the scene chasing the Falcon (when the fly at the Destroyer, coming out of the asteroid field).  And some more during the Falcon chase leaving Cloud City.  No compads in any scene, as well.  Most had headsets, but not all.
 
Thus the ESB requirement (again, "requirement" only applies to higher level approvals): "ESB: Same as ANH [no gloves or compad], but with 3 code cylinders and may wear a headset."
 
ROTJ: In ROTJ, we see the Bridge Crew / Reserve Pilots lined up early on, when Vader arrives at DS2.  Compad and gauntlets, no code cylinders or headset.
 
Thus the ROTJ requirement (again, "requirement" only applies to higher level approvals): "ROTJ: Has gauntlets and compad, but no code cylinders or headset."
 
It's not completely perfect, but hey, the source is inconsistent, so we do what we can to make a system that makes some sort of sense, under the circumstances.
 
With that clarification and history out of the way, the actual change I would like to propose implementing, is simply to copy the JRS glove entry, to allow gauntlets with 3 lines on the back, the same way their CRL allows for it (but does not require it).
 
As discussed above, the only Bridge Crew seen wearing gloves are in ROTJ.  The gloves they wear in the one scene clearly have the lines in question.  Any other scenes, the glove type is unclear.  Based on that, I see no reason to restrict the use of the TIE Pilot gauntlets (which are also worn by a number of other characters, including the ANH Staff Officers) just because it's unclear... it could well be smooth OR lined, and we just can't tell.  This idea has been kicked around for YEARS (at least since 2018), and the reason given for saying no boiled down to "we can't tell for sure".  Current IOC staff takes the opposite view on that.  Given the many examples of various officers using those gloves, because we can't tell (except where we CAN tell!), how does it make sense to disallow that as an option?  We don't see a valid reason to restrict that, and would like to loosen that smooth-backed glove requirement, instead.
 
Again, this would be an OPTION, not the requirement (for an optional component, at that).  So the new Glove entry, for the basic level, would be:
 
 
I'm not reinventing the wheel here, I literally just copied the red text verbatim from the JRS Reserve Pilot CRL.
 
If anyone has a good reason to object to this change, please let us know.
 
BELT:
 
Belts, like rank bars, have a confusing history, in Star Wars.  In ANH, all belts were black on the outer surface only, showing raw leather on the edges and underside.  In ESB, they used many of those same belts, but also had a few officers with new black dip-dyed belts that had no raw surfaces visible.  (And a number which are not clear enough to tell which, as usual). Starting with ROTJ, they started giving officers new all-black belts which had grooves running along the top and bottom edges.  (Just to make things confusing, though, apparently they did still have a few of the original belts laying around, and some of the less-important characters seen in some scenes use those older belts, with visible raw edges)  Those grooved belts have been used ever since, for all subsequent movies and shows where Imperial Belts were used.  (Including Rogue One, Mandalorian, Kenobi, and Andor).  Plain-faced belts have not been used at all, in the non-saga era.
 
It's a small detail, but once you notice it, you pretty much spot it every time.
 
Additionally, I'd like to incorporate this into the CRL, as an actual Level 3 requirement (so this requirement would only be for people wanting maximum accuracy recognition for this simple costume), like this:
 
 
    L2 SUMMARY:
 
Additionally, I'll add a line at the beginning of this little Summary section, just to help clarify the reason for this, since some components are usually optional (but not for higher accuracy approvals):
 
"To qualify for Level 2 or higher approval, a specific movie configuration must be emulated, as described below:"
 
 
 
NEW L3 SUMMARY:
 
Finally, as there are new version-specific L3 requirements, we can add an L3 summary, like the existing L2 summary:
 
Summary of L3 requirements:
To qualify for Level 3 approval, a specific movie configuration must be emulated, as described below:
ANH: Belt is black leather with un-dyed (raw leather) edges, and no grooves along the top and bottom. ESB: Belt is black leather with either dyed or un-dyed (raw leather) edges.  No grooves along the top and bottom. ROTJ: Belt is black leather with grooves inset along the top and bottom edges.  
This will help further differentiate the three Bridge Crew variants.
 
Again, if anyone has a specific objection to any of these updates, please speak up here.

Forgive me if I am interpreting this wrong, but here's a picture of one of the hats I'm working on:



The stitching holding the back of the bias tape from the front should be "in the ditch", to make sure it's as invisible as possible.

This video explains the process very well if that helps:
 
 

Hey everyone! I just wanted to let you guys know that I created a YouTube channel almost 4 years ago on which I review Star Wars related products and on which I break down all the Disney+ shows.
 
Please feel free to check it out and give me your thoughts… And subscribe!
 
https://www.youtube.com/@StarWarsArtefacts

Best of luck.

Sent from my SM-S916B using Tapatalk

Hello troopers. ID-19812 from the NER in New Jersey. I have not been on here in awhile. I find that I use the forums quite a bit when building the costumes, but then real life and trooping happens, or you begin building a new costume and move onto that forum. I saw a post saying that in order to remain a member of a particular detachment, you need to also be somewhat active in the forums of that detachment as well. So I just wanted to come on here and say that I still have my Imperial Security Bureau Officer (non saga) costume and enjoy wearing it although it has been a while. The tunic is quite tight and even gaining about 5 pounds make it dangerous to popping open. But I will slim down and get it on again although i still find it weird not wearing a helmet. So yes alive and kicking and still a member of this community. Be well and keep trooping. 
Sean 

Howdy folks!
This has been talked about for 6 or so years, but we are finally pulling the trigger.
 
We are going to no longer allow Cosplaysky for Level 3 approval levels of olive colored OT uniforms.
The big reason is the shade of "olive" is way wrong. We will still black and white tunics since those colors are good.
The full list of affected officers:
Admiral Daala Officer Grand Moff Tarkin High Moff Morlish Veed Imperial Military Officer Non Saga Mimban Officer LIne Officer  
Again, this is just a L3 restriction. They are still good for basic approval. This lets us have high standards, but not make us gate keepers. 
 
Like the FISD, we would put this in a Special Notes section at the top of the page and also mention it in the tunic/jodhpurs L3 sections of the CRLs.
 
Discus

something more abbreviated may be better and it is something that we can consider.  Also remember that we have some First order officer uniforms which is why we have Imperial in front of some and First order in front of others.  But this is something to be considered. the names are convoluted.  I would rather not use Line or Staff for new production costumes as they are fan created and have no basis in what we are looking at.  That doesn't mean we can't come up with something shorter and works better.

This is live!