Keever

Checking in on behalf of several of the Canadian Garrisons here; we're always happy to have visitors from other garrisons (except during COVID-19 lockdowns, of course).  Even if we don't have a troop going on, drinks, dinner, or other socializing can usually be arranged!
 
Two things to consider when crossing borders:  First is that volunteering may be construed as "working" in another country.  You may want to consider making a quiet inquiry with the immigration authorities before bringing your kit over.  Second; remember that if you are bringing a "toy blaster" across a border, it will likely be treated as if it were a real firearm. If you MUST bring it, pack it as if it were real, bring a photo of yourself in costume (for context), and refer to it at all times as a "toy blaster".  Don't use the word "prop" as some troopers have told me that there are places that have strong regulations and duties to be paid on "props", and never, ever, EVER refer to it as a "gun."
 
I, too, have a goal of visiting other garrisons, outposts, and squads, so perhaps we'll meet some day!  I wish you safe travels!

Checking in on behalf of several of the Canadian Garrisons here; we're always happy to have visitors from other garrisons (except during COVID-19 lockdowns, of course).  Even if we don't have a troop going on, drinks, dinner, or other socializing can usually be arranged!
 
Two things to consider when crossing borders:  First is that volunteering may be construed as "working" in another country.  You may want to consider making a quiet inquiry with the immigration authorities before bringing your kit over.  Second; remember that if you are bringing a "toy blaster" across a border, it will likely be treated as if it were a real firearm. If you MUST bring it, pack it as if it were real, bring a photo of yourself in costume (for context), and refer to it at all times as a "toy blaster".  Don't use the word "prop" as some troopers have told me that there are places that have strong regulations and duties to be paid on "props", and never, ever, EVER refer to it as a "gun."
 
I, too, have a goal of visiting other garrisons, outposts, and squads, so perhaps we'll meet some day!  I wish you safe travels!

Having trooped several times outside of my home Garrison, I can assure you it's definitely possible and invariably you'll be welcomed.  (I've also trooped as RL outside of the UK and had exactly the same, good experience.)  If you know that you're planning on visiting a location with enough time beforehand, I would suggest signing up to the garrison forum for the area that you plan to visit.  There, you'll be given visiting trooper (or similar) status and will be able to view their troops.  
 
Generally you sign up with them in the same way as you would you're home garrison, if in doubt how they list their signup, reach out in their Introductions forum.  
 
Then generally what happens if you'll let your home garrison know that you've signed up for a visiting troop and it'll be added to your service.  It's great fun and a brilliant way to get to know people.
 
We're all generally a friendly bunch anyway. 

Checking in on behalf of several of the Canadian Garrisons here; we're always happy to have visitors from other garrisons (except during COVID-19 lockdowns, of course).  Even if we don't have a troop going on, drinks, dinner, or other socializing can usually be arranged!
 
Two things to consider when crossing borders:  First is that volunteering may be construed as "working" in another country.  You may want to consider making a quiet inquiry with the immigration authorities before bringing your kit over.  Second; remember that if you are bringing a "toy blaster" across a border, it will likely be treated as if it were a real firearm. If you MUST bring it, pack it as if it were real, bring a photo of yourself in costume (for context), and refer to it at all times as a "toy blaster".  Don't use the word "prop" as some troopers have told me that there are places that have strong regulations and duties to be paid on "props", and never, ever, EVER refer to it as a "gun."
 
I, too, have a goal of visiting other garrisons, outposts, and squads, so perhaps we'll meet some day!  I wish you safe travels!

I've got a Staff Officer build, but I'm the only 501st member within 200 km (120 miles) of here, so quite often it's just me and a handler who's working on his first costume.  If I do find myself with no other troopers around, I've found three fun roles to play, depending on my audience and my mood.
 
First is my "Advance Reconnaissance" duty... This one's especially fun when I'm caught having a bite to eat, or watching the local seaplanes or some such "touristy" thing.  I'll simply explain that I'm performing a routine inspection and evaluation on this system, before the Emperor commits troops to the task.  I'll follow that up with something to get people engaged, such as "You haven't seen any... Rebels... have you?" or "This <gesture at food> is wonderful, and very filling.  This will definitely keep our troops well fed.  Can I place an order for 150,000?  To go?"

Second is my "Recruiting Duties"... if someone expresses an interest in costuming in general, and the 501st in specific, I'll switch over to "Really?  I'm actually here to bolster our ranks in this system!  Do you have any experience operating AT-STs?  No?  How about Z-74 Speeder Bikes?  Can you program a Gonk droid?  Have you ever considered becoming a Stormtrooper?"

Finally, especially if there's kids who are a bit wary or concerned, I approach within about 3 metres of them or so, and (in that "little kid whispering but not really" voice), confess that I've gotten lost from my squad, and ask if the child if they or their parents have seen any stormtroopers.  I did this to one kid, and his older sister immediately pointed down the street and said she'd seen Darth Vader "over there".  Knowing there was no Vader around, I tried to look worried, looking for Vader, and I overheard her tell her brother "He's a bad guy!  We're Rebels, like Jyn and K2!  Shhh!"

Hope that helps give some ideas for if you're caught without your squad. 

I've got a Staff Officer build, but I'm the only 501st member within 200 km (120 miles) of here, so quite often it's just me and a handler who's working on his first costume.  If I do find myself with no other troopers around, I've found three fun roles to play, depending on my audience and my mood.
 
First is my "Advance Reconnaissance" duty... This one's especially fun when I'm caught having a bite to eat, or watching the local seaplanes or some such "touristy" thing.  I'll simply explain that I'm performing a routine inspection and evaluation on this system, before the Emperor commits troops to the task.  I'll follow that up with something to get people engaged, such as "You haven't seen any... Rebels... have you?" or "This <gesture at food> is wonderful, and very filling.  This will definitely keep our troops well fed.  Can I place an order for 150,000?  To go?"

Second is my "Recruiting Duties"... if someone expresses an interest in costuming in general, and the 501st in specific, I'll switch over to "Really?  I'm actually here to bolster our ranks in this system!  Do you have any experience operating AT-STs?  No?  How about Z-74 Speeder Bikes?  Can you program a Gonk droid?  Have you ever considered becoming a Stormtrooper?"

Finally, especially if there's kids who are a bit wary or concerned, I approach within about 3 metres of them or so, and (in that "little kid whispering but not really" voice), confess that I've gotten lost from my squad, and ask if the child if they or their parents have seen any stormtroopers.  I did this to one kid, and his older sister immediately pointed down the street and said she'd seen Darth Vader "over there".  Knowing there was no Vader around, I tried to look worried, looking for Vader, and I overheard her tell her brother "He's a bad guy!  We're Rebels, like Jyn and K2!  Shhh!"

Hope that helps give some ideas for if you're caught without your squad. 

I've got a Staff Officer build, but I'm the only 501st member within 200 km (120 miles) of here, so quite often it's just me and a handler who's working on his first costume.  If I do find myself with no other troopers around, I've found three fun roles to play, depending on my audience and my mood.
 
First is my "Advance Reconnaissance" duty... This one's especially fun when I'm caught having a bite to eat, or watching the local seaplanes or some such "touristy" thing.  I'll simply explain that I'm performing a routine inspection and evaluation on this system, before the Emperor commits troops to the task.  I'll follow that up with something to get people engaged, such as "You haven't seen any... Rebels... have you?" or "This <gesture at food> is wonderful, and very filling.  This will definitely keep our troops well fed.  Can I place an order for 150,000?  To go?"

Second is my "Recruiting Duties"... if someone expresses an interest in costuming in general, and the 501st in specific, I'll switch over to "Really?  I'm actually here to bolster our ranks in this system!  Do you have any experience operating AT-STs?  No?  How about Z-74 Speeder Bikes?  Can you program a Gonk droid?  Have you ever considered becoming a Stormtrooper?"

Finally, especially if there's kids who are a bit wary or concerned, I approach within about 3 metres of them or so, and (in that "little kid whispering but not really" voice), confess that I've gotten lost from my squad, and ask if the child if they or their parents have seen any stormtroopers.  I did this to one kid, and his older sister immediately pointed down the street and said she'd seen Darth Vader "over there".  Knowing there was no Vader around, I tried to look worried, looking for Vader, and I overheard her tell her brother "He's a bad guy!  We're Rebels, like Jyn and K2!  Shhh!"

Hope that helps give some ideas for if you're caught without your squad. 

I've got a Staff Officer build, but I'm the only 501st member within 200 km (120 miles) of here, so quite often it's just me and a handler who's working on his first costume.  If I do find myself with no other troopers around, I've found three fun roles to play, depending on my audience and my mood.
 
First is my "Advance Reconnaissance" duty... This one's especially fun when I'm caught having a bite to eat, or watching the local seaplanes or some such "touristy" thing.  I'll simply explain that I'm performing a routine inspection and evaluation on this system, before the Emperor commits troops to the task.  I'll follow that up with something to get people engaged, such as "You haven't seen any... Rebels... have you?" or "This <gesture at food> is wonderful, and very filling.  This will definitely keep our troops well fed.  Can I place an order for 150,000?  To go?"

Second is my "Recruiting Duties"... if someone expresses an interest in costuming in general, and the 501st in specific, I'll switch over to "Really?  I'm actually here to bolster our ranks in this system!  Do you have any experience operating AT-STs?  No?  How about Z-74 Speeder Bikes?  Can you program a Gonk droid?  Have you ever considered becoming a Stormtrooper?"

Finally, especially if there's kids who are a bit wary or concerned, I approach within about 3 metres of them or so, and (in that "little kid whispering but not really" voice), confess that I've gotten lost from my squad, and ask if the child if they or their parents have seen any stormtroopers.  I did this to one kid, and his older sister immediately pointed down the street and said she'd seen Darth Vader "over there".  Knowing there was no Vader around, I tried to look worried, looking for Vader, and I overheard her tell her brother "He's a bad guy!  We're Rebels, like Jyn and K2!  Shhh!"

Hope that helps give some ideas for if you're caught without your squad. 

Thanks very much!  Yeah, I have had to get inventive and really into character.  Without any "obviously" Star Wars characters (TKs, Vader, Kylo, etc), my costume can seem a bit... goosesteppy.  Consequently, I try to be pretty forward as identifying as being part of the Galactic Empire.  Plus, I think those are pretty sensible reasons for an officer to be on his own somewhere. 

I've got a Staff Officer build, but I'm the only 501st member within 200 km (120 miles) of here, so quite often it's just me and a handler who's working on his first costume.  If I do find myself with no other troopers around, I've found three fun roles to play, depending on my audience and my mood.
 
First is my "Advance Reconnaissance" duty... This one's especially fun when I'm caught having a bite to eat, or watching the local seaplanes or some such "touristy" thing.  I'll simply explain that I'm performing a routine inspection and evaluation on this system, before the Emperor commits troops to the task.  I'll follow that up with something to get people engaged, such as "You haven't seen any... Rebels... have you?" or "This <gesture at food> is wonderful, and very filling.  This will definitely keep our troops well fed.  Can I place an order for 150,000?  To go?"

Second is my "Recruiting Duties"... if someone expresses an interest in costuming in general, and the 501st in specific, I'll switch over to "Really?  I'm actually here to bolster our ranks in this system!  Do you have any experience operating AT-STs?  No?  How about Z-74 Speeder Bikes?  Can you program a Gonk droid?  Have you ever considered becoming a Stormtrooper?"

Finally, especially if there's kids who are a bit wary or concerned, I approach within about 3 metres of them or so, and (in that "little kid whispering but not really" voice), confess that I've gotten lost from my squad, and ask if the child if they or their parents have seen any stormtroopers.  I did this to one kid, and his older sister immediately pointed down the street and said she'd seen Darth Vader "over there".  Knowing there was no Vader around, I tried to look worried, looking for Vader, and I overheard her tell her brother "He's a bad guy!  We're Rebels, like Jyn and K2!  Shhh!"

Hope that helps give some ideas for if you're caught without your squad. 

I've got a Staff Officer build, but I'm the only 501st member within 200 km (120 miles) of here, so quite often it's just me and a handler who's working on his first costume.  If I do find myself with no other troopers around, I've found three fun roles to play, depending on my audience and my mood.
 
First is my "Advance Reconnaissance" duty... This one's especially fun when I'm caught having a bite to eat, or watching the local seaplanes or some such "touristy" thing.  I'll simply explain that I'm performing a routine inspection and evaluation on this system, before the Emperor commits troops to the task.  I'll follow that up with something to get people engaged, such as "You haven't seen any... Rebels... have you?" or "This <gesture at food> is wonderful, and very filling.  This will definitely keep our troops well fed.  Can I place an order for 150,000?  To go?"

Second is my "Recruiting Duties"... if someone expresses an interest in costuming in general, and the 501st in specific, I'll switch over to "Really?  I'm actually here to bolster our ranks in this system!  Do you have any experience operating AT-STs?  No?  How about Z-74 Speeder Bikes?  Can you program a Gonk droid?  Have you ever considered becoming a Stormtrooper?"

Finally, especially if there's kids who are a bit wary or concerned, I approach within about 3 metres of them or so, and (in that "little kid whispering but not really" voice), confess that I've gotten lost from my squad, and ask if the child if they or their parents have seen any stormtroopers.  I did this to one kid, and his older sister immediately pointed down the street and said she'd seen Darth Vader "over there".  Knowing there was no Vader around, I tried to look worried, looking for Vader, and I overheard her tell her brother "He's a bad guy!  We're Rebels, like Jyn and K2!  Shhh!"

Hope that helps give some ideas for if you're caught without your squad. 

Congrats!!!

Congrats Matt!!
 
 I know it’s been a long road and you have put in a lot of time helping the Legion out on troops both here and in Van, but paid off. Welcome to the family!!!
 
Now I’m going to have to take a road trip to the coast to troop with you and be your handler...lol.

Nice, congrats!

Congratulations, it looks great! Now is the time to celebrate

Congratulations 

Hi everyone.  Some of you may remember this post.  I apologize that I didn't keep updating as I went, but life kinda got in the way.
 
GOOD NEWS!!!  I am now, officially, ID46221, as both a Warrant Officer (https://photos.app.goo.gl/nY5wCUWa0VHkMd1l1), and as a Staff Officer (https://photos.app.goo.gl/2bGkLj5QqeDXwmh73)!
 
Hat:  Cosplaysky (with modifications for size, fit, and detail - Thanks to Mrs. Blackfox)
Greeblies:   Elvistrooper, held on with E6000 (belt), and magnets (hat)
Tunic:  Cosplaysky (with modifications to collar and reducing flap length to shoulder seam)
Code Cylinders:  Philo Props on etsy
Rank Bar:  Courtesy of Blackfox
(Staff Officer) Jodhpurs:  Cosplaysky (with modifications to reduce flares, taper lower legs, and hem by 5")
(Warrant Officer) Trousers:  Sears Canada
Belt:  Tandy leather
Jackboots:  Hessen Antiques (fit my 20" calves without any stretching, but avoid the hobnail soles... ZERO grip on tile floors... gonna end up with another broken wrist)
 
Thanks for all the support over the years as I worked on these builds!

@mwilsen the boots... I'm having significant difficulty finding boots big enough for my calves.  Because I walk a lot (helps with my PTSD symptoms), my calves are 20".  That's bigger than the 5XL boots from some of the suppliers.  I haven't been able to pull any money at all together to save for boots yet.
 
@kman the hat... unfortunately, the largest size they had available is significantly smaller than my melon (24").  I'll be making my own hat from plans I found this forum.
 
It's proving to be a rough uphill battle, but the enjoyment I get from helping with the 501st (which also helps significantly with my PTSD) is going to be worth every bit of the effort.
 
 

Looks like a solid lineup!

OK.  I was going to save my 25th post for when I got my costume approved, but my life has kept kicking me for the last 9 months.  HOWEVER, things have turned around for me finally.  My wrist is mostly healed, I'm gainfully employed, and have moved to Vancouver, BC.

So.  Update on what's going on with my build (short version:  not a lot... lol)
 
Hat:  Going to make it myself, using http://cyberseams.com/downloads/ImperialHatPattern.pdf
Tunic & jodhpurs:  cosplaysky (24 days)
Rank Bar:  courtesy of Blackfox (thanks, man!)
Code Cylinders:  Philo Props (25 days)
Belt:  Going to make it myself
Boots:  Looking into custom boots from Hessen Antiques.  19 1/2" calves put me beyond almost everyone's biggest sizes.
Optional equipment:  Considering options.  Unsure yet.

As I slowly work on my Staff Officer build (hampered by finances... sigh), I just thought I'd share two mistakes I've made, in the hopes that other rookies won't waste their time and money.
 
First and foremost, read through the forums.  Go back a long, long time through them.  There are answers hidden several pages back that might be what you're looking for.
 
Second, start a thread.  Ask questions (after you've looked a long, long time back through the forums).  The people here have been wonderfully helpful to me, and I trust they will be to you as well... we're all doing this for the same reason.
 
Third (and this is to save you going back too far for this information), don't get the hat and belt from cosplaysky.  I read the thread about the belt not being approvable (the buckle's corners are too rounded, and the belt itself is REALLY cheap material), about 10 days after I ordered it, and of course, it had already shipped. As for the hat, it only took a glimpse to realize that there's no way it will pass in the condition it arrived in... the brim's a couple cm (a little over an inch) too long, the side flaps are stitched on the wrong way, and not centred, and it just generally sits wrong.

I'll be doing another post soon, with information about the pieces that I've been accumulating for my build, and the things I've learned soon.  I just want to get a couple of pics first, and I'm notoriously bad for hiding behind the camera.
 
So.  New Builders.  Learn from our mistakes.  Then go out and make new and exciting mistakes of your own, and share them with us! 

Depending on who made it, it might be easier to use the smaller one and stretch it out.
 

Eek.  Best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery!

I actually wasn't in a hard cast.  I managed to only bust the radius bone.  Not sure how far it was offset, but the actual part that snapped off was also fractured so they put two pins through my wrist to keep me from rotating and what not.
So I had a fiberglass splint looking thing that I was supposed to wear but didn't unless I was leaving the house.  Last week the 2 external pins got pulled out and now I just have what reminds me of an old rollerblading wrist protector.  That again, I just don't wear unless I'm out and about.   I'm not a very good patient.
In fact just yesterday I started to be able to type with both hands like a grown up!

Hello all,
 
     After a lengthy absence, I'm back and this post caught my eye. First and foremost, I agree that a work in progress thread should be started. Any and all questions could easily be answered by veteran members with expertise.
     Secondly, I have to strongly disagree with the assessment of the CosPlaySky uniform. The uniform shown in my profile picture is from Cosplaysky. When I received it and submitted pictures for, it was immediately approved. Now, I do need to add the fact that this is a tailor made uniform and it cost me an extra $25 (I think). I was NOT taking the chance of having it rejected because of a problem with the way it fit me. The ONLY complaint I have with it is the zipper failed after my 15th troop (I'm on #36 now). I looked into having it fixed and found it would cost me quite a it to have it redone.
     As for the hat and belt from Cosplaysky, I can't speak intelligently about it because I never bought those items from them. Having said that, EVERYTHING I've heard about them steered me away from pulling the trigger. A friend of mine in my local Garrison (Mountain Garrison) makes the hats and it is DEAD on accurate. To give you an idea about how accurate it is, I was at Disneyland in September and was repeatedly asked about where I got it from. They were pretty impressed by the workmanship.