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kman

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Posts posted by kman

  1. 6 hours ago, Alay said:

    These are screencaps from the old Star Wars Galaxies game.  Some notes before them:
    The game NEVER showed Officers with rank badges or code cylinders.  Some servers later unofficially modded them to have those.  This was an old game though so there were limitations at the time.

    ALL officers wore the same sorta-gray-sorta-not uniform.  They were obviously meant to imitate the on screen color but a feldgrau wasn't really possible at the time.

     

    Tough call to make... I do feel like a grayish green was possible, even with the more limited color palette of the time.  It looks Feldgrau on the box cover in the OP's original thread, though, so I agree Felodgrau was at least an option.  Perhaps allow both Feldgrau and gray?  Especially I know a bunch of people still have CosplaySky gray officer uniforms that don't really have a home anymore, since gray was changed to olive green, many years back.

  2. On 9/21/2023 at 9:15 PM, Terunis said:

    If I may add, and this is quite a humble opinion, but where it refers to being the appearance of wood, it may just be me on this but they seem to be trying to make it appear as not wood as possible? Every shot, at least to me, makes it look like the models they used were wood or wood imitation that they have tried to conceal to make it look more manufactured. Does the CRL mean wood appearance in that it has the ridges as in a real world grip would, or that it should be painted to imitate wood?

    Sorry to be a pain, but it feels that if the CRL is worded that way it may give rise to subjective rather than objective opinions on the grips.

    This could be me being over cautious though - in my current experience I've not seen or heard of any issues of this kind of thing, but I don't know why but there's something about that particular wording that I would feel would be remiss of me not to mention at least for consideration.

     

    That aside, the rest of it is looking top notch =) Thanks you guys for the diligent efforts!

     

    Wood painted black is... black.  There are other CRLs with similar wording, and I have not seen an issue with it, to date.

     

    I'm not worried about it, but GMLs are always welcome to ask us for clarification, if they're confused.

  3. As an aside (kinda), I just spent a chunk of time pouring over The Eye again, and confirmed a few things.  Mostly relevant to Spec Ops, since they got the army troopers, but still.

     

    First up, but Petigar and Gorn 100% have the silver MSP5s.  Even the one questionable scene with Petigar, we can chalk up to lighting, because from another angle (later in the same scene sequence) it looks a lot more silver than in the one especially dark angle.  It's super blurry due to DoF but still, you clearly see silver, whereas all black fins would NOT look like that, especially in dim lighting.  Gorn I didn't bother screen capping more than the shot already posted above, but everytime he moves his arm, you definitely catch silver glints.

     

    20230921170735-818098f6.png

     

    20230921170738-8f1f5b1d-la.png

     

    Then, just revisiting our discussion of the Army Trooper blasters (MSP5 and such):  That shot was definitely not mirrored.  For whatever reason both Karis Nemik and Arvel Skeen do indeed have left hip holsters, true left handed construction, but a VERY poor fit (check out the retention straps, in particular), with MSP5 blasters (judging by the broomhandle) that do not show silver, so presumably the OG ANH models.

     

    20230921171045-cccc4fce-la.png

     

    20230921171042-486ade2b.png

     

    Taramyn Barcona, also wears his blaster on his  left hip, BUT, his is a right-hand construction holster, so he wears it reversed, grip-forward, like Gorn.

     

    20230921171037-329a19da-la.png

     

    20230921171035-a04520ed-la.png

     

    20230921171034-b27bf3d4-la.png

     

     

    Cassian, on the other hand, has a right-hand blaster, but a very different model blaster.  We actually see it on the deck of the shuttle, but not super clearly, and since it's clearly not Imperial issue, I didn't bother trying to capture that.  The grips are a very different shape than the MSP5, though.  He wears it on his right hip, but slightly back, and in some scenes it has migrated around farther and farther back until it's basically bouncing off his rear end.  He has it in the same holsters they're using for these new silver MSP5s, though, or at least it certainly has the same shape and basic construction.

     

    20230921171043-cda5b1ca.png

     

    20230921171028-f926bb3a.png

     

    Somewhat interestingly, none of the "real" Army Troopers in these scenes have a sidearm, except the one higher ranked one (judging by the white stripe on his shoulder armor).  Blaster is holstered normally on the right hip.  The scenes are not clear enough to see which specific blaster he's carrying.

     

    20230921171040-4330c8f4-la.png

     

    20230921171038-b06818e4-la.png

     

    That's all I've got, but I spent the time watching and screencapping, so I wanted it recorded *somewhere* for future reference LOL

  4. 4 hours ago, chicken45 said:

     wow that holster is different!  I don't see the Power 5 listed in Army Troopers CRL over in Spec Ops so I wonder if that's something they are looking into.

     

    That holster is simply a left hand version of the standard ANH-style MSP5 holster, but in black leather instead of brown.  It's unusual to have a true left hand version, though... I almost wonder if that shot was mirrored?  I'd have to look at the scene again.

     

    20160821183514-8df46be8-me.jpg

     

  5. 4 hours ago, chicken45 said:

    current draft @kman

    anything to add or change?

     

    Suggested edits below.  Most are pretty solid, and I think we may be there, or awfully close.  I did add one new requirement as a L3 requirement which I'm open to dropping if it's too much (although it's really not difficult, with 3D printing today... there are free models on Thingiverse, which is where most of mine came from, aside from my Reade Model original parts, or heck, the shape is simple enough they could be made from modeling clay and toothpicks):

     

    MerrSonn Power5 Blaster

    • Scratch built or high-end prop replica based on a Mauser C96, or M712 pistol.
    • Grip can be wood tone, from dark brown to black. 
    • Cooling module ribs can be black, weathered silver, or silver.
      • Only the tops outside edges of the fins are painted/weathered silver. The sides are rest is black (minor weathering is permitted).
    • The wire on top can be straight or coiled.
    • Accurate greeblies are present on both sides.
    • Flared muzzle covers most of the barrel and is black (minor weathering is permitted).
    OPTIONAL Level two certification (if applicable):
    • If using a straight wire, the the cooling module ribs fin outside edges must be silver.
    • If using a coiled wire, the cooling module ribs must be black or (minor weathering is permitted).
    • The blaster may have minor weathering or base metal exposure.
    OPTIONAL Level three certification (if applicable):
    • Two "antenna" with bulbous tips are present on top of the barrel at the base of the muzzle.
      • Antenna are based on the shape of the original parts used as pushrods in the Vernon Tomtit model airplane kit.
     
     
    Merr Sonn Power 5 Holster
    • Made of black leather or leather-like material.
    • Outer panel is flat and curves around the top of the blaster.
    • Outer circumference of the holster is curved around the basic shape of the blaster.
    • Holster has a cutout for the blaster's “cooling module.”
    • Holster has one belt loop that is integrated into the holster body.
    • A safety strap that secures the blaster in the holster is present.
    • Holster may be worn on the right hip, or reversed and worn on the left hip with the blaster handle pointing forward.
    • Holster is open at the bottom and allows the muzzle to slightly protrude.
    • Holster is not present if no weapon is carried with the costume.
    OPTIONAL Level two certification (if applicable):
    • Holster is made of leather.
  6. I honestly don't think we need to specify the specific sub-variant of broomhandle Mauser that was used in any of these.  Whether based on a C96 or Airsoft, any of them are close enough, or can be made close enough, to withstand a reasonable amount of scrutiny.  I'm not trying to go to RPF levels of accuracy on blasters, even at L3.  And I definitely don't want to insist on an airsoft base that can't be brought into most Cons these days.

     

    For Gorn, yes, you're right, sorry, I saw a green uniform and wasn't paying attention to who was who, in the hostage scenes.  Nice find on Gorn's silver MSP5, I didn't catch that frame when I was looking, although I was skipping around a bit, as I was mostly focused on finding clear holster pics when I was doing most of my frame grabs.

     

    For Petigar, It's entirely possible they played musical chairs with the prop blasters a bit.  But the CLEAR photo we have for Petigar shows silver fins, and the one photo that might not be silver is not very clear in dark lighting, so I'm comfortable stating silver is what was intended for Petigar.  And Meero's case is very clear.  Since none of these are face characters (except for Meero), it really doesn't matter, if we're allowing both types. (Meero should be silver only, outside of basic level, however)

     

    So it looks like all the *active* duty (real) officers in Andor have the new silver blasters (when they carry one at all). 

     

    The only people that may be carrying the older black MSP5s are the rebels pretending to be Imperials, in stolen uniforms... it's certainly plausible that they might have gotten different model blasters, under the circumstances.  (Or maybe these silver models ARE the older versions, now that I think about the timeline... Andor being set before ANH)  Regardless, none of them are wearing Officer uniforms anyway, so that's not actually our concern.

     

    @chicken45 Let's see the current complete text?

     

    [edited a bit for clarity]

  7. Very cool!  I thought about modeling this myself, but if you're going to do the work, all the better LOL

     

    I suspect the silver greeblie in the lower right cover of the screen (where the corner is inverted into the screen) is likely the male piece of a line 24 snap.  (the part second from the bottom, in this pic).  They have used bits of snaps like these in a number of places on Star Wars props.  I can't say this with 100% confidence, but it looks about right, and seems pretty likely, given the past history of using these parts.

     

    20230920134917-ccfbcd36-la.jpg

     

    20230512190010-f3227ea7-la.jpg

     

    20230512190008-25a59359-la.jpg

     

    20230512190012-61878eaa-la.jpg

     

    20230512185957-445aa8b4-la.jpg

     

  8. Gorn is carrying an old school MSP5 with the coiled wire, and all black cooling fins.  He has his own, and did not pick up Petigar's blaster.  (His empty holster is visible in other shots from the scene with the second pic below, too, I just chose this one because it shows the blaster clearest)

     

    20230920115813-651946c0-me.png

     

    20230920120725-9fc77d25-me.png

     

    Kinda makes sense, since he's been stuck on a backwater planet for so many years, while Meero and Petigar both hail from Coruscant, where presumably they would have access to the more current toys.

     

    Interesting catch on the reddish greeblies on Gorn's blaster, but I do not see those colors carried over to Meero's, just some slightly lighter coloring with weathering.  I don't think we've ever specified the color of the greeblies, though.  If anything, could mention that "accurate greeblies are present on both sides."

     

    Both Meero and Petigar carry the new (to us) model, with a straight wire across the top and cooling fins that have all silver metal edges.  (the interior of the fins remains black, so it's not "all silver", just the edges of the fins are bare silver metal)

     

    20230920115846-35ab28ee-la.png

     

    20230920115858-617fce83-me.png

     

    20230920115901-fb9a2757-la.png

     

    All other details seem to be the same, between the two types.  Same top "scope" (mic jack), same tomtit antennas, etc.  (The OG MSP5 greeblies came from Reade Models tomtit model airplane parts, also used on Han Solo's DL44 in places)  My MSP5 has the original parts on the cooling fins, and the rest are 3D printed but modeled with the original parts in hand.  I suspect their are not the original parts, but 3D printed, which give thicker fins to show the silver better.

     

    20170330134205-b5d1c720-la.jpg

     

    All three are carrying them in the new style holster, however, very different style from ANH. (the only other place we've seen the MSP5 in live action)  Gorn and Petigar wear them on the left, and Meero wore hers on the right.  (outside her trench coat)

     

    20230920122038-4589dff2-la.png

     

     

     

  9. Sadly, no room for display of a full size costume.  Even if I did, though, I would have the same concern expressed above: Guaranteed to have issues with dust unless it's in a hermetically sealed cabinet.  And if sunlight ever hits it, fading is going to be an issue.

     

    I store my tunics and trousers in black suit bags that I ironed on an HTV cog, so I can readily grab the right one in a dim closet.

     

    20180724083657-160e836e-la.jpg

     

    For the small bits, I have small cases similar to what is shown in the video posted above.  (tho not the belt)

     

    20230424170013-8b8cee89-la.jpg

     

    20230917161114-da04b7ae-la.jpg

     

    Except my belt, which I roll up and keep inside my boots in my boot bag.  Blaster and gloves go in the boot bag, too.

     

    20230424165955-428a41e5-la.jpg

     

    20190501230703-0b846e71-la.jpg

     

    I've been considering picking up a small glove case just for my gloves, since I have several pairs now.  They make them for golfing gloves.

     

    Oh, and hats: Hats go in a hat box for storage, to keep them crisp and dust-free.  JoAnn Fabrics sells these little boxes for a pretty reasonable price (especially on sale), so I have several.  They come in awful flowered prints, but that's nothing that a quick coat of paint can't fix, and then a sheet of plastic can be glued on top to be Imperialed up, too.

     

    20230917153437-f9771175-la.jpg

     

     

  10. 7 hours ago, Daetrin said:

    Thanks. I don't have a Facebook account, so had to send him a contact request.  We'll see how it goes...

     

    And...man, I can't wait to see DragonCon again. Haven't been there in almost a decade, way too long.

     

    Assassin Graphics is the same company that does the name badge runs on the main 501st forums.  I suspect you can find email contact info there.  (and a link to their web page)

  11. 21 hours ago, Riviate said:

     

    That is a great build. Am looking into the Denix as well nowdays and might just go with that route. Thanks for the tip!

     

    Denix is a great base and produces a wonderful looking blaster.

     

    Just be warned about the weight.  Those suckers are HEAVY and really pull down the belt.  Even with added industrial velcro, the weight got to be annoying enough that I switched to the plastic one, even though it's not as pretty.  If I was doing a photoshoot, I'd likely bring out the Denix-based one.  But for routine troops (and especially all day at a Con), lightweight wins every time.  And realistically, outside of a photo or two, my MSP5 stays holstered the vast majority of the time anyway.  We are not Stormtroopers, walking around the with blasters in our hands at all times.

     

    On my to-do list is to try to replace the plastic handles with wood ones, on my plastic MSP5.  Holstered, you really can't tell the difference between the two, except for those handles.

  12. Yup, our channel is fairly new and we are still working on content for it.

     

    Sooooon...

     

    While officer costumes are pretty straightforward, it's not difficult to see how often basic questions are asked that could be cleared up very easily with a basic how-to video, going over the details and pointing out the gotchas that people might not catch if they're not already super familiar with the costume.

     

    It'll be SUPER handy for going over some lesser-known difference in costumes, like showing the dramatically difference construction of the ANH Staff officer tunics vs the regular tunics, things like that.

     

    Lots of platforms CAN do videos, but obviously YouTube is the king of video content.  The more platforms we can use the spread the message, the better we can reach people. :)

  13. 1 minute ago, TI28467 said:

    Those are good news, thank you very much for the info. My GML, seems to have a different opinion or info. Last week I took my olive Imperial Officer costume from Denuo Novo ti the taylor to have some fit adjustments, I have slim body, I used to swim a lot, so I have a weird shape. Anyway, thank you all for the kind response and attention. Have a nice weekend.

     

    Right, we can't say that a DN uniform is guaranteed to be approved, because it has to *fit* the costumer correctly.  Off the rack sizing may or may not fit well.  You can often tailor it, however, so as long as that is done correctly, there should be no issues with the costume based on meeting the 501st's requirements (and definitely no problem with the color).  Feel free to quote us on that, and have your GML ask us for feedback in the GML forums on the 501st site. :)  (That said, if the costume doesn't fit YOU correctly, the fact that it has accurate construction and color may not matter)

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