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kman

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  1. Thanks
    kman got a reaction from Naradriel1994 in How do you choose rank insignia?   
    Personally I wouldn't overthink it.  If you want to get the 5 blue so you can use the same one for Ysanne, go for it!
  2. Like
    kman got a reaction from PaoGabi9 in Narkina 5 Prison Guard   
    For Jack boots, I would think those would be ok for basic, at least, if you cut off the top strap.
  3. Thanks
    kman got a reaction from AlixValove in Do these boots meet the requirement for a original trilogy officer?   
    Hi Alexandra, I saw your PMs which SharkBait responded to.
     
    I agree with her: Those boots are the Derby PVC/rubber versions.  They do work fine for basic approval, and many troopers use them as starter boots, to see how much they want to commit to the costume, before going for better boots.  (And some just use them for long periods of time, because they simply can't afford better, or don't wear the costume often enough to justify investing more in it.)  They can be had for quite inexpensive prices.
     
    All that said, there are definitely drawbacks to those boots, which is why few stick with them long term: They're extremely hot.  As you can imagine, PVC boots with zero ventilation doesn't breathe at ALL, and your legs and feet will get extremely sweaty in them in mere minutes... on a hot day, your legs can be soaked!  They're also not very comfortable.  They're intended as actual horseback riding boots, where you aren't actually on your feet much: You're seated on a saddle, with your feet resting in stirrups.  So there's zero foot or ankle support to them, despite the appearance.  And finally, in terms of fit: Well, they're literally molded plastic.  So if they fit, cool, but if not, no amount of stretching can help, and there's no way to take them in.
     
    You'll definitely be happier with a quality pair of boots, and frankly, the $230 or so from Hessen Antiques is a steal, for what you get, compared to what REAL riding boots cost.
     
    Boots can be the most expensive part of an Imperial costume, in some cases costing more than the rest of the costume.  But you can also get super lucky on the used market... that can require patience, though... you could get lucky and find the right style (which is tough, since it's no longer a popular style for riding) in your exact size, you can score an incredible pair of boots for dirt cheap.  I know people who lucked out and found some right away, and I know others who are still looking and hoping after over a year.  (More common sizes are likely going to be luckier, too, and smaller people, moreso than anyone on the larger side, since serious dressage hose riders who would own these sorts of boots tend to be more petite)
     
    Whichever way you go, good luck!   Feel free to ping me if you have any other questions.
  4. Like
    kman reacted to IceManHG in Do these boots meet the requirement for OT trilogy Line Officer?   
    They were recommended by a local 501st member. Supposedly they are good quality.
  5. Like
    kman got a reaction from Naradriel1994 in Attendant Silver/Grey color   
    That fabric looks a little more silver and a bit lighter than ideal, if I'm being honest, but it's in the right ballpark.  Accurate greys are going to be the death of us LOL  It's almost has varied as feldgrau.
     
    Stealing an image from another thread:

     
    Note the variation in lightness just based on lighting... the guys on the left side, near the wall, with less direct light, look WAY darker than Heert (next to Meero), more in the middle of the corridor and under the main lights.  That being said, I think the guys on the left are closer to the correct shade: A bit darker, when the lighting isn't blowing it out.
  6. Like
    kman reacted to chicken45 in Grand Admiral Thrawn (Ahsoka Season 1)   
    This is looking great!
    I think making the trouser leg thing a L3 thing is the way to go with this. 
  7. Like
    kman reacted to Riva in Grand Admiral Thrawn (Ahsoka Season 1)   
    I have prepared some photo on my built for the CRL photo, see if they're quarlified:
     
    Collar Rank Insignia

     
     
    Epaulets

     
     
    Rank Bar

     
     
    Holster

     
     
    More will come
  8. Haha
    kman reacted to Skywise in ISB   
    Kalani directed me to the WampaWear White ISB Tunic.  I simply love it!  High quality suiting material in good weight.  Easily my best Imperial tunic so far.  Won't look "frumpy" like the thinner tunics.  You get what you pay for.  IMHO Thrawn (as seen on Ahsoka) should have gone to WW!  His uniform is looking a bit worse for the wear. 
  9. Like
    kman reacted to Coolajxl in "Temp" Imperial Security Officer (Non-Saga)   
    Yeah, I didn't think about how changing it would mess up other links. But makes sense, like I said, not really the biggest deal. We are only human so mistakes happen.
    But I promised someone I would ask so I followed through on that 
  10. Like
    kman got a reaction from boc120 in Headsets- Testing the Waters-   
    I can vouch for being pretty pleased with mine.
     

  11. Like
    kman got a reaction from Hesikaya in Imperial Coffee mug from Andor   
    Worry about getting chewed out by your commanding officer, perhaps, but it's there, in-universe, as far as that's concerned LOL
     
    And yes, walking around a troop with a cup of caf is a joy. 
     

     

  12. Like
    kman got a reaction from Coolajxl in "Temp" Imperial Security Officer (Non-Saga)   
    The "Temp" in the filename/path was an error by the LMO office, which manages these things.  They were supposed to rename it before the published it and made it live, and forgot.  And now it shall live on in infamy forever... (or break every link back to it on the internet)
  13. Like
    kman reacted to Steven in Imperial Officer Baton   
    Many thanks to you two!
  14. Thanks
    kman got a reaction from Steven in Imperial Officer Baton   
    Very nice!!!
  15. Like
    kman reacted to Steven in Imperial Officer Baton   
    ***Incoming Transmission***
     
    The day has come, the new Mark IV version of the Grand Admirals Baton is finished! This time I made it even more elaborate and closer to it's historical "ancestors" with it being covered in velvet lining crowned with A LOT of ornaments. Of course there are not so many symbols used by the Galactic Empire as there were for the Monarchys of old Europe which used e.g. Crowns, Eagles, Crosses, Anchors, etc... on their batons. But luckily we have a design of the Symbol of the 7th Fleet which was very convenient as I do also portray Grand Admiral Thrawn, the commanding officer of said Fleet. So I decided to alternate between the Imperial Cog in gold and a slightly smaller version of the 7th Fleet symbol in black around the middle staff. I placed the same symbols on the end pieces, this time in white colour.
     
    The top and bottom are each equiped with a silver inscription on a golden band, saying "Imperial Grand Admiral" on the top and my ID Number and Name on the bottom.

     

     
     
    As all new Batons this one is also 38cm long which is quite a decent size.
    Final steps are now to make a new box and to take a few pictures in uniform
     
    I hope you enjoyed the insight into my crafting hobby
     
    Long live the Empire!
    ID-23008
     
    ***End of Transmission***
  16. Like
    kman reacted to Steven in Imperial Officer Baton   
    ***Incoming Transmission***
     
    The work has continued and for the first time I also used a velvet fabric for the baton, as it was used on many of it's historic examples:

     
    Glueing the velvet on was easier than I expected, but still a challenge. However in the end I was very pleased with the result of my first try and the fabric feels really nice around the wooden core.
     
    After that I started to glue the imperial cog and 7th Fleet emblem to the fabric:

     
    The ornaments were all lasercut by a friend from germany and hand painted by me, it took me a few hours on the picture you can see the backside where the seams of the fabric meet, as well as the seams of the inscription bands at the top and bottom. It does not align 100% but I'm still very satisfied, as this was also my first try and well you only get one try
     
    Last but not least, I visited the Museum of Militar History in Vienna last weekend and saw some historical batons on display, which was very cool to see like the "original" ones that inspired me many years ago:

    They are both from the period of the Austrian Empire before 1918
     
    So far so good, thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed, the work will go on
     
    For the Empire!
    ID-23008
     
    ***End of Transmission***
     
  17. Like
    kman reacted to chicken45 in OT Bridge + Scanning Crew Update   
    Good news. @Alay made these new cyls and we are going to add them.
  18. Thanks
    kman got a reaction from Aesmodan in Boot help   
    I don't have non-skid soles on mine, but I'm used to wearing shoes with leather soles (way too many years in dress shoes at the law firm), and live in a warm climate, so YMMV.  That's something any shoe repair shop can add later if you change your mind.
     
    No adjustment straps on Hessen boots, they're straight OT-style riding boots.  You could have a non-functional flap and strap added at a shoe repair shop later, if you want.  Crow Props is the only place I've seen that makes the boots with the adjustment straps.  The ones you see on screen were all custom made for the shows (no idea what shop they used), so that style is not really manufactured anywhere.  You need someplace that does custom work for that.
  19. Like
    kman reacted to VonCarstein in Imperial Officer Triligy (Field officer/Grey)   
    @kman With what you said, I will go head and hold on to them and continue to look for some one you can help modify them down the road, they are really nice boots that and the price was about the same as the Hessen Antiques brand, and I have grown attached to them lol,

    I want to take a moment to thank you and all the other people who have helped me out with this endeavor of mine; your advice and info have been excellent. Hopefully, I can apply soon in a couple of months and start having fun with you guys and gals.
  20. Like
    kman reacted to VonCarstein in Imperial Officer Triligy (Field officer/Grey)   
    First off, Y'all have been amazing and so helpfull!  Sorry I am late in responding I work as a property accountatn with a 9-6 work schedule so I am get home late.
     
    @kman  I want to reassure you, this has not scared me in any way. I was really hoping to get this type of feedback so I can fix it and join.
     
    As for the color, it is grey. There is no hint of green/olive coloring, which is out of the color grade range. However, I will keep it and see if I can get it dyed pure black for ID - Officer: ANH Staff Officer since most of what I have will work for that unclueding the sidearm and the belt. As for the legs being baggy, that is mainly a boot issue. I have already found a place where I will be taking them to get them cut down about an inch from the inside of the boot, so they should be a flat top and below the knee. I did not think they would sit so high on me, but you work with what you got.
     
    I am looking right now on getting a new set in the correct olive color from etssy that is 501 approved (by approved I mean is with in spec, not endorsed), so it might take me a bit to get that going. I wish I had know a few things before I bought my current Cosplay but I think it is salvable in most aspects, but it will take some time to get things corrected and maded.
     
    So, in short, I will need to blame y'all for making me end up pursuing two cosplays and having fun along the way!
  21. Like
    kman got a reaction from PiotrRasputin in Boot help   
    It's a separate listing, not part of the main listing for their regular boots:
     
    https://hessenantique.com/custom-order-riding-boots/
  22. Haha
    kman reacted to ChrisLie in Reasonably priced uniform recommendations that come in smaller sizes   
    I for some reason got this on my mind when you pointed that out XD
     
    "Walker here"
  23. Haha
    kman reacted to Coolajxl in Grand Admiral Thrawn (Ahsoka Season 1)   
    Also, Cigarette as optional accessory? 
  24. Like
    kman reacted to MaskedVengeance in RubberBlastersEtc - AVOID THIS VENDOR   
    I think Darth Hair pulled his blasters off his Etsy shop due to that weaponry aspect, but he sells them on his website.

    https://www.dhpfx.com/shop/dh-17-blaster-pistol


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
  25. Thanks
    kman got a reaction from TK 5376 in RubberBlastersEtc - AVOID THIS VENDOR   
    Hmm.  Darth Hair (DHPFX on Etsy) used to sell one, but I don't see it listed on his Etsy anymore.  Might be worth sending Jeff a message to see if he's going to do more.
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