There's actually pretty good reasons for just using initials and such. Won't get into all the details, but basically it's still fuzzy whether they're actually allowed to do what they do or not. I was in the same place as you last year adn pulled together a list of the makers at the time. http://www....

Unless they're painted under a clear coat :( Oy. A true labor of love. As to the numbers, they're approvable so long as they're numbers or aurebesh I believe. See the approved helmet markings thread, pics 2 and 3. http://www.jrs501st.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=2467 Personally, I left mine off until I c...

Helmet looks fantastic. Impressive job on it!!

If I'm looking at it right, it looks like you have a black stripe running lengthwise along the cheek tubes. That wouldn't be an approved marking. See: http://www.jrs501st.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=2467 Any combination of those is fine, but that black stripe isn't listed as one of the options. Of cours...

Some people just use industrial Velcro, and others use a couple of bolts and wing nuts. The latter is what I do, just because I figure its a little more solid. But considering that space is completely hidden, go with whatever you're comfortable with. Velcro goes on and off quicker, but bolts are mor...

Fantastic progress! And great job documenting it. Keep those pics coming.

I just got chills. That's some fun stuff you're getting into! My bucket was pre-built, but when putting together my sons armor, I did a pretty similar process to Gabriel. Heavy shears for the rough cuts. Dremel sander to get it really close, and then hand sand the final lines. Just remember, you can...

That is some crazy stuff! Definitely post 'build' pics, would love to see a work in progress.

Fascinating! Never heard of Pepakura before. How long does it take to fold once you print it out? And is there a way to make it sturdy?

I got my armor from FAC and followed the directions to the letter. This involved straps OVER armor, with screws and a nut, but unfortuantely (as I'm realizing now), there's a black cap hiding the screw. While it looks great, that means the straps don't come off the armor at all, which really has mad...

So here is a reminder of the Required reading and viewing you were supposed to complete. http://www.jrs501st.com/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=2933&p=29278&hilit=Required+Reading#p29278 Just because you had the funds to order your costume parts, doesn't mean you've earned your wings. Hey Targ, that link kee...

Welps, that locks it in for me. I was thinking about placing an order, but this thread just put me over the top. A little bummed about the wait time, but my goal is to be ready by Celebration VI, so if I order now I should have no worries. @Tech Nomad and @PTBenz, where did you get your cases from? ...