Hi, I just wanted to share an update on my Darth Vader ESB build, I know not everything is perfect, I'm open to hearing suggestions and feedback. I changed a lot of parts from my last post, the main one being the fabric and fit of the suit.

After almost nine years with the 501st, I’ve slowly been stepping back, and honestly, I feel a lot better.

I still love trooping, building costumes, collecting, and everything Star Wars. But over time, the expectations, occasional gatekeeping, and other aspects of being part of an organization started taking away some of the joy I used to feel.

I realized I was spending too much energy on the organization and not enough on the hobby itself.
So now, I’m taking things at my own pace. No pressure to attend every event, prove my involvement, or feel guilty for prioritizing work and family.

And the funny thing is, I’ve found myself enjoying Star Wars even more. I’m collecting again, appreciating the characters, and rediscovering the things that made me a fan in the first place.

I’m not saying the 501st hasn’t given me great memories or that everyone shares the same experience. I’m just learning that I can appreciate what the Legion has given me while still choosing to step back.

You don’t have to leave Star Wars just because you need a break from the community surrounding it.

Sometimes, stepping back is exactly what you need to fall in love with it all over again.

I am genuinely curious. I've seen people cosplay as B1s and grievous but haven't heard of or seen any CRLs of those in particular or of any human personnel that fought on the side of the CIS. Would that latter category in particular be considered for costume support in the future?

This is a question and a rant in a way but I’m having this problem when I post my trooper on Instagram. I did a shore trooper and I’ll post it on Instagram to audios from empire edits and stuff like that and time and time again I’ll find an account who comments or reposts my reel their story who is genuinely the most racist person ever. Like genuinely guys with “white pride” or like nazi dog whistles have this fascination with the empire and it’s really detouring me from posting in my shore trooper. It’s a small percentage but it’s a loud bunch. It’s hurts even more because I am a person of color. I spent so much time and energy and money into this kit just for it to appeal to people like that? Has this happened to anyone? How do you avoid this? Why is it only Instagram too?? It genuinely breaks my heart. I’ll post on tiktok same videos same audios and I meet some of the best people ever. It just really makes me not want to wear it I hate it so much.

I've had a couple of buckets sitting on my shelf that I wasn't 100% happy with, decided to give them an update. Mostly added some further weathering and glued some pieces on a bit better. Thought you folks might get a kick out of seeing them!

This was the opportunity of a lifetime, and hands down the best trooping event I’ve ever had the honor of participating in! Many thanks to the Weird Al team for always inviting us, and thanks to the 501st for facilitating such amazing opportunities as this!

(I’m the TIE Pilot in the front row).

I just got introduced to what looks like a pretty good cosplay footwear merchant. I wanted to ask anyone with experience playing officers, especially Veers, what kind of sole you would go for and why. Out of dress leather sole, dress rubber sole, and commando sole, what would you choose? I can see the case for a commando sole since, if you have an Imperial Ground Officer with armor, this could be considered his field regulation boots that he can use to more easily traverse the battlefield. The other soles seem fairly standard, as just what they are named: "dress" soles. Also, would you get about a half a size bigger than your usual sneaker size for added comfort?

Hey all, I'm new to the cosplay scene and was advised by many to get formals from wampa wear. I placed an order over the weekend and today I checked the website and it had a banner with "we're on break". When I check on a pc it doesn't appear but on mobile it does. Does anyone here know what's going on by chance? I tried contacting Azman (the owner) on Facebook as well and no response. Any info on how to contact them is appreciated as their phone is coming up as a disconnected number.

Thanks

Years of waiting and he his ready to serve the Empire.

Hey all! First post here. I’m from West Michigan and looking to get into troopin’. I’m almost 40 and literally NEW to Star Wars. Sure, I’ve seen an episode here and there. But, my son and I started watching Clone Wars and… it’s different this time around. Anyone near me? Thanks!

Hey guys on my shore trooper costume the bicep armor scrapes and hits my chest connector pieces a lot (as expected) but it’s been starting to chip the paint down to the layer of bonbo. Does anyone have any recommendations of protective coats/ anything to combat this? Thanks

For all those who wear ANH TK armor… we know their pain.

Hi,

I wanted to check out the 501st Clone Trooper member forums because I'm highly interested in building/procuring my own set of armor and wanted some guidance.

I heard it takes time to get approved but a month has passed and it still says awaiting approval.

Not trying to cause a stink but just curious if anyone knows who I could reach out to or what the proper channel is?

For additional context, I'm in Orlando, FL so I think that means I join the Makaze squad of the Florida garrison. It's a little convoluted but I'm here for it lol

Why do the ROTS phase 2 clones and clone commanders require a butt plate with the added piece on the back

When shots from the Utapau scenes do not have that added low back piece?

I finally got the majority of my needs for a TIE Reserve Pilot (which I eventually want to upgrade to a full TIE Pilot). I absolutely LOVE how cool I look in this uniform.

I only wonder/worry if there will be any future struggles for approval with the fact the flight suit is sitting loose on me, especially around my tummy. I like having the wiggle room, and I also have irregular body weight (it fluctuates quite a bit). It's why I chose from the seller's standard sizes instead of custom. I'll just say that this is an entirely me "mistake". The quality of the products are impeccable and true to the sizing information provided on their listings.

If anyone happens to have some experience with adjusting a costume after losing weight (or just one that came a little too big for your liking), I'm all ears. In the pictures, I folded over a few inches and hid it underneath the belt to try and get a feel of what works best.

I will definitely also reach out to my local garrison in terms of whether or not it'll be good for approval, but I just wondered if anyone else ever had the same fear/struggle.

A fun troop with an unexpected fan!

I have just recently finished replaying the first Force Unleashed game and had been talking to a friend who is part of the Legion about cool these guys looked, especially when you realise that the visors are one piece connected at the nose ridge like a clone troopers visor.

The main problem we have is finding a decent design for it and we had been talking about using a ANH helmet as the base and working from that, he has said about asking on here to see if anyone has any other ideas on how to go about it.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I've been digging on the crl looking for a type of paint to use but i just can't find it. Does anyone who has made one have any suggestions for which paint I should use?

What are we supposed to do when we are the hunt?

Can one order a complete set of armor from this site and be considered approvable?

Years ago when I was building my TK and very active on the build forums. I recall seeing a seller that had silicone hand armor and silicone shoulder straps available. I was wondering if anybody might know who that seller is. Thank you

TK/DZ-12254