A 501st Newbie: A Death Trooper Story

[GrandMoff501st[TX]]

Hey folks,

Longtime lurker and fan of the Legion and all it does. After going back and forth during the universal chaos of the COVID years, I've gotten off my butt and am ready and geared to begin my journey to being a full fledged DT with the Canadian Garrison. Long story short - I'm 29 years old, 6'4", 220lbs, left the military after ten years with some generous-ish savings, and so have always (re: since the first Rogue One teaser in 2016) been obsessed with the DT. I think it would be a great fit - pun intended!

I'm in touch with the supremely helpful folks at the local garrison (and they have one DT), but wanted to finally take the time to start currying some favour and some helpful tips from this storied gang. I've been doing a lot of personal research (and, again, lurking) over the past few weeks since I got serious about this and have perused most of the sub-forums and threads here. The initial days of the research got me a bit down as it seems everything everywhere is sold out (e.g. ArmoryShop), but A) seems that's par for the course with everything post-COVID lol, and 2; from what I've read of other DT acolytes, seems to be the norm, as well.

So, found this one with 850ArmorWorks in Florida. For the maximum option of "Ready to Wear Painted Gunmetal Two Toned" including helmet with RangeFinder is USD$2,900.00 (about CAD$3,900 if there's any other Canucks here). Link below:

https://850armorworks.com/Death-Trooper-p371298553

As you'll see, this includes the full body armour; belt with pouches/boxes/holster/leather pouch; leg suspension belt; and the helmet with LED lights and add-on RangeFinder. It doesn't include the undersuit, blaster, boots, or gloves. I've read some of the thoughts on the forum regarding 850, and it seems they've really improved products over the years and their pictures on FB and Insta look superb for the finished kit. Granted, they only post the best ones lol, but knowing how tight-knit and well-informed the community is, I'd imagine/hope they're good indicators of their real work (below image screenshot from their FB for a kit they finished early March '23). I see they also show a E-11D in final production stages on their FB pics, but the only blasters listed on their site are DC-17s... so still searching for those.

Also, have some moderate concerns regarding the helmet size. I look "normal," I promise, but I do have a larger-than-average head size (e.g. can't fit on my brother's Mando helmet even though he and my father could easily). I see most DT helmets size up to 8, but just wondering if any of the other "big heads" out there have had issues or if this is something addressed in simple measurements with the manufacturer when the time comes?

Unfortunately, I have time and especially space constraints to do DIY work on the kit and so am prepared to try my best to get as much ready-to-wear as possible. Obviously, there's inevitable kinks and speed bumps with any costume procurement, especially one that seems so complex as the DT, but regrettably I'll have limited capability when it comes to model building, trimming, sanding, painting, etc. So having to go a bit more into the credit pouch will be a necessary sacrifice. I've been doing some other shopping for the E-11D, undersuit, and boots, but didn't want to start my first post too hot and heavy (plus they're equally tough to find available products and a lot of the sites that do have available ones seem pretty sketchy...).

Anyways, just wanted to post and introduce the sitch' before the onslaught of realism sinks in haha. Thanks for listening and I'd really appreciate any thoughts as to the above option and anything else you folks might be willing to share with a newbie at this stage of the DT journey.

 

Cheers!

 

[DoggyDoc[CMD-DCA]]

Hi Case. 
 

Welcome to spec ops and congratulations on deciding to take the plunge. 
‘I am also working on a Death Trooper and am part of the Canadian Garrison.  Looking forward to trooping with you in the near future. 

[Chaos[CMD-DCA]]

Case, welcome to the darkerside of The Darkside. Excellent choice in the DT. For boots and gloves you can check out Imperial Boots or Crowprops. Right now the only maker I know who is making quality undersuits in Jim Tripon, you can find him on FB.

Best of luck with your build, and always we are here to assist. 

[therealtotty[TX]]

Welcome!

As a DT who has almost all ArmoryShop pieces for my kit, I would typically recommend anyone to go that direction. I give high praises to Dennis and his team. Sadly, they are not in business at the moment (due to world issues, and hopefully back someday).

So many people have great advice around here and can help you with any questions. It's a detail driven armor kit, but it is so worth it once it's finished and fits just right.

Best of luck!

[GrandMoff501st[TX]]

Hey folks! Thanks for the thoughtful and very helpful messages! While I'm a decent amount of time away from getting my kit in order, the community has been supremely welcoming both in-person and on the forums.

So:

On 4/7/2023 at 11:25 PM, DoggyDoc said:

Hi Case. 
 

Welcome to spec ops and congratulations on deciding to take the plunge. 
‘I am also working on a Death Trooper and am part of the Canadian Garrison.  Looking forward to trooping with you in the near future. 

Thanks, Gerald! Good to meet you and hoping we get to troop together in the very near future! Looking forward to keeping you in the loop with my DT journey and sharing some best practices.

 

On 4/8/2023 at 6:46 AM, Chaos said:

Case, welcome to the darkerside of The Darkside. Excellent choice in the DT. For boots and gloves you can check out Imperial Boots or Crowprops. Right now the only maker I know who is making quality undersuits in Jim Tripon, you can find him on FB.

Best of luck with your build, and always we are here to assist. 

Pro tip on the Imperial Boots outfitter, Chris, which from the looks of it, has changed their name/operates under the name KeepTrooping? I hadn't look at them before, but their kit looks amazing. To be honest, I think I fell a bit in love with the ISB set and might purchase that, too, and channel my inner Krennic/Meero during the off-hours haha. I see they operate with this "wave" system, the next batch of stock coming in on May 5th. In your experience, is this the kind of "Black Friday" rush system where I should have my alarm set for 1201am on the day in question or it's a relatively stress-free period of a few days to place orders for your gear once the new wave comes in? I imagine the option to pre-order kit before the wave starts would defeat the whole point of the outfitter's system... It looks like an epic place to get the "Killer" boots (instead of the standard Doc Martins), the gloves, balaclava, and that general "EZ Strap" kit for anything miscellaneous.

Jim Tripon is a name I keep seeing for sure, so looks like I better re-activate my FB and touch base and get going on the undersuit!

 

On 4/8/2023 at 11:19 AM, therealtotty said:

Welcome!

As a DT who has almost all ArmoryShop pieces for my kit, I would typically recommend anyone to go that direction. I give high praises to Dennis and his team. Sadly, they are not in business at the moment (due to world issues, and hopefully back someday).

So many people have great advice around here and can help you with any questions. It's a detail driven armor kit, but it is so worth it once it's finished and fits just right.

Best of luck!

Yeah, I've heard ArmoryShop is the go-to choice out there, but it seems a lot of the best outfitters went under or are on standby. I'd love to have everything ready and put together by September, so it seems that 850AW is the best option out there for the time being.

https://www.denuonovo.com/products/star-wars-rogue-one-death-trooper-helmet#description-flex

I also found this outfitter for the helmet. Looks a bit more expensive than the 850AW one that comes as an option with the armour plates, and doesn't seem like there's the add-on feature for the RangeFinder.

Also, important but possibly newbie question - in regards to 850AW's $300 more expensive painting option called "Gun Metal Two Toned," might anyone have experience with the distinction between this and the standard Gloss Black? Just in the context of the DT paint job.

Thanks so much, guys, it's much appreciated. Looking forward to keeping y'all in the loop. Happy Easter to you and yours!

Casey

[DoggyDoc[CMD-DCA]]

6 hours ago, GrandMoff501st said:

in regards to 850AW's $300 more expensive painting option called "Gun Metal Two Toned," might anyone have experience with the distinction between this and the standard Gloss Black? Just in the context of the DT paint job.

Hey Casey. 

 

I wonder if they are referring to the paint colour scheme that is outlined in the CRL. 
 

https://databank.501st.com/databank/CRL_Gallery:Imp_Death_Trooper

6 hours ago, GrandMoff501st said:

I'd love to have everything ready and put together by Septembe

aim for a few weeks earlier so you can do fan expo at the end of August. 

[Chaos[CMD-DCA]]

Casey, here is Jim's email contact info just in case you didn't want to go the FB route. jimmiroquai@yahoo.com

Denuo Novo took over when Anovos screwed the pooch and upset a lot of people and lost their "Licensed" status with LFL. Their helmet, though a little more in cost is the most accurate helmet out there. If they are using the same manufacturing process, the helmet was made by scanning an actual screen prop helmet. I would recommend asking around your Garrison and see if anyone has an Anovos helmet you could try on before you buy one. The sizing is the same as the screen ones and some people have had fitment issues.

850 (if I understand correctly) offers their kits painted in all gloss black, and the gunmetal two tone is painted in accordance with the current CRL painting scheme. There has been some confusion that the armor has to be painted IAW the Paint Scheme, however, if you read thru the CRL some pieces specifically say if a piece is painted a color other than gloss black and other say "maybe be painted." Rule of thumb, if you painted one piece IAW the Paint Scheme, then all the pieces must be painted IAW the Paint Scheme. Most people just use the Paint Scheme to keep everything simple and to ensure basic approval. Level 2 definitely requires following the Paint Scheme.

Right now I think 850 and Jim Tripon are the only ones who have been vetted by our staff producing kits. KB Props has offered DT ABS kits as well but I haven't seen anything from him lately. Of course there are also people who have 3D printed their kits from Tom Campbell's files. He does not sell them anymore, I had heard someone else was selling the same files when he stopped but I can't find the reference right now. The order of higher to lower detail in the kits are 3D, Jim's then ABS kits like 850 and KB. I have seen that 850 is improving the minor details crispness in their kits, so I would recommend taking a look at each kit up close and see which ones suit your preference.

 

[GrandMoff501st[TX]]

11 hours ago, DoggyDoc said:

Hey Casey. 

 

I wonder if they are referring to the paint colour scheme that is outlined in the CRL. 
 

https://databank.501st.com/databank/CRL_Gallery:Imp_Death_Trooper

aim for a few weeks earlier so you can do fan expo at the end of August. 

Looks like you're bang on, with the side paneling being that metallic off-grey instead of uniform glossy black. Great call. I'll have to ask 850 for some pics showing the difference between the two features as I don't recall seeing a DT either on screen or as a costume with any kind of discernible metallic/gun metal grey highlights (or if there was, it wasn't noticeable), so $300+ for the added feature seems a bit steep without some substantiation. Thanks for the reference point, Gerald!

For sure! I've only been to fan expo once and it was... big. Back in 2011. I saw on 850 that they say "minimum" 6-8 months for shipping a ready-to-wear kit, but if I do put in the order in the coming days, here is hoping the Force will be good to me haha.

[GrandMoff501st[TX]]

5 hours ago, Chaos said:

Casey, here is Jim's email contact info just in case you didn't want to go the FB route. jimmiroquai@yahoo.com

Denuo Novo took over when Anovos screwed the pooch and upset a lot of people and lost their "Licensed" status with LFL. Their helmet, though a little more in cost is the most accurate helmet out there. If they are using the same manufacturing process, the helmet was made by scanning an actual screen prop helmet. I would recommend asking around your Garrison and see if anyone has an Anovos helmet you could try on before you buy one. The sizing is the same as the screen ones and some people have had fitment issues.

850 (if I understand correctly) offers their kits painted in all gloss black, and the gunmetal two tone is painted in accordance with the current CRL painting scheme. There has been some confusion that the armor has to be painted IAW the Paint Scheme, however, if you read thru the CRL some pieces specifically say if a piece is painted a color other than gloss black and other say "maybe be painted." Rule of thumb, if you painted one piece IAW the Paint Scheme, then all the pieces must be painted IAW the Paint Scheme. Most people just use the Paint Scheme to keep everything simple and to ensure basic approval. Level 2 definitely requires following the Paint Scheme.

Right now I think 850 and Jim Tripon are the only ones who have been vetted by our staff producing kits. KB Props has offered DT ABS kits as well but I haven't seen anything from him lately. Of course there are also people who have 3D printed their kits from Tom Campbell's files. He does not sell them anymore, I had heard someone else was selling the same files when he stopped but I can't find the reference right now. The order of higher to lower detail in the kits are 3D, Jim's then ABS kits like 850 and KB. I have seen that 850 is improving the minor details crispness in their kits, so I would recommend taking a look at each kit up close and see which ones suit your preference.

 

Hey Chris,

Thanks so much for the contact info for Jim. I sent him an email outlining my situation and inquiring about pricing, products, etc. I used a third party's FB to check for his work online, but couldn't find much in the way of detailed DT stuff, so I'll be looking forward to having an exchange with the legend himself.

I've seen Anovos pop up a lot on the forums and in my in-person chats and heard there was some messy stuff involved, but I forgot/didn't know that Denuo Novo took the helm from them. Their helmet looks really great and, considering it's on sale from USD$926 to $787, that might be a great option. I'm tempted as a newbie to want to buy as much as I can from one outfitter just to keep it streamlined, but trying to get into the habit of getting particular kit from the best outfitter instead of trying the road of convenience haha. I like 850's aftermarket addition of the rangefinder, and would just have to make sure the glossy black of DN's helmet goes with the "gun metal two-tone" of 850's armour. Looks really nice...

Unfortunately the only DT in my area purchased both his armour and helmet from Armory Shop, which is out of business, but did get his undersuit and some misc stuff from Jim Tripon, and he's been a huge help, already.

Okay, so, we're narrowing things down really nicely here, folks! I'm not even thinking yet about the pauldron/MP40 pouches for the specialist version, as I'm trying to keep my sanity by just starting on the basic version haha. Also keeping up my search for a quality E-11D and SE-14R, but having a few road blocks in finding viable options (i.e. quality ones that are available haha).

So:

850 - armour/possibly helmet

Denuo Novo - possibly helmet

Jim - undersuit and other misc stuff once I'm touch with him

Keep Trooping (aka Imperial Boots from what I gather... if someone might confirm this?) - boots, gloves, balaclava

This is definite progress in a short period and really opening my eyes to the industry. Thanks everyone for your ongoing assistance/wisdom.

[DoggyDoc[CMD-DCA]]

5 hours ago, GrandMoff501st said:

I don't recall seeing a DT either on screen or as a costume with any kind of discernible metallic/gun metal grey highlights (or if there was, it wasn't noticeable), so $300+ for the added feature seems a bit steep without some substantiation.

If you look at the photo, the panels on the face alternate between the gloss and metallic black. The right cheek is the metallic one. 
For 501st basic approval, you don’t need the metallic paint but if you apply for level 2 specialist, you will. 

[GrandMoff501st[TX]]

On 4/10/2023 at 2:43 PM, DoggyDoc said:

If you look at the photo, the panels on the face alternate between the gloss and metallic black. The right cheek is the metallic one. 
For 501st basic approval, you don’t need the metallic paint but if you apply for level 2 specialist, you will. 

Yeah, for sure. It wasn't noticeable off the bat (mainly because I didn't know what to look for!), but when you realize the difference between solely glossy black and the upgraded version, you can't see anything but haha. Looks great; alright so I'll go for the gunmetal two-tone variant from 850.

Meanwhile, I got in touch with Jim via email (thanks, Chris!) and since he doesn't currently offer finishing/painting services, I'll just get the soft pieces from him.

- Undersuit/soft shirt and pants

- Specialist vest

- Pauldron

- Some specialist parts, including pouches and spectrascope (asking him what that means exactly haha... maybe the helmet rangefinder?)

Jim also listed some references for other DT pieces and I'll check those out. For the E-11D and grenades, he recommends Roman Bela or Wayne Laagewaard on FB (if anyone has experience with these folks?), so I'll check those out with a friend's FB. Otherwise, getting in touch with 850 Armor Works this week and waiting for this next "wave" on KeepTrooping for the gloves/boots/balaclava in May.

#progress.

[DoggyDoc[CMD-DCA]]

7 hours ago, GrandMoff501st said:

Some specialist parts, including pouches and spectrascope (asking him what that means exactly haha... maybe the helmet rangefinder?)

Yes the spectroscope or neurosav is the “rangefinder”.  I purchased all of the specialist extras from Jim and was happy with them.  When I ordered, he was unable to have the pouches made however. 

[Dropkick[CMD-XO]]

HI & welcome Casey to the SwiftSilentRelentless.

The DT is such a bad ass set of armour.

Maybe one day, I'll look at doing one.

Keep us all posted on your armour build process.

[therealtotty[TX]]

On 4/10/2023 at 9:28 AM, GrandMoff501st said:

850 - armour/possibly helmet

Denuo Novo - possibly helmet

Jim - undersuit and other misc stuff once I'm touch with him

Keep Trooping (aka Imperial Boots from what I gather... if someone might confirm this?) - boots, gloves, balaclava

This is definite progress in a short period and really opening my eyes to the industry. Thanks everyone for your ongoing assistance/wisdom.

I'll be open about my experience of Denuo Novo "Anovos." I make the silly mistake of ordering a $800 helmet from Anovos before I joined these forums. It was 'delayed' until 2020 (Covid) and then they stopped communicating. It has been 4 years (almost to the day) since I was supposed to have my helmet. Denuo Novo has taken over their orders and has claimed that they will fulfill my order, but has been delayed for over a year now. I just want to caution anyone when ordering from Denuo Novo. I hope that they get it together, but I can't in good conscience not say something when hundreds of dollars are involved.

The remaining of your list has worked well for many people. Take a look at Endor Finders' gloves too!

[IcyTrooper[CMD-DL]]

Just a little context from what I have read and understand with regards to Denuo Novo vs Anovos. Denuo Novo needed to have a plan for fulfilling backorders whilst still delivering current orders in order to grab the license from Anovos. I wish that they would have chosen a different name because the operations have been completely different from the predecessor.

I hope that your DT helmet does get fulfilled and I certain that it will. I've known others to be getting their stuff that Anovos had promised them and were paid for ages ago. I also understand and sympathize with those who were wronged by Anovos and are still waiting for their stuff, that should have never happened.

[GrandMoff501st[TX]]

Heya fellow Imps,

Didn't want to leave everyone high and dry, so just wanted to say a huge thanks for the engagement and the information. It's good to know that I'm not the only insanely anxiety-prone person when buying all this stuff from third-party vendors and wondering what kind of accountability and checks and balance there are in balance. Sometimes you just have to trust the community and take a leap of faith, eh?

I've placed my order with Jim for the "soft parts" this week (undersuit, specialist pouches, and pauldron) and am just completing the 18 different measurements for him. Meanwhile, I'm going with 850AW in FL, USA for the hard armor parts in grey gunmetal two-tone and the helmet. They provided me some additional photos of their latest updated kit and it looks amazing!

Only other thing (besides the blaster carbine and pistol obviously) are the boots, gloves, and balaclava, and so for that I'm thinking KeepTrooping is the best option. They have that "wave" system, and the next wave starting up on 5 May, so this Friday, and it should last for seven days. I wouldn't suppose anyone has a contact email for them, eh? I've checked their site up and down and back again and somehow can't find any, but just wanted to ask for some more pics before I spring for the ISB officer uniform, as well, but I don't see any way to contact them, unfortunately.

Here is hoping I can get everything set to go for September, when Moff Giancarlo pops in for my local Comic-Con (doubtful, but possible)! Thanks everyone; it's insanely appreciated!

[DoggyDoc[CMD-DCA]]

Awesome.  Looking forward to seeing your costume when it arrives. 

[Lt. Dan[501st]]

Hey Casey,

according to the Facebook Page of IB Boots aka Keep Trooping their email address is: vincent@keeptrooping.com

Hope this helps and looking forward to your build!😎

[GrandMoff501st[TX]]

On 5/1/2023 at 11:03 PM, DoggyDoc said:

Awesome.  Looking forward to seeing your costume when it arrives. 

Thanks, Gerald! Looking forward to showing it off in a few months and trooping together.

 

On 5/2/2023 at 2:58 AM, Lt. Dan said:

Hey Casey,

according to the Facebook Page of IB Boots aka Keep Trooping their email address is: vincent@keeptrooping.com

Hope this helps and looking forward to your build!😎

This is great; danke, Daniel! Very much appreciated. Email sent out to them already

[DoggyDoc[CMD-DCA]]

10 hours ago, GrandMoff501st said:

Thanks, Gerald! Looking forward to showing it off in a few months and trooping together.

Looking forward to it. I will have to get my butt in gear though. You likely will be trooping in yours before mine is done. LOL. 

[GrandMoff501st[TX]]

On 5/4/2023 at 7:09 PM, DoggyDoc said:

Looking forward to it. I will have to get my butt in gear though. You likely will be trooping in yours before mine is done. LOL. 

Haha here is hoping we're both on the parade square in due time! 

 

SO. Everything is measured, ordered, and paid for, folks. Now it's the waiting game.

So just to hash it out again for any curious lurkers for where I got what, as it was understandably a lot of chasing around and researching over the last three months! All of the outfitters were beyond helpful, courteous, and responded very promptly throughout the process.

- 850AW: Ready-to-wear two-gone gun metal grey armour, the helmet with optional rangefinder, as well as the SE blaster pistol and E11 blaster carbine, painted

- Jim Tripon: Undersuit, specialist pouches, cauldron, chest rig, and some straps and the black pauldron

- KeepTrooping (formally Imperial Boots): "Killer" DT boots, gloves, balaclava, and some additional strapping (as well as the ISB officer set)

(So many measurements, too!) Anyways, the hard stuff is all done... I hope. I'll let you folks know as the pieces come in and how they shape out.

 

[Lorissimo]

Thanks for creating this thread as I'm also starting my journey and found some helpful information. Still not sure if I should opt for the complete 850 build or the unfinished but trimmed kit. I will definitely follow your build!

[GrandMoff501st[TX]]

Hey gang!

Long time no post. Hope everyone is doing well.

Just thought it high time to send a status update, since there was some interest back in spring time. My build adventure has been quite the whirlwind but it's on track!

I got the undersuit/soft parts from Jim Tripon last month. A bit weird to put it all on without armour haha, but it fits perfectly. Lots of goodies like the chest rig, spare pouches, and the black pauldron. The man was receptive to questions, explained everything really courteously, and delivery was bang on and in great shape. 5/5

From KeepTrooping (formally Imperial Boots), I got the "Killer" boots that look like the classic Doc Martins, and the DT gloves, as well as some other stuff for other builds. Everything shipped exactly on time, they responded extremely quickly to questions, and most importantly, everything fits just perfect. 5/5

850ArmorWorks is currently finalizing the hard plates, helmet, carbine, and pistol. I may be repeating myself here, but these folks communicate rapidly, are super witty and patient, and are extremely fast at some pretty incredible work. I have to say by far the best thing is that they've been keeping me in the loop with the progress as things go, including pictures and explaining the process. Delivery date is early September, but I can safely say so far the experience has been 6/5

Beyond the meat and potatoes above, I went to Etsy to get the adorable "Stormie" wooden doll from Rogue one, three additional grenades with flashing LEDs when primed, and just purchased the voice scrambler audio kit from UkswrathsSpeciality (Tony). Reviews were all exceptional and he came personally recommended by 850AW. 

I hope this helps the folks interested in this build and I look forward to showing off the finished product down the line.

[Lt. Dan[501st]]

Hey Casey,

good to hear that you have progress. You did your homeworks as I can read. Top of the pops stuff thoroughly!😎

[Mal86]

On 8/16/2023 at 3:13 PM, GrandMoff501st said:

From KeepTrooping (formally Imperial Boots), I got the "Killer" boots that look like the classic Doc Martins, and the DT gloves, as well as some other stuff for other builds. Everything shipped exactly on time, they responded extremely quickly to questions, and most importantly, everything fits just perfect. 5/5

How are the boots from a comfort perspective?