it looks like im going to be joining the Inland Empire branch of the southern california 501st. i remember someone mentioning something about wanting to join the 501st, i think, a while ago. just wondering if anyone else here is involved with them?

In Star Wars, the Imperial 501st is the Empire's most elite stormtrooper legion, if I remember correctly...

Welcome to the Twilight Zone.

aka Vader's Fist.

I posted a thread a while back about how I might obtain stormtrooper armor. Though I suppose if I ever could afford some joining the 501st would be the next step. Sort of like buying a batman costume leads to crime fighting.

Yeah, and playing superman in a black and white tv show leads to thinking you can fly.

Ouch. Even I thought that was tasteless.

Yeah that's what he's talking about.

I started a TIE Pilot uniform, but wound up with a crappy Rubies helmet instead of a Don Post like I wanted. Past that, haven't had the time to really invest in working on it. I want a set of Trooper armor and Royal Guard as well.

He was actually talking to me, Ive owned my armor for atleast 5 years. I ran out of money to finish it though, so I never got to join. I have talked to those guys though they are a great resource for building tips.

There are a few different builds of armor, some more screen accurate than others. The set I have is "A New Hope" armor. The molds were cast from original molds used for the movie. At the time it was the best and most accurate kit you could find. They arent 100% accurate, however its made out of high impact abs plastic and its thicker than what was originally used. (this means certain parts have less definition than they normally would)

Expect to spend atleast 800 dollars on a kit and another 400 on extras, tools, and **** ups. Its a really expensive hobby

Yeah, I've started getting "soft" parts, boots, under suit, and pouches. And it's already a little pricy. 3 other of my friends a d I are all working on sand trooper suits. So far it has not cost too much but we have not even really started on the molded armor pieces yet.

So you can get kits? I thought the 501st didn't sell kits any more?

ORJ, http://www.whitearmor.net/ has a lot of resources if your interested. i dont think the 501st actually sells kits, but i believe individuals within it do.

I'm only interested because I know some people who might want to get into it. As awesome as it is, much too expensive for me. Thanks!