Great Lakes Garrison & Base

After some painstaking thought, I've decided I would not be a great Vader due to my size. I have the height, but not the girth. So, I either stop exercising and eat four times more per day than usual, or I go with a Stormtrooper costume to be a part of the Michigan Garrison of the 501st!

First question - if I am to be an ESB trooper, not a Snowtrooper, what do I research? I've seen the different call letters like TK and such, and of course as a true fan, I know Luke's ID was TK-421 as a costumed trooper in ANH. On some of the message boards, I am seeing all kinds of TK's, and need to know which is the correct suit to look for to be an ESB Stormtrooper.

Oh, and it wouldn't hurt to know where to begin looking for such a costume. I checked out The Dented Helmet in a brief attempt to look for Boba Fett gear, and wonder if that also is a good resource for a Stormtrooper.

Thanks, and I hope to join your ranks early in the New Year!!!

ps. I know I may seem annoying as I keep posting new topics all the time, but I really want to do this right and be an active member. I am certain now I will stick to being a Stormtrooper.

all links to the different costume detachments can be found here:
http://www.501st.com/resources.php

for tk's, go here:
http://www.whitearmor.net/

For the most part ESB troopers have only a few differences from ANH troopers. I had to figure out what they were myself when I decided ESB. In no particular order the big ones are:

1) Black frown instead of grey.
2) Holster worn on the right and is connected by loops instead of riveted to the belt.
3) Hand guards are different.
4) E-11 blaster is stripped down, minus counter on the side.
5) Tube stripes on helmet can have different number.

Most everything you get will have to be ordered unless you are particularly handy with everything from a sewing machine to leather working. Best to check in advance and tell the supplier you are doing ESB. That includes whoever you get the armor from so they can get you the proper hand guards. Both base suits are more or less the same. When I got my blaster and holster I made sure to inquire if the maker did ESB versions, which all did.

Check this link specifically for the ESB requirements:
http://www.501st.com/databank/Costuming:TK_esb

Good luck, nice to have another ESB'er around!

1) Go to the White Armor website and research, research, research!!
2) Talk to some of the TKs around here (Hyper, Mow, and a few others) who have vast knowledge of the different armor makers.
3) Have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

whitearmor.net is the place to learn everything. Don't just stick to one tutorial, read them all and customize your armor for what is best for you.

This was a great reference website that I used when deciding what TK armor I was going to do:

http://www.starwarshelmets.com/original ... elmets.htm