where can i get costumes!

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domz
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Post by domz » Tue Oct 19, 2010 11:52 am

Yo. Royal Guard costume probably costs less, but you gotta think about whether you want Episode 2, Episode 3 or Episode 6. The difficult parts for that one are the weapon, the helmet, the gloves and (if Episode 3 or 6) the shoes.

For the helmet, I've got a plastic one that's not yet been cut or painted. It's too small for my head (looks like direct re-cast from a Don Post) and if (a) you're going to make the RG costume, (b) you wanna join the 501st and (c) it fits your head, I'll give it to you for free. :)

I would add that the real Royal Guard expert would be a Voltron-like combination of myself and Fatimah. She knows a lot of things I don't (=

PS - Unlike the TK, the Royal Guard does not have ass armour. So you can sit!
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mz
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Post by mz » Fri Nov 12, 2010 5:53 pm

hey thanks dom,

sorry i didnt reply earlier, didnt realize that there was a next page -.- my clumsiness lol. :shock:

hmm whats roughly the price range? cos personally i think the RG look the nicest lol.

thanks for the offer for the helmet, but im 1.85m tall and hence quite big sized, even if skinny :( prob wouldnt be able to fit that helmet! :lol:

and yes! when i do get my costume i would definitely be joining the 501st :)

hmm i was thinking of ep3? would they be considered the more "up to date" version?

thanks! :lol:

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domz
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Post by domz » Fri Nov 12, 2010 8:06 pm

Hi mz,

1. Price is quite variable because a lot depends on who you choose to do the tailoring, where you buy your fabrics, and what fabrics you use. I've lost track of the cost of my costume because it was done bit by bit, with gradual upgrades, additions and ancillaries. I'll list them in the Annex below in small font, just highlight and paste into Notepad to read it all.

Helmet

2. For the helmet, it's not about your body size but the size & shape of your head. If your head is like mine (i.e., too big), you need either a Don Post original, or a fan-made helmet. Don Post helmets are about 95% the size of the movie props and to my knowledge are the only licensed helmets that I can wear. They are fibreglass and bloody heavy. You can try looking in eBay for them. I hear they cost anywhere from USD80 to USD500 depending. The smaller one I have is plastic and much lighter, and clearly re-cast from a Don Post (and thus about 95% smaller than the Don Post). There's an Australian site called Vega Transports but I have no idea about the size:

http://www.vegatransports.com.au/austra ... Guard.html

Other suppliers include Star Fortress and Custom Props (links in the Annex below). If you suspect your head can't even fit the Don Post, let me know, I'll arrange a meeting and you can try it on. If it really doesn't fit, it might profit you to consider a different costume ...

2A. The visor is normally supposed to be sealed onto the helmet hermetically from the outside, but in Singapore's climate, that's a recipe for heatstroke. My solution was to make visors and velcro them on from the inside. This leaves a slight gap which, given how hot it can be inside, is appreciable. The visors were made from red PVC (sold in A4 sheets at this shop at Bras Basah Complex) and you can also add a layer of film (like the kind used for windscreens or windows) to darken it, but be careful what it does to visibility. Nowadays, for high temperates or low light, I prefer to simply go without a visor whilst wearing the balaclava on backwards so all you see through the gap (where the visor is supposed to be) is darkness. That's what I use to speak through: the hole where the visor should be.

2B. There's no space for glasses for me, hence the contact lenses. Again, it depends on the shape & size of (a) your head and (b) your glasses.

2C. For the interior cooling fans, click the link in the Annex. It has photos showing where I placed them. (not that useful, IMHO)


The Detachment Forum

3. Another place to go for advice is the "Sovereign Protectors" Detachment Forum. You'll need to go there anyway to get the CRL standards for joining the 501st, but the place is usually quite "quiet" (as are RGs generally). Try going there and asking around about anything:

http://kaminobase.com/forcepike/forum/index.php

Which Movie Version?

4. In choosing which movie version to follow, my advice is to be practical. But first, the differences. They lie in the arm slits of the cloak, colour and material of boots, material of gloves, and the design of the weapon tip:

AOTC: 2 slits, black leather boots, suede/fabric gloves, "stacked-ring" tip.

ROTS: 2 or 4 slits, red suede boots, leather gloves, "stacked-ring" tip.

ROTJ: 1 slit (on your right side), red suede boots, leather gloves, "serrated edge" tip.

5. The CRLs, in the above order, are available (together with not-always-accurate photos) as follows:

AOTC: http://kaminobase.com/forcepike/forum/v ... ?f=12&t=72

ROTS: http://kaminobase.com/forcepike/forum/v ... ?f=13&t=73

ROTJ: http://kaminobase.com/forcepike/forum/v ... p?f=11&t=3

Please note that the CRLs are not some sort of "law" that you absolutely must fulfill in order to be admitted to the 501st. Admission is decided by the Legion Membership Officer (LMO). He makes the ultimate call on whether your costume is screen-accurate enough, so he might just be more senang/ngeow than one's interpretation of the CRLs. The CRLs are really just guidance provided by the Detachment (i.e., the 501st fellas wearing the costume) based on a number of factors, including their experience, the available visual references (these usually increase very slowly over time) and the input of the LMO who sometimes lurks in the various detachment forums to give comments. The CRLs are also open to anybody who wants guidance on screen accuracy regardless of whether they intend to join the 501st.

5B. The CRLs have something to say about full body armour, look it up. The picture you linked is merely concept art. On its own, it's not accepted for CRL purposes. However, I think the armour underneath is actually acceptable. What is not acceptable is the way the cloth outer cloak has been split. So you can wear the TFU armour beneath the ROTJ cloak, not a problem. But remember the temperature issue, not to mention the weight. I should add that the cloak I'm using has no properly inner lining (it has no inner lining, full stop). Doing that will simply kill me.

Personal Experience

6. Remember my advice on "practical"? I thought I was being practical in choosing AOTC because the boots are damn easy - $35 a pair at Beach Road. But the 2-slit design proved very difficult to manage when trooping - you can get the fabric to drape over the shoulders right when you're putting the cloak on, but once your helmet is on, it's impossible to maintain. Also, near-impossible to get suitable gloves, unless you use ladies' silk opera gloves, which makes it quite hard to grip the weapon if yours is heavy like mine. I also realised that the 4-slit design (seen in deleted scenes/shots from ROTS) is much better in terms of ventilation, which is extremely important. I'm currently using the ROTS design, complete with red suede boots.

Cheers!

PS - Another valuable source of input is Haldir. Go PM her, tell her I asked you to!

ANNEX

Compulsory Items

Helmet - Don Post original, bought from Lord_Tyranno, sent for painting at car workshop using cloak fabric swatch for colour sample.

Visor - scratch built (i.e., made it myself - you'll see this term frequently in the forums).

Cloak, Robe, Sash - fabric bought at Joo Chiat, tailored locally. You need to show the patterns for the local tailors. Cloak fabric is red velvet, the others are a very thin breathable burgundy fabric.

Gloves - bought from http://www.custom-props.com/ (expensive, imperfect, on hindsight too short)

Boots - measured in Bangkok and mailed to Singapore by http://www.liusbootery.com/ (cost me 8,000 Thai Baht). More details at viewtopic.php?t=3976

Weapon - bought from Star Fortress - http://www.starfortressproductions.com/ ... uards.html - not that accurate, but passed the LMO anyway. They have a bad reputation, so it seems I was lucky. The shaft of my weapon is slightly curved and the tip is definitely wrong. It's also VERY HEAVY because it's entirely made from solid machined aluminum. The Sovereign Protectors forum has a guide on making it out of lighter things (like fishing rods).

Other Items (from the most important first)

Large suitcase. Large enough to fit the longest portion of the (disassembled) weapon diagonally across.

Duffel bag that's big enough for the helmet.

Helmet Stand - I use a red IKEA Fniss wastebasket (which you can see in the avatar). Turned upside down, it's a cheap helmet stand. It can also protect the top part of the helmet when you're transporting it (I still don't know how best to protect the lower flared shoulders other than using towel cloth).

Disposable contact lenses.

Long-sleeved Skins compression top (for wicking sweat) from Isetan Orchard (golfing section).

Black Nomex Balaclava from Sheares Tech - http://www.sheares.com/index.php - but this is not a commonly-stocked product. CALL THEM FIRST. These days I often remove the visor and wear the balaclava backwards (which is actually inappropriate). This method absorbs sweat that will otherwise run down the helmet and drip visibly onto the cloak. Without the visor, it's also cooler, doesn't fog up, and you (probably) see better.

Black sports slacks.

Black No. 4 socks from Beach Road.

DH-17 blaster (off eBay) - this is the blaster used by Rebels, Royal Guards and the Imperial Navy, with minor detailing differences from the Rebel version. You'll have to make your own repairs, paint job and weathering first. Buying off eBay means you risk a costly bidding war.

Red leather holster - made at a shop at Orchard Plaza, can't remember the name but can bring you there. I also made a burgundy leather belt to replace the sash, in order to hold the weight of the blaster.

Helmet cooling system of computer fans, wiring and battery system - parts available at Sim Lim Tower, not very effective, used it for Chingay. See viewtopic.php?t=3841

Red leather iPhone case (just in case).

Voice amplifier with microphone - available at Sim Lim Square (the precise name escapes me but it's somewhere in these forums I believe). These days I just shout through the empty visor slot. Do not shout if you are wearing a visor - your voice with deafen you.
Last edited by domz on Sun Dec 04, 2011 5:46 pm, edited 8 times in total.
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Grimzy
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Post by Grimzy » Fri Nov 12, 2010 9:22 pm

Wow! Great write up Domz! Will definitely fav this one!

Gordonator
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Post by Gordonator » Sat Nov 13, 2010 1:12 am

Words too small. can't read. :cry:

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domz
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Post by domz » Sat Nov 13, 2010 3:27 pm

Haha Gordon u need magnifying glass
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mosske
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Post by mosske » Sun Nov 14, 2010 7:52 am

I for one would really love to see more royal guards enlisting in our garrison! We definitely need more.
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mz
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Post by mz » Mon Nov 15, 2010 9:53 am

Hey Domz,

Thanks for that guide, will definitely be bookmarking that!

Hmm, i'll ask several more questions according to the order of your index.

2. I notice u seem to talk about the Visor as sort of a seperate item from the Helmet? lol aren't they attached/come together? and scratch built meaning you build it yourself?

Also, is the helmet reallllyyyyy hot? and is there enough space to install fans!? :D

4. i think i might follow the ROTJ version, as they're, well the 'latest' Royal Guard (the Emperor's).

i've seen the one at the link you posted : http://kaminobase.com/forcepike/forum/v ... p?f=11&t=3

and yes, this is the one which im looking for :) also, the one slit design seems much nicer.



Another thing is, don't RGs have to wear some full body armor inside? i got this picture from Wookiepedia.



ImageImage

mz
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Post by mz » Mon Nov 15, 2010 9:54 am

arrgh, this is the picture:

Image

mz
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Post by mz » Mon Nov 15, 2010 9:54 am

sorry for the spam, and it's still not working, i'll just post the link here:

http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/File:Let ... lGuard.jpg

mz
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Post by mz » Mon Nov 15, 2010 2:44 pm

i have another question, as im bespectacled, would there be space for specs in the helmet? :?

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domz
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Post by domz » Mon Nov 15, 2010 5:26 pm

mz wrote:i have another question, as im bespectacled, would there be space for specs in the helmet? :?
Hi mz,

Since you're going to bookmark that post, I'll be making amendments directly to the post. They're in italics ... for now
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mz
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Post by mz » Tue Nov 16, 2010 9:49 am

Hi,

Thanks for the advice on the visor :)
um, certain pictures depict the visor as being red, whilst some others black. I know both are fine, but do u know which is the movie-accurate colour?

anyway, i've searched for some RG helmet props on ebay. could you let me know if they're up to the 501st standard? thanks :D


Royal Guard Helmet:
Royal Guard Helmet KIT PROP STAR WARS life size

http://cgi.ebay.com.sg/Royal-Guard-Helm ... 3378wt_932

Royal Guard Helmet Visor:
Royal Guard Helmet RED Visor Lensse PROP for Don Post
http://cgi.ebay.com.sg/Royal-Guard-Helm ... 1742wt_932

Royal Guard Helmet Padding:
Royal Guard PADDING Star Wars Prop

http://cgi.ebay.com/Royal-Guard-PADDING ... 1649wt_932


Another thing is, is the Helmet Padding necessary? though getting the padding would probably negate the possibility of installing fans
:?

Thanks domz!

mz
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Post by mz » Tue Nov 16, 2010 9:56 am

hmm i just found this ready made costume:

http://cgi.ebay.com.sg/Star-Wars-Costum ... _500wt_949

what do you think?

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domz
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Post by domz » Tue Nov 16, 2010 10:06 am

All the helmets look OK but I can't say much about the size. The helmets all look like they're based on the Rubies design (slightly less emaciated-looking).

I don't advise getting the ready-made costume because of issues of fit. Not to mention, the full lining might kill you in the Singapore heat. Probably cheaper to buy your own fabric and tailor it, rather than bid in eBay, pay for shipping, and then have to alter it.
mz wrote:um, certain pictures depict the visor as being red, whilst some others black. I know both are fine, but do u know which is the movie-accurate colour?
Try to look for close-up movie stills. I think they show that the visors are red. They might look black owing to distance and/or shade.
mz wrote:Royal Guard Helmet KIT PROP STAR WARS life size

http://cgi.ebay.com.sg/Royal-Guard-Helm ... 3378wt_932
The seller id suggests it is Lucas Alvarez, a 501st member. Might as well email him and ask him if it's large enough: info@lucasalvarez.com.ar

For the Fenix Props visor, forget it. I have one from Fenix Props given to me free by Custom Props (these guys used to be partners and Custom Props gave this to me as "compensation" for some issues with the gloves). I can give it to you though I suggest you consider carefully the heat issues.

Come to think of it ... it seems Lucas Alvarez is the CO of the Argentina Outpost ... and is also Fenix Props himself. See http://www.501st.com/members/displaymem ... ostumeID=1

Padding is for comfort. I don't know if it helps with heat or makes it worse, but there are probably cooler ways to pad your helmet. For example, foam padding - viewtopic.php?t=3205&start=0&postdays=0 ... ht=padding - and Blaklader knee pads - viewtopic.php?t=3919&highlight=padding

Suggest you PM GetzJedi to see if he still has stock for the Blaklader (after you find a helmet).

The main areas that need padding are the top and the shoulders since that's where the weight of the helmet rests. No point padding elsewhere unless you have some way to deal with the litres of sweat that it'll absorb.
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