Empire Strikes Back Stormtrooper Armor
Behold the awesomeness of my Empire Strikes Back stormtrooper armor!
“What makes it ‘Empire Strikes Back’,” you ask? A few things.
First off the frown is black. The stormtroopers in ANH (A New Hope – the first Star Wars movie in 1977) had gray frowns. The ANH stormtroopers also had hand painted “tube stripes” and “traps” on their helmets. In Empire Strikes Back those were all decals. The ESB troopers also (for the most part) got shorter, silk gloves with the new “snowtrooper” rounded hand plates. And they moved the holster from the left side — with it permanently attached to the belt — to the right side and looped over. That’s not all of the differences, but those are some of the are some of the major ones.
I’m pretty proud of this armor because I was awarded both the “EIB” and “Centurion” awards by the FISD (First Imperial Stormtrooper Division). Meaning it’s really, really close to looking just like it did on screen.
Here are some pics…
This armor is made by “Troopermaster” and is some of the best, most screen-accurate armor available. If you’re looking for stormtrooper armor I can not stress enough not to by “Rubies” or anything else you find online. The good stuff isn’t available like that. The first thing you need to do is get on the FISD and start reading and doing research. Read, read, read and then read some more. Then ask questions… then read some more. You can also get on the 501st Legion’s website… because if you’re doing this chances are you’re going to want to join them. If you’re local in Albuquerque and/or New Mexico you can get on our local Garrison website here. Good luck!
How does someone track down Troopermaster Armor, im from Canada and cant seem to find a contact.
Any advice would be helpful.
Doug J
Ps. Nice Armor, good job.
Thanks!
The best place for all information on armor is the FISD.
Hey Noel LOVE the pics! TM is about to start on my ESB armour but I still haven’t decided if I want the acrylic capped or regular ABS. Which did you go for? Also, did you get the screen accurate strapping or the standard snap n’ strap system? I’m already up on FISD as Darth_Oliver.
Cheers!
Hey man, that’s awesome! I got the 1.5 mm uncapped. It takes a light “buffing” with NOVUS (or similar) polish to bring out the shine, but the color is more accurate (imho.) You won’t look as white standing next to guys in other armor like AM. It’s more of a “creme / blue” color. Very beautiful I think. But… I know a lot of guys that love the capped stuff! It’s really pretty too… I’ve just heard it can be more brittle. If you’re going with 2 mm then do capped. That stuff is strong as bricks!
I did the “standard” strapping. I go for looks more than actual. The outside looks totally accurate, but I want to wear it a lot and have it last… something I fear the original strapping wouldn’t allow. Again, it’s total preference, but that was mine.