I remember when I first met my wife. I can’t really remember where in the relationship we were, but Star Wars came up. I looked my wife in the eyes, and said: “I’m a Star Wars fan.” She looked at me, as if I just made the silliest statement one could ever deliver to another human being. She was probably thinking, ” Ummm okay… that’s interesting.” Her reply: “I’m okay with that.” Then without hesitation, I said: “No. I mean… I am REALLY a BIG Star Wars fan.” I think I might have frightened her that day.

What is the 501st Legion? In a nutshell, the 501st is a large costuming group of Star Wars fans, that spans worldwide, and donates it’s time and efforts for charity. Basically, we dress up in handmade Star Wars based costumes, that either rival, or surpass the actual movie props, and “troop” events where our presence is requested. In return, donations are made to many different charitable organizations. The man himself, George Lucas, became an honorary member back in 2005. This year, Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett) became a member with his Boba Fett costume.

I have been a member of the New England Garrison (NEG) community since this past spring, but have only been a full member (having a costume to troop in,) for a little over a month. In that short time of trooping (four events,) I have to say that the experience is surreal. You are transformed into a superstar. You bring smiles and a look of awe to every child you walk by, or give a high five to. I trooped the “Star Wars: in Concert” event at the Boston Garden last weekend, and I signed autographs! Even the adults were sent back to their childhood, and you could see it on their faces. I must have been in at least 100 photographs with individuals spanning from infancy, to early 80’s… they all looked like children again. For me, I think that this is the appeal… innocents, kids, and smiles.

So, what character did I choose for my first costume? Well, the 501st is “The Darkside.” None of this good stuff – we are the Empire… Vaders Fist! So, the choice had to be evil. One of my favorite bad guys has always been the Snowtroopers, from the battle of Hoth, in The Empire Strikes Back. There is just something about them that is mysterious, and menacing… and that always appealed to me. So that was my choice. Here are some progress photos I shot during the construction of the armor:

It starts like this... Nice white shinny ABS plastic.

The details start to bring the suit to life. The research that goes into these things is mind boggling! I studied original props from the films, and countless movie stills to replicate the color, detail, weathering and fabric as true to the original as possible. The boots, that were used in the film were actually Canadian Military Mukluks. I actually found a pair that fit me at an army surplus store (they still have the soldiers name written in them.) You don’t just buy these costumes off of the shelf, you have to work long hard hours to complete them… but it’s a labor of love for the Star Wars fan.

The chest plate: painted details, and hardware added.

More paint details, and the bracket installed for the nylon webbing.

Paint details on the back pack. Still needs more paint.

The ab plate and thermal detonator.

The "bucket" with the shroud trimmed and installed, as well as the lenses.

In part two I will discuss the weathering, and completion of the suit… Stay tuned!