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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the 501st Legion?
A1. The 501st Legion is a Star Wars fan club dedicated to celebrating the Star Wars universe through costuming; specifically the costumes and characters of the Stormtrooper and other Imperial forces, as well as non-affiliated villains and denizens. The Legion is an all-volunteer organization formed for the express purpose of bringing together costume enthusiasts under a collective identity within which to operate. The Legion seeks to promote interest in Star Wars through the building and wearing of quality costumes, and to facilitate the use of these costumes for Star Wars-related events as well as contributions to the local community through costumed charity and volunteer work.
The Legion recognizes it holds no claim over the costumes and characters it portrays, and that their use is a privilege extended by Lucasfilm Ltd. (LFL). The members of the Legion acknowledge and accept that while in costume, we represent the Star Wars brand and will do so professionally and responsibly at all times.
Q2. Where did you get your armor?
A2. My armor was purchased in kit form from an individual private armor seller. There are many sources for Stormtrooper armor but I'd highly recommend that you do your research before buying anything. There are a lot of kits out there that are not high quality and you may end up with an end product that won't get you approved by the 501st. If you are serious about getting into Star Wars costuming, check out the 501st Legion web site or contact me for more info.
Q3. How much does a costume like that cost?
A3. That all depends on the cost of the kit you purchase and how far you go with options and accessories. There are a lot of parts to the complete costume and the plastic armor kit is just the beginning. There are "soft parts" like the black body suit, gloves, boots, etc. You'll also need to buy or build a blaster and most people put some type of electronics in their suit for cooling or voice communications. You'll also need some sort of tote or bin to store and transport your costume in. Roughly $750 to $1500 is a good estimate of how much the complete costume and accessories will run. It all depends on the initial cost of the kit and how far you take it.
Q4. Can I borrow or rent it for a party or Halloween?
A4. No. Each Stormtrooper's costume is custom built from a kit and is modified to fit the owner's individual body weight and height. Even if you were the exact same size, it takes lots of practice to suit up and move in the costume. Not to mention, I've put a lot of money and time into this costume so I'm not likely to ever let it out of my sight!
Q5. Is it hot in that suit?
A5. Yes, it tends to be a bit warm but I have installed cooling fans in my helmet to keep me cool and to eliminate fogging of my helmet lenses. You get used to wearing it so the heat really isn't that big of a deal unless it is in the very hot summertime. I've trooped in July and August in the Memphis heat and as long as there is at least a little breeze, you can stand it.
Q6. What about your gun (or blaster) where did it come from?
A6. My current blaster is a modified Hasbro toy Stormtrooper E-11 Blaster. I bought it at Wal-Mart and then purchased a kit of resin parts from an eBay seller to make it more movie accurate. Once it is modified and painted, you can't even tell it was originally a white plastic toy gun!
I'm also working on a scratch-built PVC pipe version of the E-11 Blaster. For info on that, you can see my links page and look for the Blaster Builder's Club link. (Or just click here.)
Q7. Do you get paid for appearances?
A7. No, the 501st is an all volunteer organization and we do not accept payment for our appearances. We do however, accept donations to our favorite charities.
Q8. If I want you or some of the 501st to come to my event, how do I request that?
A8. Very simple - just go to the Request an appearance link off of the 501st Legion web site. Or if it is a local event near me, you can simply contact me and I can help arrange it for you with my local garrison.
Q9. Ok, who exactly is TK 2651?
A9. Kevin Avent from Olive Branch, Mississippi.
Q10. What does "TK 2651" stand for?
A10. "TK" is the 501st Legion costume designation for Imperial Stormtroopers. It comes from Star Wars Episode IV - A New Hope when a commander on the Death Star asks "TK 421 why aren't you at your post?". There are many other costume designations that have been adopted by the 501st for all the various characters from the movies and from the Star Wars Expanded Universe.
Q11. What exactly is the "Expanded Universe"?
A11. Anything not from the original six moive episodes. Characters from comics, books or cartoons like the Clone Wars animated series.
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