Causeway_Legions

So you've decided on your first (or next) costume build. Before you spend your hard earned money on a specific vendor please be aware of the following. No kit, no matter the maker, is automatically approvable. Despite what some vendors themselves state, or testimonials from past customers or even your fellow members say there is no such thing as a guaranteed clearance. There are many vetted sellers and well known makers whose kits are held in high regard and clear on a regular basis.However the kit will need to be trimmed, assembled, painted and fitted correctly to your frame. This is also something worth remembering when buying a pre-owned costume. To that end, bear in mind that not all kits are the same. Some will suit a larger frame.Some smaller. Please be sure to research which kit is best for your body type before purchase. As an example, take note of the following images. All three kits are from well known and respected makers. All have cleared many,many times. But as is apparent they are not all suitable for all body builds. As you can see, one kit may suit a taller trooper better than a shorter one. The same principle applies whether it's a Snowtrooper, a TIE or a Stormtrooper, so it is recommended that you research which kit best suits your needs. A visit to the relevant Detachment forum or a quick PM to the GML/BMO is recommended if you are in need of guidance.

Both 501st and Rebel Legion prioritise inclusiveness and its members have created some unofficial support groups for those they can benefit. The Walking Wounded Detachment Website - http://wwdetachment.com/ FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/241503199248403/ The Walking Wounded Detachment is an unofficial part of the 501st, including any and all members of the 501st who struggle with some limitation or handicap and overcome it to spread the magic of Star Wars. Not every fight is a stand-up fight, and the Walking Wounded typify what it means to be a 'real trooper'. Pride Squadron Pride Squadron is a support network for the LGBTQ+ community who are members of the 501st Legion, Rebel Legion, Mando Mercs, Saber Guild, and Dark Empire. Pride Squadron currently is a Secret Facebook group and is lead by Katherine Winchell, DS-52333, of Imperial Sands Garrison; also a member of the Rebel Legion. Pride Squadron is heading toward its second year and is reaching out to those who belong to the LGBTQ+ community who would like to join its ranks. Currently, Pride Squadron is only for individuals of the LGBTQ+ community and not for Allies or Supporters. As Pride Squadron matures, they look forward to creating space for Allies and Supporters to interact with its membership. Any 501st Legion member who is a part of the LGBTQ+ community and would like to join Pride Squadron should reach out to Katherine Winchell via email. To Contact Katherine: rebelkatherine@gmail.com Ladies of the Legions Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/341692229360888/ Forum https://www.ladiesofthelegions.com/forums/#community.8 Ladies of the Legions is an unofficial subgroup created by members of RL, 501st and MMCC specifically to help other ladies that share a passion for Star Wars costuming. The separate forum and Facebook group are safe places for ladies to discuss all things Star Wars costuming/cosplay/props together.

We have installed Tapatalk for the forums for those who wish to use this medium. The downside to Tapatalk is that it doesn't incorporate our Calendar Application so isn't our recommended way to use the Software, but it's everyones personal preference what way to view our content and we want to make it as easy as possible for everyone. To search for the Group you can do the following: If you wish to use Tapatalk you can use the quick link to the Calendar that we have listed on the Forums, this will bring you to the Website, all Events signups will occur on the Calendar:

We discussed with a representative from AccessNI about what was required for our members, we were advised that we are not eligible for AccessNI's Enhanced Checks as what we do as an organisation does not meet the criteria of what AccessNI call Regulated Activities for Children and/or Adults, these activities range from providing education, child or medical care or transportation. However in order to allow us to work with some organisations in Northern Ireland it was recommended that members apply for the AccessNI Basic Check, this can be done from home, costs £18 and takes no more than a week to receive your certificate. The aim of this exercise is to provide peace of mind to events owners that we can provide a safe environment to their event. Please be advised that some events require this for example the majority of the Council events we do who have requested details of our Certifications over the past number of years. We may ask for your Certificate numbers for some events that have requested Access NI. When an event requests AccessNI we will ask all those signed up for their certificate numbers to be passed on to the event. We will not keep any record of this nor will we ask for any additional information in order to comply with GDPR and to respect our members privacy. Those who already have an Enhanced check should not be required to also get a Basic Check. Some helpful links have been provided below: Apply Online: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/apply-online-basic-check Costs and turnaround times: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/costs-and-turnaround-times

As part of the new forum we have a really cool new calendar feature for signing up for troops! But with all new things there can be some confusion so hopefully this short guide will be of use to some. When you first come on the forum, the top section handily shows you the 3 next upcoming troops: You can click on any of these to be brought to the event page and sign up, or you can scroll on down to find the link to see the entire calendar: Clicking this link will open up the full calendar like so: Here you can see all the troops for this month, you can browse forward to future months and you can scroll back to see previous months (for event reports and attendance history!) Click any of the troops brings you to their page: The main box in the middle/right should tell you all you need to know about the troop. Arrival time time, trooping time, address etc. (If you need more information or have questions please ask and the events team wil be happy to clarify). On the left is how you sign up, by clicking on ‘Trooping’ you sign up to the event: And you’ll see your profile added to the list like so: You Also have the option to click ‘Crew’ if you wish to indicate that you would like to Crew at the Event. Below this section is the comments, you can reply to say which costumes you are planning to bring, you can also state if you have GA with you or ask any questions you might have etc. After the event the GML or BMO will post up an attendance record, this helps them come census time and is nice for us members as well as a tracker of our troops. Also after the event we can continue to post comments an give our event reports. Now not only is it a calendar for sign ups, its also a diary of our activity. The more event reports and experiences we document the more information our events team have for the future. Any cleared member of 501st or RL can use the calendar to sign up. This includes international members who have properly completed their profiles. New potential members who wish to come to events and crew are extremely welcome and we love having you. To sign up as crew please have a look at this thread and post to confirm. Once confirmed your profile is updated allowing you to sign up to events:

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501st Causeway Garrison All costumes which are applicable for 501st Legion acceptance must meet the basic level of acceptance as described in the CRL( Costume Reference Library). It is highly encouraged that you refer to your chosen costumes CRL before and during your build to ensure it complies. A list of current CRLs can be found here: http://databank.501st.com/databank/Costuming:CRLbydetachment It is also recommended that you visit the respective Detachment for your build as they are communities soley dedicated to the costumes homed there and are a great source of advice,techniques and vendors to assist in your build.If your planned costume cannot be found on the CRL it may be a Rebel Legion only costume, or a previously unbuilt costume Legion-wide. In any case please don't hesitate to contact the GML for assistance.When starting your build it is highly encouraged to post a work in progress(WIP) thread on the forums. This way the GML and other members familiar with the costume can assist with any queries or difficulties you may have or offer advice or guidance from their own experiences. It may also expediate the submission process as the build will have been followed from inception. Submitting your Costume When you are ready to submit your costume, send an email to gml@501stni.com including at the very least the following pictures: Full Body Front Full Body Left Full Body Right Full Body Back Action Pose Headshot With Helmet/Mask Witohut Helmet/Mask (were applicable) The GML may also request further additional pictures, for example close up shots or component parts not clearly visible in full body pics or other more intricate details. Please try and take photos in good lighting and preferably in front of a plain background. This ensures the costumes details are easier to see and will also help make photoshopping onto the roster page simpler. The kitchen door has been a favourite spot for many troopers! You will also need to fill in the form found here: http://www.501st.com/members/join_form.php If you have any further queries feel free to refer to this page: http://databank.501st.com/databank/Join_Us or contact the GML who will be more than happy to talk you through the process. Please also note than in certain circumstances the GML will avail of the central GML forum to assist in costume approvals. These circumstances can include, but are not limited to: certain high level/complicated characters such as Vader,Boba Fett etc; the GMLs unfamiliarity with a certain costume; a newly added CRL. The applicant may also request that the GML submits their costume to the GML forum for assessment if they feel they may not receive an unbiased or fair critique from the GML. In the interests of impartiality, any costume submissions from sitting garrison Command members(ie CO,XO),or partners/spouses/relatives of the current GML will also be submitted to the GML Forum so as to alleviate any potential bias.This is also the case for any new cosumes the GML themselves may wish to submit.

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Role of the Crew members 'Crew' are traditionally the 'helpers' role which is to be on hand to help members into costume, and be around as an extra pair of hands to ensure things run smoothly. Although some of our characters are open faced which means members are often able to manage/crew themselves, crew are a valued part of any event and should be respected for the support role that they play. Crew at events are strictly members of the club who are not in costume, or as a member of the Crew User Group. Crew need to be over the age of 18. When crewing we would expect the person to respect the Costumer by not wandering off and to remain part of the event activities that they are attending, as Costumer safety is paramount. We would like crew members to: Wear merchandise to identify themselves (Club t-shirt (501st or RL), clothing, badges, or high vis jackets). No other clubs merchandise/shirts/ materials will be permitted to be displayed. A generic Star Wars shirt is acceptable. Be on hand for all Costumers during the event The role of a crew member is to: Ensure the safety of the costumer in public; i.e. check that they are comfortable, hydrated or if they need a break Ensure that the public is aware of the costumer and thus their safety. Ensure that any costume malfunctions are identified and communicated to the costumer Crew are NOT security and should not assume this role when they are are at event. Should an incident of a serious nature occur, then this should be referred to the Senior member of club on the day, who will advise an appropriate course of action or speak to the event organiser should this be necessary to decide what course of action to take. The role has always been one of ensuring the safety of the individuals trooping, ensuring that obstacles are pointed out, and making sure that they can get from A to B, whilst making sure that B is devoid of trouble. Crew should try and ensure all costumers are kept together when walking to and from the changing area to the trooping area. Try to keep the group moving without stopping for photographs when possible, as this can cause bottlenecks, especially in public places. If a member of the public wants photographs en route, politely encourage they follow the group to an end point or a less crowded area to get a photograph. Crew will help keep the members to schedules (lunch breaks, locations, etc). Apply to be a Crew member Attending events as Crew will also allow you to see our Costumes up close and will be a great help for your own build as well as being able to get advice from our costumers on any costume. In order to be able to Sign-up to Events we have a separate Group for Crew that will allow. In order to apply just simply place a message below here asking for the Permission and an Admin will review and add you to the Group. We look forward to having you as part of Team!