Updates, and News
[Update 11-8-2018]

Well I have gone and done it. I made a decision to join the modern era, and I'm now able to 3D design and print objects. My first efforts is my new version of my Bandoleer Greeblies, and the next item will be a new Bunker Buster AKA Proton Grenade, so stay tuned! I am also working on some Jeep parts, a few new helmets to fill in my collection and even a full size 3D printed R2 unit. If you need something 3D printed, let me know, and I bet I can help you out.

Updates, and News
[Update 7-27-18]

A big "Thank you!" to everyone for your support. Currently, I am having some supply issues thats causing some delays getting orders out. So if you have ordered from me in the last month or so, please be patient, I am working on your orders as fast as I can.

In the meantime, please visit some of the links on this sidebar. They help support this fan site. Thanks again!

Updates, and News
[Update 11-8-2017]

What a crazy Summer. I've been working on the largest prop replica ever. A Jurassic Park Jeep! Still tweaking it, but for now here is a build log.

After a long time looking for a Ramsey REP6000 winch, that was used on the movie Jeeps, I decided to just make a static replica.

Lots of other projects too! I now have a small 3D printer, and I've been learning some things about 3d printing. I have some new molds I used the 3d printer to create the patterns from. New Bandoleer greeblies, and new x-wing rocker switches.

Updates, and News
[Update 1-20-2017]

It's been a while since I last updated the page. Yes, I'm still alive and kicking, Due to so many requests during that time, I've decided I'm dusting off the old E-11 /L2A3 Sterling kit, and even putting together some new stuff so stay tuned. My Commando Blaster molds, out of stock,again. As funds permit, I'll be reworking them and the Bunker Buster kit and the I even have a few surprises... lets just say, a heavy project in the works. Email me for details.

Updates, and News
[Update 4-5-2016]

It's been a while since I last updated the page. Yes, I'm still alive and kicking, just life has been a bit busy as of late, and I've finally just gotten back into the studio after several years on hiatus. Due to so many requests during that time, I've decided I'm dusting off the old E-11 /L2A3 Sterling kit, and even putting together some new stuff so stay tuned. I Just redid my Commando Blaster molds, and can now offer a very limited run of these again. As funds permit, I'll be reworking the Bunker Buster kit and the I even have a few surprises... lets just say, a heavy project in the works. Email me for details.

Updates, and News
[Update 9-25-2014]

I'm still using this page! I have been trying out Google's Blogger. Click here to visit the the new Update Page. All updates are over there now. I'm ot realy happy with that site, so for now I'm not doing much over there either.

Updates, and News
[Update 6-June-2011]

I'm still using this page! I have been trying out Google's Blogger. Click here to visit the the new Update Page. All updates are over there now.

Updates, and News
[Update 7-June-2010]

To simplify the updates on this page, I am starting to use a blog format. Blogger to be specific. I'm trying to migrate some things now, but to preview the blog, check it out : click here I hope to have all the migration done this summer. The net result will be more frequent updates, and better management of the content on this site. I'm trying to get more time making stuff instead of working on this site's new look, and I think this tool will help me do this. At least, the blog aspect of this site. Please, take a look, and give me some feedback on what you think. I'm having some formatting issues right now, so the videos don't display the way I want them to.

Updates, and News
[Update 2-April-2010]

Then end is here. Well, at least for some of my molds are concerned. The 6-piece resin kits I've been offering of the Sterling L2A3 parts, are now gone. The molds are dead, and I do no plan on offering them again. I still have the original parts that I can use to make new molds from but unless the situation changes, I can not afford to remake the molds. Thanks to everyone who has ordered these kits from me in the past. I knew this day would come and it makes me sad. Maybe, if the economy picks up, I can afford to remake some new molds, who knows.

At the same time, I realized I am out of RFT kits set aside for the finished helmets. I am no longer taking orders on the finished helmets, except for special order only. Thanks to everyone who ordered a finished helmet from me over the past few years. The RFT kits will be available for a while longer, or as long as I can keep making them, but the finished helmets are no more. I hope everyone understands. And if the Rebel Legion needs me to, I can step back in and do some more, but for now, I am out of the game.

Updates, and News
[Update 26-JANUARY-2010]

I've been really busy with some badly needed home improvement projects since my last update. We had a storm that cause our roof to leak, so we have been working with our insurance to get this fixed. That lead to a new hot water heater and some other issues. Finally I got that mess taken care of. 2010 I hope is better than 2009. It looks like I'm out of the Endor Commando Donut Decals and I don't know if I can get any more made or not. I'm working on that right now, but my vinyl decal guy is kind of hard to get to respond to my emails.

And my supplier of Wells MR722 airsoft guns no longer list's them as available. I may have found another supplier but my cost is going to double if I have to use them. Not sure I'm going to be able to provide these much longer. My E-11 molds are pretty badly worn and I'm down to my last couple of sets, so I'm not planning on making any more for a while. I know some of this sounds like bad news, but it really is just a good way to reassess what my core projects should be. Time for me to focus on the fan film once again, and get the last few props ready for this. Including the resin lewis gun project and some camera equipment. I still have a working vacuum form machine, and most of the molds for the RFT helmets, Commando Donuts, and some surviving TK armor, so I can still offer these parts as needed. Lots more work to be done.

Updates, and News
[Update 26-NOVEMBER-2009]

I've been reworking a few molds, and the first one is the thermal detonator control panel. My old mold just did not hold up well, and I had been getting a few requests to make it available in a format that could be used for a sandtrooper back pack part. So, now, I have a new, limited run of these version 2.0 TD control panels that the user can customize for their specific needs. These will be offered as a kit that you simply trim out. Check it out on the catalog page.

Any US orders placed after December 11, I can not guarantee delivery before Christmas. International orders, the deadline for Christmas delivery is December 7.

Updates, and News
[Update 01-OCTOBER-2009]

I've been working on some additional RFT helmet kits, and a few new surprizes. Reminder: any order placed after October 15, I cannot guarantee delivery before Halloween, October 31.

Recent News
[Update 09-JUNE-2009]

I've been working on some Endor/Hoth back pack parts, as per requested from a Rebel Legion member, Lonescout. Here is a sneak peek at the part:

and some more pics of the part, from left to right, sample from Lonescout, the pattern, mold [back]and test castings:

If anyone is interested in these, please let me know. Lonescout is planning a limited run of packs, and I will be offering these tube assemblies. In addition, I've been reworking the ear molds for the Endor Commando soft cap, as per requested from Donna at the Sunrider Base. These will be formed in a thinner plastic, with a deeper edge molding detail. I should have these ready to deliver in a few weeks.

The fan film is on Summer hiatus, and I don't know when we will get back to work on it. Much of these current projects are 'back water' items we could use on the film, and with some other productions down the road.

I'm also working on some 1/6th scale projects. The big one is the GIjOE ATV. Here is a sneak peek:

and

Notice the soft edge details. Thats something I'm having to work out, and thats causing a big delay. I've already made the hand rails, and now Cotswold is selling their own reproductions! Next up is a set of replacement wheels!

Finally, I'm reworking the catalog page with some updated products. Catalog Page. Oh, and I'm now on Twitter. Follow me here.

Older News
[Update 06-APRIL-2009]

I've been busy reworking the Endor Commando blaster molds, and have started casting the first run requested by the Endor Bunker. The first half of this order should go out this week. Man, these kits take a lot of resin! I ran out, using two gallons of material on 6 kits. I way underestimated the amount of materials not only the resin, but the silicone as well. Oh well. For now, there is a sign-up list for slots in the second run. You can get on the list here: http://movies.groups.yahoo.com/group/endorbunker/ [note: membership is required to access the sign-up page. Contact farfel51@hotmail.com for registration details.] If we can't fill the second run of 10, I will start offering the kits through the catalog page this Summer. Right now, it's an exclusive for the Endor Bunker members, and anyone wanting to join their ranks.

In addition, I've been moving some things around, and getting organized. And this month Herb and I plan to do some filming for the Last Garrison. This may be the last time we get a chance to finish up the critical live action sequences for a while. We are going to try and film on April 18, assuming the weather cooperates. Herb has enlisted the help of the SFA Film School students for help in these action packed sequences. I'll be involved as a technical advisor, camera operator, prop and costume provider, and maybe, just maybe a cameo role. We had to cut out some scenes, and scale back the scope of the project, mainly due to conflicting schedules and money. The good news is, I hope to have some footage to work with, as Herb is working on his own vision of the film. We will end up sharing the CGI footage for both versions.

I'm still working on the Adventure Team 6-wheel ATV project in 1/6th scale. I've been trying to get these other projects out of the way first.

By the way, you can find me on Facebook.

Recent Updates
[Update 06-MARCH-2009]

Work on the house is complete. Now, finally, I can get back to work on some fun projects! I've been asked to help the Endor Bunker on a second run of A281 Endor Commando Blaster kits, this time, the molds will be made from 'good' quality silicone. I tried some cheaper material, that was ok, but did not hold up well. As a result, those molds were heavily damaged and can not be salvaged. I'll be going back to my old, tried and true, PolyTec, PlasSil 71-20 for these new molds. In addition to the Endor Commando Blaster kits, I'm also working in 1/6th scale. I'm recreating the 1970's vintage GIjOE 6-wheel ATV. It will ultimately become a vacuum formed part, but getting to the point where I can create the negative mold, is taking me much longer than expected. I attended a GIjOE convention in February, and met some really neat folks. They have inspired me to see this project through.

In other news, I've changed the registration process on the discussion board, and we are slowly heading towards a new version of that forum software. I'm also going to shut down the other web site. I just can't afford to host two sites, and I now have enough server space, to host both on this site. When my hosting plan runs out in a few months, www.imperial-armor.com will be no more. So long, farewell.

I've also been working on some other 'art' projects, that I hope I can share soon. Top secret for now. And the fan film is still on board for some live action shooting this Spring. Just as soon as we get some foliage back. If we fail the get the needed shots this Spring, then the future of that project will be in serious doubt. I've also been busy with an AR project that I hope to finish up soon, I will report the results as soon as I can.

Older News
[Update 21-NOVEMBER-2008]

Work on the house is almost complete. We now have a new working bathroom! I hope another hard weekend, and we will be done with the project. This has me really far behind on other projects. One thing has taken place with the fan film, and that is some new blood. We hope to have a condensed script and finish the live action filming this Spring. I hope so. This film project is taking way longer than I ever thought it would. A special thanks to Herb for spear-heading this effort.

Here is a pic of some of the gang at this year's Scare on the Square:

Image courtesy Greg Patterson Studios.

In other news, www.TK560.com made it on AMC's 'Sci-fi Site of the Week'. Yea. Here is a link: AMC SOTW Blog.

Finally, I have redone some things to better organize the catalog page. Many of the items are now sold out, and unless demand for these items returns, I won't be doing any more. I'm afraid economic hard times have hit home, and most likley after the first of the year, the items found on the catalog page will become a special request only/ special order sort of deal only.

Older News
[Update 24-SEPT-2008]

Power has been restored, and I'm finally able to catch up on some projects. I'm working as fast as I can to catch up with everything. I should have some images posted soon. I to try and finish up some work on the house, not related to the storm this weekend, and return to a more productive schedule then. I am planning a site rework, nothing too drastic, but I need to clean-up this place a bit.

Older News
[Update 18-SEPT-2008]

Hurrican Ike slammed the East Texas area on 13 September, 2008. We were lucky, and only lost power, had one tree fall on the house, and only one hole in the roof. You would think that some 200 miles inland, we would not have hurricane events. This is the second one in three years, the last one was Rita in 2005. We were out of electricity for seven days then, and we are on day six now with the damage thanks to Ike. I'll post some pics of the debris just as soon as I can get some power at the house. Until then, I have to say, that it's like camping, but in your home. The wife and kids are taking it all well, and the neighborhood has banded to gether for evening meals, trying to cook food that would spoil otherwise. I'll get back to props and vacuum forming as soon as I can. For anyone who has ordered from me recently, I'll get your orders out as soon as I can.

Updates, and News
[Update 27-AUG-2008]

Wow! Just , wow. Has it really been nearly four months since my last update? I guess it has. I've been really busy with non-prop or costume related projects and I guess thats where my time has been spent. I've started adding on to the house, and we re-did the driveway. In the future, I hope to add a car port too! The Summer time off has really gone by fast. I had wanted to get some filming done, and spend the time working on some sixthscale projects, but that did not happen. Well, the filming did not happen. I guess thats the sad new. Much of the film crew that started on this fan film have moved on to other interests, and that has really slowed down the project. Maybe this Fall, some new folks will get recruited, and we can continue on with the film project.

Additionally, I've been having some issues with some of the art materials used to cast parts with, specifically the urethane resin. I'm really cutting back on dealing with that stuff. My skin just can't take much exposure to it. So be careful if you are messing with that stuff. My stockpile of spare E-11 parts is gone, and I only have a handfull of kits left, and when these last few are gone, I won't do anymore. I may have another option available, but I don't want to give away my secrets just yet.

In the sixthscale news, as many of you know I'm a big vintage GIjOE fan. The yellow Adventure Team ATV has been a favorite of mine for many years, and I've decided to bring that classic toy up to date, fix some issues GIjOE fans had with the vintage ones, and offer some custom parts. So stay tuned in the GIjOE section for updates on this classic toy. It's going to be an adventure!

Here is a pic of the resin parts I have, and what they look like mounted on a piece of PVC, primed and then finally painted: Click on the picture for a larger view.

E-11 Blaster Parts Kit [Limited Supply] Resin versions of the hard to make blaster parts The original plan for the fan film was to have 20 troopers in some large scale battles, much like that of the old WWII movies. I started making the blasters for the 20 troopers, then a production decision was made to reduce the number of trooper by half. So, I am left with a bunch of these resin parts, and if you need any let me know [email me]. These were made to speed up the blaster making for the fan film, and as a film prop, they do have minor air bubbles, and flashing that need to be cleaned up. An easy job for the scratch-built blaster project. These were cast from a real L2A3 Sterling, M38 scope, and counter box. [non-logo version]. Supplies are almost gone! Get them while you can! I don't plan to make any more. Please visit the Catalog Page for more informaiton.

Latest suits finished. TK560 [me] on the left and TK652 on the right. Click on the image for a larger version.

Build Your Own Stormtrooper
[5-19-05]

Back in August 2002 I started on a project; to create my own Star Wars Imperial Stormtrooper armor from scratch. Now, over 28 months later, and countless hours research, trial and error reverse-engineering and hard work, I finally have reached a point where, I have a complete set of armor molds made. This pic shows TK560, on the left, and TK652 on the right. The suit scales pretty well for a person from 5' 5" to 6' 2" [me].

What does it take to make a stormtrooper costume? Well, the process is a complex one but not beyond what a fan can do in his spare time, and a few square feet in the garage. The first step is the vacuum forming machine. I must have made 4 different machines before I got one lagre enough to pull this project. The second step is the molds. Different techniques have been used by other fans to make their trooper armor, but for me, I took advice from a fellow RPF board memeber, Phil G. aka Blaxmyth, and used MDF and Bondo to make the molds. The final step is to pull the plastic, trim out the parts, paint and add details.

Its been a long road, and the trip is still not over, but I can see the the light at the end of the tunnel! Click here for details.

Home Built Vacuform table #4.

This machine is the production version capable of making all the trooper parts, including the large chest molds and abdomen parts. It's powered by a 3hp shop vac, and a 30amp 110v heater.

Make your own Vacuform Machine
[3-29-05]

When I first got into building hand props, I soon realized several technologies would be necessary to make these props as realistic as possible: wood working, mold building, resin casting, white-metal casting, and vacuforming/thermaform would need to be mastered. From my old fine arts days, I could build the molds, woodworking was not a challenge because I have access to the necessary tools, and thanks to products like Pour-a-Kast, and RTV silicone molds, that part of prop construction was fairly easy. However, I wanted to be able to make parts like the shells of a Star Trek communicator, or the Tricorder among other items. This required me to construct a vacuform machine. Also, I wanted to make my own version of a Stormtrooper armor set, moulds and all so that I could build a SandTrooper garrison, for a fan film. I knew I would have to start out small. Do you want to know more about vacuum forming? Check out the video.

Tricorder prop replica
[3-29-05]

From Star Trek [the original series, 1966-1969], this is the first in a series of classic sci-fi props to be featured on www.tK560.com. Originally conceived by Matt Jefferies, and designed and built by Wah Chang for Pramount Studios to give Gene Roddenberry's new science fiction TV series, Star Trek, a "utilitarian" look. The replica here is as close to the original prop you are going to find. Straight from Roddenberry.com's online store, these $250 kits require several hours to build, but are worth every penny and every minute. Click here to see some more details on this truly outstanding prop replica. Unfortunately, Roddenberry.com no longer sells this great prop kit. Master Replicas now sells a "working" version. Get ready to crack open our piggy bank! Currently, I'm researching a way to add a working viewscreen using an old video camera. I have a 23 Century Science Recorder kit that just might work. Stay tuned for updates. Note, the backlog on props has increased! Now I have 4 phasers to make, 2 communicators to rebuild, a tricorder, Viper Pilot, and X-wing Pilot helmets, A complete Boba Fett costume, and a M41-a 'stunt' pulse rifle. Not to mention the vacuform machine and the stormtrooper armor!

Aliens Colonial Marine M41-A Pulse Rifle Prop Replica
[3-29-05]

From the 1986 James Cameron movie, Aliens. UPDATE: Project is finished. Man this the M41-A is a beast. It weights a ton. Biggest thing in my prop collection. Some fatigue in the shrouds has to be addressed, a resin pour to reinforce the shrouds will be required. Only thing left to do is add a real counter, but my "photoshop" version looks decent, and requires no batteries! There is a debate on the true colors of the shroud, so I went with an "idealized" color. The filming version were a bess brown, that in the lighting situations used in the film, appeared OD green.

M41-A Pulse Rifle replica prop