Hello from Wilmington, NC
My name is Tom, I am from Wilmington, NC. I am currently building a Kylo Ren for the 501st Legion, and plan to submit to the Carolina Garrison for approval in April...whenever my boots arrive.
A big part of the build for me, was the saber. The hasbro saber was pathetic out of box, so I am currently modifying it. I didn't even own it for 24 hours when I dismantled it completely following Shameem's thread here. Paying someone else to do it was cost-prohibitive, and I already had soldering skills/tools. So, I took on this project. Minus one more part I am waiting for, this thing is done.
While I have been working on this saber, I discovered TCSS through tuturoial videos by MadCow, Shameem, and others. I have enjoyed building this lightsaber to such an extent, that when I am done, I would like to do a custom modular hilt, perhaps with a RGB LED with color changing abilities, accent LED's, go crazy.
I am a beginner; however, I believe my current project to be fairly advanced in how I have done it. It was a lot more complex of a mod than changing some LED's out. New board, new LED's, removeable blades with set screws, new battery/sound system. Most of the components I have used were right here from TCSS! What an amazing journey this Kylo Ren build has been to bring me to this saber building nonsense that I enjoy thoroughly. In shop class in HS we actually made our own boards by acid dipping, and had to solder them up. I raced slot cars for awhile, which required lots of soldering. I have a great soldering station and supplies already. Most of this seems to be reading the manuals for your board, and creating a wiring/resistor plan.
With that being said; however, some of the Kyber Crystal reveal builds I have seen on the internet are absolutely nuts! I would eventually like to get there, but I believe after the Kylo Ren BS Conversion, a MHS RGB will be the project. I think I found a new hobby! Thank any and all who have already given me advice here, and on youtube! Very helpful forum.
Tom
