A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

This section defines terms you may encounter while building your armor or browsing armor websites:

A

ABS - Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene. A lightweight, rigid thermoplastic used to form white armor.

B

C

Canon - Refers to a the body of rules or principles generally established as valid and fundamental in a field or art. In the world of Star Wars, canon usually refers to anything that has appeared "on-screen" in the films.

Cheek Tubes - See tusks.

Celebration (Star Wars Celebration) - The official Star Wars convention.

D

D*C - See Dragon*Con.

Dragon*Con - Large fandom event featuring costuming, science fiction, fantasy and horror, comics and art, games and computers, animation, science, music, television and films. Held annually in Atlanta, Georgia. Also called DC. Click here for the event website.

E

EU - Acronym for Expanded Universe. See Expanded Universe.

Expanded Universe - Refers to anything Star Wars-related, but not actually seen in the films. Also called EU.

F

Fast Rivets - Rivets which can be installed without the use of a rivet gun. The male end is inserted through a pre-made hole and then the female end is placed on top and secured by hammering.

Fighting 501st Legion - The international group of Star Wars costumers based upon the fictional detachment of Stormtroopers dedicated to Darth Vader. Also known as "Vader's Fist."

FRS - Family Radio Service. This commonly refers to the small and relatively inexpensive two-way radio for the purposes of voice communication between members of a group. The accepted 501st frequency is Channel 5, Subchannel 1.

G

Garrison - A localized group of 501st members, usually organized by state or region. Click here for the official list of 501st Garrisons, Squads and Outposts.

Godzilla (Kit) - A highly-accurate fan-created Tusken Raider mask kit.

Greeblies - Small bits and pieces of miscellaneous hardware that add detail to a model or prop.

H

Hook and Loop - Common name for Velcro.

I

J

K

L

Latex - A natural or synthetic rubbery substance often used in the production of rubber gloves, balloons and halloween masks.

Lycra - A brand name for spandex.

M

Mod - Modification.

Moisture Trap - The neck apparatus seen on Tusken Raiders from Episode IV. Sometimes referred to as a Respirator.

N

Necronomicon - Annual convention in Tampa, FL. Also called "Necro."

O

P

Plastic Welder - An alternative to ABS Cement, this strong epoxy cures in 15 minutes. Great for the impatient armor-builder. Image here.

Plasti-Weld - See Plastic Welder.

Polystyrene - A rigid thermoplastic polymer that can be molded into objects. Also called styrene. Also, see ABS.

PVC - Polyvinyl chloride. A thermoplastic resin commonly used to create plastic pipes.

Q

R

RA - See Richie's Armor.

Rebel Legion - The costuming group dedicated to Rebel characters. Click here for the Rebel Legion website.

Replica Props Forum - One of the most prop-intensive message boards out there. You will be astounded by the knowledge of the board members. Click here to check it out.

Resin (Casting) - A method in which liquid resin is poured into a mold and allowed to cure, resulting in a detailed replica.

Respirator - The neck apparatus seen on Tusken Raiders from Episode IV. Sometimes referred to as a Moisture Trap.

Richie's Armor - An excellent costuming source. Click here for the website.

Rivet(s) - A metal bolt or pin having a head on one end, inserted through aligned holes in the pieces to be joined and then hammered on the plain end so as to form a second head.

RL - See Rebel Legion.

RPF - See Replica Props Forum.

S

Sintra - Brand name for rigid PVC foam board. Sheets of this thin plastic can be boiled in hot water and shaped. Not recommended for high detail.

Spandex - A synthetic fiber or fabric made from a polymer containing polyurethane, used in the manufacture of elastic clothing.

Styrene - Refers to polystyrene, a rigid thermoplastic polymer that can be molded into objects. See ABS.

T

Tooth - The silver "nose" of a Tusken Raider mask located just above the mouth opening.

Tusks - The aluminum "cheek tubes" protruding from the face of a Tusken Raider.

U

V

Vacuforming - A technique of forming white armor (and other plastic shapes). A sheet of plastic is heated, then stretch-formed over the master pattern by the suction power of a vacuum.

Vader's Fist - Nickname for the 501st Legion. See Fighting 501st Legion.

W

White Armor - Refers specifically to standard Imperial Stormtrooper armor.

X

Y

Z