Backpack Build – TD20290

I got approved as an official member of the 501st without the backpack but because the Sandtroopers simply look awesome with the packs I decided to build one.

After finding a few of the simpler parts to source I ended up purchasing a partial kit from Crashmann on the MEPD boards for the harder-to-find parts.

Here are the parts I got from Crashmann:

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Frame

Naturally the simplest part is the frame, made simply from some 1/2″ pvc tubing:

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I cut some aluminum pieces for the cross braces on which the seed trays sit:

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Rivets hold the braces in place:

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Cistern

The cistern required some adjustment… at least it did according to backpack makers that have gone before me (really hard to tell from screen caps from the movie this level of detail but whatever… I trust my peers)

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Marking equidistant lines to attach the ties for added detail:

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Bondo to cover up the parts shaved off by the dremel:

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Toolbox and Radio

The boxes are formed out of plastic, joined edge-to-edge by square dowels glued in place.

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My seed trays are a tad smaller than what’s recommended so to reduce the amount of hanging overlap from the toolbox I cut it shorter by an inch in both height and width. I simply made the cut where the electrical tape would cover up the cut.

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For the radio I installed hinges so I could open it and add things like lights and sound. The hinges are on the bottom edge so they’re less visible. The closure mechanism includes a magnet in the box and a strip of scrap metal glued to the backside of the radio face.

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Paint

For paint I used:

Primer: Rustoleum 2X Flat Gray
Black: Krylon Flat Black
Blue-Gray: Krylon Periwinkle Satin

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Assembly

I attached the trays to the aluminum frame braces with rivets.

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I noticed from movie stills that the top canister tilts out a little so I did the same using a little scrap of PVC when putting the top screw.

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Floor mat foam provides some padding so the frame doesn’t scratch up my TD armor.

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I’m proud to say I finally have duct tape incorporated into my costume. I ran out of nylon strapping so this will be a temporary strap solution to hold the pouch onto the shoulder strap.

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Shotgun Shells

This is more 1/2″ PVC pipe.

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Electronics

I have a background loop of Mos Eisley police chatter. I’ll have that playing in a Bluetooth speaker inside the radio. I’m also giving the dial a backlight.

I struggled with the easiest way to create the housing for the light. My wife had the genius idea to use components from a flashlight.

I soldered wires directly to the flashlight piece.

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I attached the wires to the switch on the radio so the backlight can be easily turned on/off by the switch that’s already there.

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Put a little double-sided tape on the battery holder to keep it in place.

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So flipping the switch (green arrow) will turn on the light (pink) which will be installed in the circular area that will be cut out (orange) for the dial.

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