The 76th Independent Battalion (Part 5)
POSTED BY: Tristan
UPDATED: Wednesday, December 13, 2006 20:56
VIEWED: 17832
PAGE 9 of 10
Time for more comments on my costume.
As already mentioned, being the demo man, my outfit will be stripped back in terms of protective gear (ie no helmet, and possibly the smock instead of the coat, although I'd probably go without the mail sleeves when I wear the coat), and carrying the carbine variant of the G36 (or just a cut-back shotgun), as I'll be loaded down with grenades, IEDs and the like. Although it's not as applicable for battles like Serenity valley, where there'd be room for mortars and rpgs to deal with rollers (tanks), in the urban battles it'd be more likely that my role would include trying to sneak up on a roller to plant a sticky-bomb or the like on it (or leave the odd landmine out if I had any available).
Which raises a question. Would I be more likely to use a basic IED to destroy the roller, or something more along the lines of an EMP bomb to disable it, allowing us to potentially scavenge documents/gear/etc from inside it, once the crew had been dealt with?
**************
Demolitions specialist for the 76th Independent Battalion.
From blowing open locked fridges, to destroying Alliance gun emplacements, it's all fun for me.
http://76thbattalion.homestead.com/Index.html
NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | PERMALINK | TOP | HOME
Well, that depends wholly on the mission at hand. What should be considered instead is what your uniform would look like in a parade. Remember, we're going for a clean look, unworn by combat. At this point you would most likely have issued equipment and it would be clean and ordered. This is of course, only in regards to the parade. Once that's done and you're walking around the con, anything you add or take away is completely up to you. Tristan, if you have issue with this, please let me know. Also, go with the G36 carbine, not the shotgun. Weaponry is the one item we're being pretty adamant about.
As far as being demolitions and trimming back on the protective gear, I kinda have to ask why? Wouldn't it make more sense that the guy with the bombs would be armored? Your helmet would have a face shield, you'd be wearing a ballistic vest and leg/crotch armor. This is of course from a modern military, realistic sense, and I am in no way suggesting that you reimagine your entire costume, but it's something to think about.
Anyway, my shift is almost over, and I have to get ready for turnover. More to come when I get a chance.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'll be in my bunk.
XO of the 76th Battalion http://76thbattalion.homestead.com/index.html
http://www.myspace.com/babywiththepower
NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | PERMALINK | TOP | HOME
The way I see it is less weight equals faster movement. I wouldn't want to be getting slowed down by armour while trying to dash (or sneak) around planting IEDs. Plus I think that the guys with the full body armour and face shields are more likely to be the ones trying to defuse the bombs, or the heavy weapons types, but that's just my viewpoint.
In terms of the weaponry, I only raised the idea of the shotgun as an alternative, but since I'm unlikely to be supplying my own firearms, it's somewhat of a moot point.
And thank you for mentioning parade uniform vs general con uniform. If my funds stretch far enough, I'll probably wear the type A uniform (coat, helmet) with just a small amount of demo gear in belt pouches or a satchel / backpack for the parade. My con uniform will be a personalised version of the type B uniform (incorporating various details I've mentioned in earlier posts).
**************
Demolitions specialist for the 76th Independent Battalion.
From blowing open locked fridges, to destroying Alliance gun emplacements, it's all fun for me.
http://76thbattalion.homestead.com/Index.html
NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | PERMALINK | TOP | HOME
Good Morning 76th! For some reason, the site seems to work better earlier in the day so I won't be posting too much today (damn broadband service!) Tristan: I believe your earlier post regarding vest closures is correct; most were held closed by belts, straps, etc. and I haven't heard back from my e-mail to Shawna about what was used so I'm thinking no closures? Got my D*C membership confirmation in the mail over the weekend; planning to arrive Thursday...will be happy to share cell phone#'s to connect with other 'coats and assist with off-loading gear. I'm not worried about anybody losing fervor as we've still got close to 9 months to go...browncoats are the best fans in the world!!
NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | PERMALINK | TOP | HOME
Agreeing with Sister, I see our numbers and the excitement growing as more folks costumes get closer to completion and posted, once they see how its coming together our numbers will grow.
Browncoats are the shiniest folks in the 'verse
NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | PERMALINK | TOP | HOME
Morning, all!
Looks like I have some catching up to do!
Saxon, as for the buckles on Mal's coat, I actually researched the heck out of them and hand-built some close approximations (I think so, anyway! 
)...but I don't want to use something like that on the vest. I would love to find out what the costume designer had planned, though...I have been going over the scenes again, and I swear they don't have closures...
NaughtyMan, thank you for the props on the vest! And yes, I am working on both the knee-length short-sleeved coat that goes under the vest and the long coat that goes over the vest. In the first post of this thread is a brief description of each of the two "Types" of uniform.
As far as the weapons go, we are sticking to variants of the H&K G36, as they cover the gauntlet from short assault rifle all the way through SMG. That is the one thing that has bothered me in the past about groupings of soldiers...generally, they did not look the same and all were carrying different weapons. We are aiming for a uniform look here...an organized body of soldiers...to do that requires some semblance of uniformity in weapons and gear. Personalization is not going to be totally ruled out, but we would rather have a group that looks good together.
I see that BWTP has put it much more eloquently than I did. So, what he said combined with what I said. 
NaughtyMan, thank you for the research into a purely fictional military! We are right there with you! It is this kind of enthusiasm that will make this group phenomenal.
I also stand with the decision on the ranking procedure. We do take "applications" via email. If you have contributions to make, please let us know that way.
Nico, that outfit is sounding good. May I suggest the cut-down version of the G36? The Double Eagle gun pulls down to a very short, pistol-grip version (I think I suggested this to RIMG, too). It would be small enough to be out of the way and still fit in with the weapon uniformity we are going for. Matter of fact, I should have an extra one by then if you are interested. I know you are coming from a long way away (thank you!) and don't have as easy access to them.
I don't have an issue with what people do after the parade. I would like to keep up the look, though, in terms of the weapons, etc. Hopefully, as we wander around in groups and such, we will be stopped for photo ops...so the closer we remain to the parade look, the better. By all means, ditch the helmets and bulkier equipment, but I would really like to keep the basic look. As I have no right to demand this, please only look at it as a suggestion.
Sister, thank you for that info on the vests. That makes good sense, not having closures. I kept going over the screen caps and watching the flashback scenes, and was having a hard time seeing how they were closed. So, I think not having closures would be just fine by me. And good on the D*C membership! That's something I am going to have to get ahold of pretty soon.
Are there any objections to this from anyone? I am now planning on not having closures on the vests.
I am also very much looking forward to the nine months ahead! This is going to be a great Con, and we are going to be one good-looking group of soldiers! Chiseled jaws (in the case of the men, of course)...too pretty to die!
______________________________________
CO of the 76th Independent Battalion http://76thbattalion.homestead.com/index.html
Ever marched with the Independents? Wanna?
Sign up and info here:
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=11&t=25704
NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | PERMALINK | TOP | HOME
Mornin' 76th!
Looks like a lot has been posted since I checked in yesterday. Good to see the ideas still flying and discussion going on. This is shaping up to be one fine unit.
Techie. Glad to see you here bud. Wish you would sign on, but I understand wanting to carry that pig. She is one sweet looking weapon. I do have to agree with Tristan & BWTP though that we are going for a unified look w/ the weapons and uniforms. I hope that things change between now and DC & you can find the funds to get a G36C and march with us. I think I speak for all of us when I say we would love to have you with us. You are a top notch costumer/cosplayer and we could all benefit from your input and participation.
I checked online and it appears the next gun show in town is not until January 13th & 14th. As I posted before there is a vendor that rents 4 tables and wall space there for all of his airsoft products. I remember seeing the G36C & G36K at his tables last time I went back in March. I will check in with him next month to see what he has. The G36K I have on order should be here next week, but I may pick up a couple extras in case they are needed by other 76ers.
There is also a military surplus warehouse a few miles from here that I will be going by this weekend. I am going to go there to price out subdued insignias, helmets, and other items we have been discussing. My wife is friends with the owners son, so maybe I can swing a deal with him. I'll keep you posted.
__________________________________________
Holding the line since December '02!
[img] 
[/img]
Richmond, VA & surrounding area Firefly Fans:
http://www.richmondbrowncoats.org
Sergeant
[img] [/img]
http://76thbattalion.homestead.com/index.html
NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | PERMALINK | TOP | HOME
BrownCoat1, morning!
I agree about Techie, but I do understand where he's coming from. I am dying to see the M60 in person, though, so I do hope he plans on marching!
As for the rest, if you do come across a good deal on the G36's, let me know. If you pick up a few extra, I may buy them from you....assuming you would sell, of course. 
I already have the two, and they are very addictive...the next one will be the K version from airsplat, depending on your "review".
And thanks for keeping an eye out for the insignia, etc. If you do happen across a large number of helmets, email either me or BWTP. We had chosen a Russian design for looks and price, but if they can at least match the price and have a good supply, it may be worth looking it to.
I don't know that this was discussed, but the helmet finish we are looking for is rough...not the smooth, shiny NATO-type look.
Thanks again!
______________________________________
CO of the 76th Independent Battalion http://76thbattalion.homestead.com/index.html
Ever marched with the Independents? Wanna?
Sign up and info here:
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=11&t=25704
NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | PERMALINK | TOP | HOME
Good evening all!
I'm just looking in quickly to see how things are going, and I'm amazed. You seem to be almost ready to march. I've got some catching up to do. (I just *love* that patch!!!)
I want to start building the uniform, (building...it's such an interesting word....) and I'm curious about the coat. I've always assumed that the Independents had brown coats like the one always worn by Mal, as part of their uniform. The dark brown one.
But from the pictures about the battles of Du Kang and Serenity Valley, his coat looks more like a woollen, woven coat, almost like the traditional second world war coats. It's also a bit lighter in colour, almost the same colour as his pants. So which one will form part of our uniform? I'm having mine made when I visit my parents in a week's time...my mom is a wizard with sewing, and I want to get it right.
Anyway, I can't stay, I have to actually be somewhere else right now, and still have to drive there. But I'll look in tomorrow.
Bye..
Big Damn Browncoat Vote http://richlabonte.net/tvvote/index.html
NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | PERMALINK | TOP | HOME
Canter, hi! Thanks for popping in!
The coat I am basing my design off of (and will be offering for sale and possibly the pattern, too...we'll see how that goes) is a straight-cut single-breasted long coat. It is NOT a trench coat. I have several long coats in my closet, and the Independent coats don't match any of them. The best shots of the coat I am trying to recreate are in the flashback scenes from The Message. I have a working pattern right now, and am in the process of creating a shell. I should be able to post photos some time next week so y'all can get the general idea. The color is a light brown, close to a Khaki. I am currently using a cotton duck, but it may be too "stiff", so I may have to switch to a different fabric. I am sticking to the non-wool cloth for several reasons, cost and heat factor are the major ones...our first parade will be in downtown Atlanta in September...and it gets a bit warm. My ultimate goal is to have a lined and unlined version available for sale within a month or so. Same goes for the "smock" (I need a better word for that!) that goes under the vest for the Type B uniform, ala Zoe.
If nothing else, as I know there are people who already have coats in mind, is the color and basic cut. These are supposed to be uniforms, more or les, so they should at least all look similar. I would hate to have a dozen different shades and cuts of coat marching down the street. I am sort of stuck here...I would love to be able to build everyone's coat, but I don't want people not to march because they think they HAVE to buy my coats. That is why I will probably also offer the pattern to the members of the 76th along with the finished coats as close to cost as I can absorb. I would also be willing to allow other sewers access to the pattern so there are several of us making them at the same time. I need input on that from the other stitchers in here.
Does this sound reasonable to everyone? Again, keep in mind that we are trying to present a uniform, united Battalion that is relatively fresh, which would mean clothing and equipment is still sort of new and shiny.
Thank you!
______________________________________
CO of the 76th Independent Battalion http://76thbattalion.homestead.com/index.html
Ever marched with the Independents? Wanna?
Sign up and info here:
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=11&t=25704
NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | PERMALINK | TOP | HOME