There are many sites where you can purchase the sets of reproduction armour, but the 501st have very stringent rules on acceptance based on the movie accurate representation of the armour. So I was faced with 3 options:
Option 1. Buy a set of ready to wear armour from 1 of the many Internet sites (but where's the fun in that), and these can be very expensive.
Option 2. Buy a kit form set, this will require trimming, forming, gluing, strapping and assembling (not as expensive, but requiring a lot of work)
Option 3. Buy a second hand set of armour and modify and upgrade to current specification.


I decided to go with option 3, and was able to acquire a full set of armour including lid (helmet), under suit and replica E11 blaster. Being an older set of armour it had already previously received 501st status, however it had started to yellow in places and needed some TLC along with a rework on various pieces to bring it up to current 501st status.
This part of my new blog will concentrate on the development and rework that must be done to the armour. So please follow me on this journey towards the dark side of a galaxy far far away.

The photos do not show the yellowing that is quiet visible to the naked eye and although there is a choice to create a sand trooper costume along with the extra weathering, you just can't beat the iconic look of those white glossy guys.
Please stay tuned for following updates.