Making a (somewhat) affordable ESB Vader

[Mithredates]

I have been lurking around the RPF for years reading about many of the impressive projects members have undertaken, but I have only recently registered for an account of my own.

I was wondering if some folks might help me select parts for an accurate, but relatively affordable ESB Vader costume. Let me explain what I mean. I am aware that Vader is an expensive character to assemble a likeness of, particularly due to the leather suit and the cost of a decent helmet. It seems though, that there is a steep price increase between items which are fairly accurate and good for trooping and items which are nigh identical to screen used props. While I have enormous respect for the artists behind the "practically screen used props" type items, I intend to use this for trooping, and so the former category would be the type of item I am looking for.

I have already contacted Darth Stone for a quote on his ESB trooping helmet, which seems unparalleled, but I know little of the other components. Where should I go for additional parts? What would you think an approximate budget would be for the whole thing (this will determine whether this will be a long or short term project )? Thank you in advance for your advice!

 

[Darth Crucius]

Hi there.
Just found this thread. Are you still doing this build? If so how is it going? (read... "got any pics?").
If you are still doing this project and still looking for advice, here's my 2 cents for whatever it's worth
I have not used them myself but I hear good things about the soft parts from custom props. They do both imitation and real leather and sell complete sets of all the soft parts starting from about $550 (for a pleather suit). The belt you can make yourself, armour can be gotten through the junkyard here or ebay and same for the chest box. If you do things cheaply, and are careful to shop wisely, there's no reason you can't do a pretty decent ESB Vader on $1800.00. The helmet will, of course be the most expensive single piece.

 

[glarks]

Vader Maker Australia - Making a Darth Vader Costume has some good ideas if you want to make some of the stuff yourself. Comes down to time to make versus money to buy. I am just starting the same process and have found a few people on line that sell on auction sites but most are in the US. Okay for you but not good when you are in Australia. Freight on some of the items is more than the item itself. Good luck and post any good sites you come across.