Star Wars Collectibles: Tie Fighter Pilot (ANH) by RWA Creations

At 52 I've hit that age where material objects, collected trinkets if you will  are gradually meaning less and less to me to possess, for some people these trinkets can take any form, it might be a framed sports jersey or a signed baseball, for others it might be a full size replica Terminator endoskeleton skull or vintage toys or first edition comics. I've no idea if this is because I'm at an age where I find myself cruising the suburbs of mortality, a countdown clock that I can clearly hear ticking louder than it did 10 years ago, or if its just my lack of interest generally in things that used to give me 'a buzz'.

I sold a prized gaming collectible in the form of a full size Blitz the League American football helmet to fund the purchase of a replica Star Wars Tie Fighter pilot helmet. I could have invested the money into my pension (yawn) or bought some shares or done something else uniquely boring with it, so after careful consideration I decided to say screw all that, I'm making one last stupidly daft purchase in my adult life and it shall be something without any kind of function whatsoever, other than to make me blissfully happy for a short time until the feel good buzz wears off. Something I've not been for a good many years.

Did some hunting online and found a Welsh based kit builder by the name of Ross who runs RWA Creations. I've been a big of his work and he knows his stuff when it comes to building Stormtrooper armour and Tie Fighter helms. Additionally, I wanted a UK based builder with plenty of experience which would also keep shipping affordable.

I decided to keep it 'plain Jane', just a standard black one, its not a Backstabber design ( the one with the grey tears) or Jolly Roger squadron and its not an Inferno squadron one either, although I was tempted.

Backstabber Tie - note the grey tear lines running down the cheeks

I opted for a helmet fully built in acrylic capped for the extra shine and one with bubble lenses. I've always loved the imperial helmet designs, having acquired the Black Series Vader helmet and a Stormtrooper helmet from New Image Props a few years ago, the Tie Fighter Pilot finishes my trilogy nicely. Wait time for the helmet from RWA Creations was about 5 weeks and the cost was £210 / $275 delivered. Ross, the guy who runs RWA is super friendly, very approachable and I contacted him through email with what I was looking for.

RS Props Tie build

There are a few builders out there that do some very nice Tie helms, RS Prop Masters based in Stockport was also UK based but a bit rich for my blood at £359. Armory Shop does an awesome build of the Inferno helmet for $234 without shipping but comes from Russia and I really didn't want issues with customs etc, given the events in Ukraine. 

Galactic Armory Tie Pilot kit

Galactic Armory based in the USA does a very nice 3D print kit for $120 not including shipping but that's probably more suited for a true self made custom build so plenty of sanding and finishing required and I simply don't have the workbench to sort that.

Chris the Prop Guy Tie Helmet (Backstabber variant with cheek tears)

ChrisThePropGuy also does an awesome Tie helm and the fit and finish on his Etsy store does look one of the better ones you can get, his Backstabber variant looks superb, he's based in Australia though. Finally the Andrew Ainsworth Tie comes in at a whopping £579 but states that it comes from original 1976 molds, therefore has screen lineage, that's fine if you want the essence of true screen lineage as collectors talking point, and while I'm a massive Star Wars fan I couldn't quite reach that budget.

Andrew Ainsworth Imperial Tie - (screen lineage from 1976 molds)

RWA Creations based in the UK produces a beautiful Acrylic Capped standard Tie Fighter helmet with bubble lenses, Here are some pics below of my newly acquired helm. Hoses will come later and I'm debating to add silver to the nose vents.

RWA Creations Tie fighter helmet in Acrylic Capped Vinyl

3 Star Wars Prop Builder Instagram Accounts you should be following

3 Star wars Prop Builder Instagram Accounts you should be following.

It's no secret that the Star Wars franchise has brought out the creative side of fans around the world and cosplayers and collectors factor into this in a big way.
The 501st legion have some strict guidelines for costuming under the Star Wars banner and attention to detail is key. Anovos recently entered the collectables market with screen accurate replicas of various costumes and armour from the saga, all of which is 501st certified.

On the slightly more cheaper 'unofficial' side is the home grown prop makers and creative souls that devote their creative skills into creating some of the best Star Wars replica props you can buy without the hefty price tag or waiting times through traditional storefronts like Anovos. You can message these guys through their Insta channels, main website or via Etsy.

Even if you're not looking to buy anything in the form of helmets or armour, these guys are well worth adding to the channels you follow on Instagram.

Jsin_Props

Currently knocking it way out of the ballpark with his latest run of superb looking Mando helmets, Jsin Props delivers some of the most sought after Star Wars props money can buy. If the Anovos wait times and high prices are something you don't want to endure as a collector and you still want that high quality finish and screen accuracy then consider buying your lid or armour from Jsin Props instead because this is his passion and how he earns a living.
Regular posts on his Insta feed really emphasize the sheer dedication and work he puts into the casting and finished products too.

RS Propmasters

There's a real passion behind this UK based team who produce screen accurate replica props, prices are in the higher end but there is at least some flexibility to either have armour in kit form or fully commissioned. Check out the Sandtrooper armour they have, it might set you back some serious cash but if you're looking for fully certified 501st approval then RS Propmasters are the go to guys. Not only do they build a wide variety of Star Wars lids but full armour, they also facilitate repairs and screen used restoration projects as well. Check out their YouTube channel for updates and regular vid blogs.

Armoryshop_official

Based in Russia these guys also produce some of the best looking Star Wars props money can buy, A Death Trooper Mk4 helmet will set you back $300 and a raw cast version will set you back $170. These guys are on the pulse too and even have the red Sith Trooper armour up for grabs at a cool $1200. All of the armor and helmets are 501st 'accepted' which means membership and trooping your armour are easily obtainable. Again, quality here really shines through and they have a well laid out shop in English with some great photos of the kits and casts they sell.

501st members pose for a photograph at the Star Wars Celebration event.