Hi Romski,
Welcome! Really happy that the interest is spreading. It's also very fulfilling to know that what we do for fun also inspires others to pursue their historical interests, which ultimately means induces learning.
As an airborne re-enactor (living historian or whatever you may call it), I'd like to start off with three points: 1) I'm happy with your choice (more on the team) 2) 506th 101ABN is really usually the starter (because of BoB) and 3) Airborne loadouts are very expensive if you decide to go for all the details (they had A LOT OF STUFF).
Just for reference, I completed four airborne loadouts: 1) 82nd abn pathfinder, 2) 82nd abn 5th grade technician, 3) 101st abn pathfinder, 4) 101st abn seargent. All with different jumpsuits, webbing, helmets, and guns. It was hella fun, but really expensive.
But there is always a cheaper way.
JUMPSUIT:
You can have this locally made. In fact, I may have M1942s that were only used once. I'll check if my nephews won't use them anymore (we replaced them with ATFs). They were made by Junrey (09182582486). His work is good, but some of the finer details wont' be addressed if you don't stress them.
If money is no object, I recommend you get from At the front (ATF).
www.atthefront.com. Jumpsuits here start at $125.
You can have it shipped via UPS (5-day delivery time), but because ATF doesn't undervalue, you'll usually get taxed and UPS is expensive. Another option is EMS. I choose UPS because I want that peace of mind that it will indeed arrive.
You just have to decide whether you want a Sicily impression (M1942 Standard), Normandy impression (M1942 Standard or Reinforced), or a Market Garden impression (M1943).
HELMET:
I'm sure you can get steel pots and plastic liners locally.
I got my helmets from ATF for $95 each while they were on sale.
For high-end ones, you can get from Top Pots.
www.toppots.net (I use this site for reference on camo spraying, insignia, etc.)
WEBBING & GEAR:
We're also selling some of our stuff. You just have to base it around your weapon of choice.
We usually buy from...
What Price Glory (www.onlinemilitaria.net): 3-4 days waiting time. They undervalue so you don't get taxed. Based in UAE. RECOMMENDED!
HIKISHOP: Long waiting time. I only bought from them once and they messed up my order. The others buy from them, though. So I may be an isolated case.
Service of Supply: For the little details like smoke grenades, camo scarves, etc.
Sonia's (c/o Albert Labrador, 09189793674): Made in India. Awesome stuff too.
BOOTS:
Contact Ner Lorenzo (09208249443). His reproductions are top notch.
WEAPON:
You can always get a CYMA M1928A, which was used in the Normandy campaign as well.
The round mag can be replaced by a King Arms stick mag which (along with a few cosmetic modifications) turns it into an M1928A1. We use this also.
The King Arms M1A1 is awesome. The 17k price tag is worth it. This is my primary weapon.
You can also get the STG44 at MAS. This was usually used as a captured weapon.
You can check my Airborne Thread here, as reference:
ww2airsoft-asia.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=us&action=display&thread=655Hope this helps.
Noel
