Love the T-shirt, ironically I'm watching 'The Chase' at the moment
I know what you mean about props, they are not cheap, I've never gotten my hands on any of them or come close. Although I did make a TNG mark II phaser at middle school once, years and years ago.
Good luck in your endeavour, and while you're in the South-East, make sure you check out Forbidden Planet in London, it's on Shaftesbury Ave, and you can get there from Tottenham Court Road tube station
Like I said, good luck, or as I prefer, Jolan Tru.