I haven't had enough time today to get started, so I've done some research on the net instead.

I found a few interesting sites.

This one gives a quite detailed description, of how corsets are made, and the history and 'uses' of corsets.

This one is a UK site selling all the supplies needed to make corsets (boning, stays, and busks etc).

And another supplies site.

So having looked around and found sites that sell the metal boning, I think I might go for that instead of the bendy nylon, because it gives much more rigidity to the corset. That's how I think a corset should be.

spiral boning

The more rigid the better ;D

The one in the photo allows for some sideways movement (for more comfort), whilst giving vertical rigidity. Perfect.