[jessclark]

I was going to make a Army Helicopter Crew Chief and had all the gear. I had the pilot helmet that came with the 21st AH-6 Little Bird figure but I had repainted it a few times. I was going to repaint it but I ran out of paint remover so i tried nail polish remover that contained acetone but it weaked the plastic and now the helmet is ruined. I was thinking of making my own helmet based of the Gentex HGU-56/P helmet and was going to use Sculpey and Fimo to make the basic shape and parts (ie. the helmet, NVG mount, cover for lense, and NVG battery box on back of the helmet). Can anyone tell me the best product to make the lense (perferable tinted black or clear)? I have attacked pictures to give you a general idea of what I want it to look like. Thank you for your time and any help you can give.

 

[maluis]

Jess,

Have you use OHP platic sheet yet, I'm sure that would work well for both black and clear. As you can bend and fold it to the shape you need.

Maluis

 

[jessclark]

Your talking about overhead projector sheets like in school right? If so thats a little thin fo what I need. I remember KAZ did a remake of his vietnam pilot helmet and he used something like the attachements below. Dose anyone know what he used?

 

[mx22]

For visors you can use clear styrene sheet. Form and cut it to the desired shape and then shoot it with clear paint (Tamiya makes them or I heard you can use food coloring for the same effect).

Alexei

 

[jessclark]

Clear styrene. Ill try it out. Now i need to get the credit card from the old man.

 

[fusilier1944]

Have you thought about cheap sunglasses? I know when I need something odd I just head to the local Dollar Tree and look around. They've got a good selection of tinted sunglasses that at $1 each it's ok if you screw up a couple pairs. They could be cut and possibly shaped with a flame or hot water, mind you I've never tried but it sounds feasible. You'll find the oddest things everywhere if you are looking with an open mind...

 

[mx22]

Glasses will most likely be too thick for the visor; not that it can't be done, but it will be a lot of work. Styrene is the way to go IMO.

Alexei

 

[fusilier1944]

Ah, but you've glossed over the point! I was just suggesting thinking "outside the box" and trying to do it easier and more effectively by using something pre-made that may not spring to mind right away. Who cares if the sunglasses would work, I was just brainstorming.

I personally would think "inside the box" for a project like this. Many of our figures come in plastic trays inside their boxes that support figures and equipment including helmets. One might be able to cut a symmetric piece of plastic from a recess in such a tray that could work perfectly though it would likely be untinted but that's already been covered above. Just thinking outloud...

 

[mx22]

Clear box could possibly work too, I'm just not sure how easy it would be to give it desired shape.

Alexei

 

[AV8TORJoe]

Hey Jessclark, I could sell you a spare 21st CT helo helmet if you're interested? Just send me a 'PM' and we'll work out the details. Thanks.

 

[thelastboyscout]

What pictures have you ATTACKED!!!

 

[major.rod]

You know I'm so tired of not being able to get this helmet. I've commisioned a sculptor to give it a shot. I'll let you know how it comes out. I expect to have the prototype in 60 days.

 

[mx22]

Does it mean you will offer them for sale?

Alexei

 

[major.rod]

I need to see what kind of interest there is before I had them manufactured in quantity for sale separately.

Thanks Alexi

PS

Do you remember when we spoke (on the phone)? I was asking you about HALO gear and trading? I was the retired Army dude from Brooklyn calling from Georgia.

 

[jessclark]

Well I didn't realy like the 21st Pilot Helmet since its used more with the 160th SOAR Nightstalkers. I was trying to go with what type of helmet used when many Army Helicopter crews had to rescue people that were stranded by Katrina. Also those pictures of the pilot helmets are currently the ones issued to pilots even though many prefer the older ones.

 

[Grunt1162]

I'd be interested in a couple of those helmets. Besides TUS and HT does anyone else make a helicopter helmet?