Article about: Here's a restored M40 I recently picked up from a friend who digs in Western Ukraine. It was found in a trench on the modern day border between Sumy and Kharkov Oblasts, which would place th
VERY nice job on your first helmet! I have been restoring them for 10 years now, and have done over 50 German, Japanese, Vietnamese, etc. There are various levels of restoration you can accomplish, including (1) Just issued, (2) Battle vet, with heavy wear, and (3) 70 years on. I personally like the battle vet. Refurbish a helmet that has met with the indignity of poor paint jobs (usually black for some reason), then nick it about the top and sides with metal implements. Sand for extra wear, apply soot, and you have the combat vet. A lot of fun to do, and you can achieve a very realistic appearance.
Actually, it took less time than I thought. I've never tried this sort of thing before, but inspired by various posts on the forum I 'had a go'. The shell was in pretty good shape ( except for some rust holes and a very big stress crack, not visible in the photo ). It wasn't a from-the-river-bed relic ( the serial number on the nape is still visible ) and I have to say, the result has turned out looking rather better than I thought it would........
Certainly not one for the purists, but a nice display item for me at a very reasonable cost and actually quite a bit of fun working on it........
Thanks ! Actually, since posting the pic I realised that the flash on my camera doesn't really do it justice - the real thing looks a couple of shades darker.......
Anyway, all-in cost including shell, secondhand repro liner from e-bay, pins, decal and paint ( I already had the filler, primer and sanding sheets ) came to about £75 and at least I'm secure in the knowledge that I've 'faked' it myself !
Thanks ! Actually, since posting the pic I realised that the flash on my camera doesn't really do it justice - the real thing looks a couple of shades darker.......
Anyway, all-in cost including shell, secondhand repro liner from e-bay, pins, decal and paint ( I already had the filler, primer and sanding sheets ) came to about £75 and at least I'm secure in the knowledge that I've 'faked' it myself !
You are welcome buddy. and a very reasonable price, that's a very good point too you know it's a repro/fake
Thanks ! Actually, since posting the pic I realised that the flash on my camera doesn't really do it justice - the real thing looks a couple of shades darker.......
Here's a pic taken later in the day in natural daylight, no artificial light or flash at all.....
Bookmarks