I figured i'd do something while watching the Band of Brothers mini series last weekend. I had a Vietnam M1 helmet but once i removed the camo covering and checked the markings i realized it was a WW2 Schulter helmet with a standard nam liner. Decided it would be a good base for a CA rescue helmet. I thought the hardest part would be matching up the paint. The screenused piece has an odd blue that looks almost black in very low light but is pretty much a pastel dark blue when lit well. Went to Lowes and found this Valspar Satin Indigo Streamer paint #85029. I have to say, i never thought it would look this good. Especially out of a can. I also bought some Valspar Satin White #85001 for the 'A'. Hardest part was scaling the 'A' and getting it on the helmet straight. Not sure i got it perfectly straight but it's OK. I ended up putting the helmet on and doing it in the mirror. Also gave it a final Testors dull coat to kill the semi gloss.
I also bought a "parachutist" liner on the bay. It's a 1983 vintage but will do. The real WW2 para liners are over $200 and more than i want to pay. I may just bleach the 83 OD liner webbing and dye it tan. Still waiting for it to come in. I am very happy with it so far. First 4 pics are what i used for reference and last pics are my helmet.
I also bought a "parachutist" liner on the bay. It's a 1983 vintage but will do. The real WW2 para liners are over $200 and more than i want to pay. I may just bleach the 83 OD liner webbing and dye it tan. Still waiting for it to come in. I am very happy with it so far. First 4 pics are what i used for reference and last pics are my helmet.
