Mal Reynolds Suspenders: IDF vs US LC-1

[HeroOfThePeople]

Hello RPFers,

A Mal costume is on my someday list and I periodically come back to the idea and do more research. Lately I've seen fewer and fewer sources for the correct IDF H back suspender sets. By the time I do get around to doing the costume I'm concerned I'll have difficulty getting an accurate IDF set. I have no timeline on this costume, like I said its on my someday list, so I can be patient, take my time, watch the surplus sites and the 'Bay.

What I'm wondering about is as a worst case if I do decide to do this can't find the right set, I'm looking into adding some backup plans/plan Bs to my research.

Which brings me to the point of this post. Has anyone looked at the more readily available US LC-1 harness set next to the proper IDF set? How do they stack up. A few obvious concerns off the top of my head are the differences in materials and how noticeable it may be, and subtle variations in the style/pattern. Any other thoughts about one vs the other if it comes to that?

~Hero

 

[greylocke]

Do you mean the M-1956 H back suspenders? I'm not familiar LC-1, which is why I'm asking

 

[Metalrain647]

the biggest difference i have seen is the style of the padding, the lc-1 have thick shoulder padding which is part of the strap, and while no to a common person there will be no texture difference to the untrained eye, but they are two completely different poly, synthetic blends and thread size.

 

[Sundowner]

I dont know how handy you are with a needle but you could get some thick canvas and create your own. Just a thought.

 

[greylocke]

the biggest difference i have seen is the style of the padding, the lc-1 have thick shoulder padding which is part of the strap, and while no to a common person there will be no texture difference to the untrained eye, but they are two completely different poly, synthetic blends and thread size.

I was unsure, as my hiking gear uses LC-2 straps, which are rather thick.

 

[HeroOfThePeople]

I dont know how handy you are with a needle but you could get some thick canvas and create your own. Just a thought.

I do a lot of sewing, and am fair to middling, and had considered constructing my own. While I can sew pattern drafting, especially without being able to put my hands on an original, give it a look-see and take some measurements is something I'm more apprehensive about.

the biggest difference i have seen is the style of the padding, the lc-1 have thick shoulder padding which is part of the strap, and while no to a common person there will be no texture difference to the untrained eye, but they are two completely different poly, synthetic blends and thread size.

The padding was one of my worries. I'm working entirely from pictures: screen caps from the series, web pictures of the IDF harness, web pictures of the LC-1, etc.

Thanks for the replies, more are welcome.

~Hero

 

[HeroOfThePeople]

Do you mean the M-1956 H back suspenders? I'm not familiar LC-1, which is why I'm asking

I was not familiar with the M-1956 until you brought them up. The don't seem to have the padding issue metalrain mentioned with the LC-1.

Also according to Wikipedia the M-1956 was canvas so its a better material match. Though they have square ends as opposed to the half hexagon ends of the IDF braces.

More to think on.

~Hero

 

[das 1]

try a bren gun tripod carry harness in british 37 pattern webbing add dark brown polish and leather braces bottoms, the harnesses are still reasonabley plenty ful on the uk surplus market and not to expensive probably about 10 to 15 pounds , try platoon in BURY England Lancashire Albion Mill he may still have a few but its been some time since I was there , they do have a web site but am not sure of the address but you will find it pretty easy.