New batting helmet bucket

Wow, that is amazing!! Were the upper cheeks hard to get curved like that? And what kind of glue did you use to hold it together? I'm thinking of using three pieces for the upper cheeks, but I was wondering how using two pieces worked out for you?

Can't wait for more pics!
 
Alan, like I stated before you have made a "where do I even begin" scratchbuild into a pleasure to build from the start. If you follow the plans and other members advice on the forums the helmet goes together without a hitch. You have done all the hard work and research and we are the ones who are benefitting. I wish you luck with your own helmet and thanks again.

I will probably make the ears out of the for sale signs and sheet styrene like the rest of the helmet with possibly an aluminum mount for the stalk and rangefinder.

The upper cheeks were the hardest part of the forming process. It is actually four pieces per side. I tried one piece and there was no way. Too many conflicting curves. I cut the original piece into four pieces (back corner, upper corner, middle curve and finally the lower cheek. If you look carefully you should be able to just make out where the lower three pieces are connected. I use super glue for the initial tacks then used Pro Weld liquid cement to join the sections. I reinforced the joints with a bead of super glue and accelerator. Thanks to everyone for the great feedback and I will keep you posted with my progress.
 
Here are some updated photos of my progress over the last couple of weeks. Concentrating on the keyslots and the entire back of the helmet. I used heat formed styrene for the keyslot insert by strapping the plastic to a 1 1/2" piece of plumbing pipe and using the boiling water technique to keep its shape. Attached template to the styrene and then cut out the keyslots. The rest of the insert is strip styrene and sheet. The last photos show the back with the first coat of primer applied. Ready for sand, prime, sand, prime... you know the drill. A question for anyone out there. The MQ1 casting I have has the lower section of circuit board but I do not see this section shown in any of the reference photos. Should I cut this lower section off and fill in around the casting with sheet to better match the MQ1 such as bobamaker's? Any help with this area would be appreciated.

Helmet 27.jpg


Helmet 28.jpg


Helmet 29.jpg
 
Just checking to see if anyone knew the answer to my MQ1 casting question I posted earlier. Would like to start the mount for it but need to know if I need to cut down my casting or not.
 
Just use the top portion of the MQ1. I cover the lower three keyslots with a smooth piece of plastic that I cut from a plastic drink cup from Krystals. It's already curved so it doesn't need to be heated or shaped. Just paint it the appropriate color and glue it in place.
 
They actually used the whole board, but since the lower half has so few features you really can't tell except in extreme close up pictures.

Alan

SD68 said:
Just checking to see if anyone knew the answer to my MQ1 casting question I posted earlier. Would like to start the mount for it but need to know if I need to cut down my casting or not.
 
wizardofflight said:
They actually used the whole board, but since the lower half has so few features you really can't tell except in extreme close up pictures.

Alan

Alan, are the ear pieces supposed to be mounted perpendicular and centered on the centerlines you have drawn in the top view of the helmet? I would like to get them mounted this weekend and any help would be appreciated. Thanks for the info on the circuit board.
 
Yes, that is what I found from my research, they should be perpendicular to the band at the base of the dome and centered. Only in the front view do they flare out at the base.

Looking forward to more updates. I haven't found the time to start work on my own yet. Still working on the gauntlet templates.

Alan

SD68 said:
Alan, are the ear pieces supposed to be mounted perpendicular and centered on the centerlines you have drawn in the top view of the helmet? I would like to get them mounted this weekend and any help would be appreciated. Thanks for the info on the circuit board.
 
Its been a couple of weeks and here is my latest progress. I have been working on the ear pieces. I knew things would slow down considerably when I reached these detail parts. Constantly checking and rechecking the reference photos has proved invaluable as well as TDH members help and advice. The photos show the construction of the left earpiece out of styrene which I heat formed to obtain the shape. Later I will post a template for the U-shaped piece in order to form the part correctly.

Thanks Alan for the positioning info on the ear pieces!:) The last photos show the mounting of the left earpiece and initial coat of primer. Plenty to fill and sand yet. Finally, their is the lower section of the right earpiece which I completed today and applied the first coat of primer.

Helmet 34.jpg


Helmet 36.jpg


Helmet 37.jpg


Helmet 40.jpg


Helmet 42.jpg


Helmet 43.jpg


Helmet 44.jpg


Helmet 45.jpg


Helmet 46.jpg
 
Thanks for the kind words. I wanted to thank Alan and TF for the info also on the depth of the vertical slot on the left earpiece.. TF your helmet is a masterpiece. I would like to do final shaping and filing on the visor opening. My question is this. Do I include the wavy brow or should I keep it straight? I am probably opening a can of worms on this one. Any help with the decision would be great.
 
The only word that comes to mind if "DAM!" They came out looking great. With your permission and proper credit I would like to add your ear templates to the helmet package. Do you have any in process pics?

As far as the brow is concerned, go with what looks good to you. I drew the templates based on a idealized version of the helmet that appeared on screen.

If you what to be 100% screen acturate go with the wavy brow. Most likely the only ones that will notice though are the folks on this board. Your right in that it is a "can of worms" everyone has an opinion on what is right, but it comes down to what looks good to you, after all you're the one that is going to be wearing it.

Great job!

Alan

P.S. If you want me to include you templates please send the info to wizardofflight@comcast.net
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Those ear pieces look great! Very sharp and clean. I would be tempted to leave out the wavy brow, you've gone for a symetrical scratchbuild i take it, not the warped approach, so i would say it's more in keeping with the helmets overall feel to keep the brow straight. It would be nice to see how those ears came together...:)
 
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