1:48 Chapeau de brousse Mod?le 49 (strap)

The real subject

The French field hat known as the chapeau de brousse modele 49 had a wide drooping brim that shaded the face and the neck. So that the wind would not take it off and so that it could be carried comfortably on the back, it had a chin strap. That strap is a rewarding detail on a figure: a strap under the chin, or hanging loose on the chest, immediately shows that the figure is on the move rather than standing to attention.

What you are buying

An accessory for figures in 1:48 scale, the hats alone in the version with a chin strap. The same subject is made in 1:35 and 1:72 scale as well, and a version without the strap is a separate item, so you can choose according to how the figure wears the hat. The hat can be fitted on the figure's head in place of the original headgear, or left hanging on the equipment.

Building and painting tips

• Cut the excess material off with a sharp blade a little way from the part and sand the remainder gently.
• The strap is the thinnest place on the part, so handle it carefully during cleanup and support it with a finger.
• Wash and degrease the part before painting.
• Set the strap apart from the canvas of the hat with a different shade, otherwise it will disappear on the finished figure.
• The right glue depends on the material of the parts, which the manufacturer states on the packaging.

Who it is for

For the figure modeler who builds French soldiers in the tropics and wants to give the figures movement. It also suits scenes where the figure has taken the hat off and hung it by the strap. Figures, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.