1:48 German Tropical Pith Helmet

German tropical helmet 1:48

This is a separate modeling accessory for builders of figures and dioramas in 1:48 scale. It can be used in two ways: as headgear fitted to a figure in place of the original, or as a piece of gear laid aside in a scene, that is, on a crate, on the bed of a vehicle or hung on a belt. Check the number of pieces in the package and the exact material of the casting on the packaging.

The real subject

The tropical helmet was part of the gear of German units deployed in North Africa and the Mediterranean in the years 1941 to 1943. It consisted of a light body of cork or felt covered with cloth, with a brim all around and a leather chin strap. It served above all as protection against the sun, not as a protective helmet, and during the campaign it was increasingly replaced in front-line service by a field cap or a steel helmet. For building a scene it is a useful detail: a tropical helmet laid aside looks more credible than a whole unit wearing one.

Usage tips

The part is very small in this scale, so separate it with a sharp scalpel or a fine saw and work over a light mat from which an escaped casting can be found. Degrease the surface before painting and apply a thin layer of base, or the paint will hold poorly on the smooth casting. Choose a muted sand to khaki shade; the relief of the cloth cover is helped by a darker wash and very fine drybrushing. The surest way to glue is with super glue; when fitting it to a figure's head a small pin of thin wire helps.

Who the accessory is for

• For builders of figures and dioramas in 1:48 scale.
• For modelers putting together scenes from the desert and Mediterranean campaign.
• For collectors of small pieces of gear who want to give figures individuality.
• For more experienced modelers, because working with a part of this size calls for a steady hand and good light.