introduction

Besides releasing single or multi-figure kits representing U.S. Soldiers and Viet Cong forces of the Vietnam War; BRAVO-6 started to release complimentary kits. I wish this will be a start and they will continue producing more sets like that.

The kit B6-35027 Assorted M1 Helmets includes 10 helmets and some useful photo-etched parts.

about M1 helmet

M1 helmet is a combat helmet that was used by the American military from World War II until it was succeeded by the PASGT helmet beginning in 1985. For over 40 years, the M1 was standard issue for the U.S. military and naval forces, and has become an icon of the American military, with its design inspiring other militaries around the world.

M1 is made up of two “one-size-fits-all” parts; an outer shell, sometimes referred to as the steel pot, made of metal and a hard hat-type liner that is nestled inside the shell and contains the suspension system that would be adjusted to fit the wearer's head. Helmet covers and netting would be applied by covering the steel shell with the extra material tucked inside the shell and secured by inserting the liner.

In Vietnam War, M1 helmet was the soldier's standard headgear. A cloth helmet cover was designed with a disruptive camouflage pattern. The cover was reversible with leaf patterns in green or brown for fall or winter operations. The helmet cover also contained small slots for inserting natural foliage. The camouflage helmet band was designed to hold foliage in order to blend the helmet shape and color into the surrounding terrain. In Vietnam, this band more commonly held cigarettes, insect repellent, or an extra rifle magazine. Early in 1967, writing on helmet covers began. Most commonly seen were nick-names, names of girl friends, and names of home states or towns.

box

The kit comes well packed in standard BRAVO-6 light brown 50x80x25 mm cardboard box . The box has an interesting front cover displaying the imagination and creativity of Vladimir Demchenko. He changed the M-16 maintenance manual cover to an interesting kit label. You may see both of them on this link. On the other side of the box; e-mail address and website of the company is noted.

The helmets are represented with the casting blocks. Resin parts and photo-etched parts are seperately inserted in small plastic zip-lock bags to avoid unexpected damages during transfer.

kit content

The kit includes 10 M1 helmets. There were 7 types of helmets with different personal items in my sample.

Helmet with helmet band - 3 pieces

Helmet with helmet band and boonie hat brim inside

Helmet without helmet band

Helmet with M16 magazine attached to helmet band

Helmet with LSA oil and C-ration matches attached to helmet band

Helmet with M44 goggles

Helmet with 10 ammo clip attached to the helmet band

Helmet with cigarette pack, Zippo lighter, Chapstick - lipstick for sun burnt and insect repellant also called as Bugjuice attached to the helmet band

Besides the resin helmets, the kit includes a photo-etched metal plaque with 3 eye glasses, a bipod for M60 machine gun and a ladder sight assembly of M-79 40 mm grenade launcher.

conclusion

I can say the quality of the new helmets are better than the early BRAVO-6 figures of Platoon characters. This set can be used to replace the helmets of these figures or any other company 1/35 scale Vietnam figures as they really look good with different personal items.

Highly Recommended