72psb Posted May 21, 2019 Share #1 Posted May 21, 2019 There are no shortages of TOP GUN "Maverick" helmets for sale. I decided to recreate a REAL American Hero's flight helmet. Col.Robin Olds was a triple ace,WWII-Vietnam. On 23 Sept 67 he flew his last combat mission. This was officially his 100th mission,but actually his 152nd flown. This helmet represents the helmet flown that day. No issued helmets were hurt in making this reproduction. HGU-26/P shell and visor cover,visor modified to look like an early version.Liner and avionics and other parts sources as used or NOS. Any comments,questions or obscene gestures welcome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
72psb Posted May 21, 2019 Author Share #2 Posted May 21, 2019 additional pictures.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
72psb Posted May 21, 2019 Author Share #3 Posted May 21, 2019 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Rooster Posted May 21, 2019 Share #4 Posted May 21, 2019 Thats a really nice helmet with a lot of detail ( like the mig kills on the back) and a great tribute to a 3 war USA ACE! Great job! Rooster! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doyler Posted May 21, 2019 Share #5 Posted May 21, 2019 Very nice recreation.I always liked the camo jet helmets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blacksmith Posted May 21, 2019 Share #6 Posted May 21, 2019 Typo on the date of his last combat mission? I don’t think we were flying combat missions in 1976, but then again, you don’t become a triple ace by sitting around. . Great job on the helmet. How did you paint it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
72psb Posted May 21, 2019 Author Share #7 Posted May 21, 2019 Blacksmith, You are right.1967 would be correct.Rattle can and airbrush. Migs hand painted detail. Moderator note: Date corrected above. GWB123 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
viking73 Posted May 25, 2019 Share #8 Posted May 25, 2019 Looks really good Bob! Wonderful paint job. I really like it -Derek Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phantomfixer Posted June 4, 2019 Share #9 Posted June 4, 2019 Excellent job on the helmet...love it..great attention to detail.....took the liberty and posted the original next to yours...the helmet on display at the museum has the visor cover modified..I wonder when that happened.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
72psb Posted June 4, 2019 Author Share #10 Posted June 4, 2019 It was a fun project.Thanks for the kind comments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kammo-man Posted June 6, 2019 Share #11 Posted June 6, 2019 Now throw it in the trunk of your car with a few loos spanners and drive around for a month ! That will age it like nothing else. Good job. Very nice to look at. PS The original has fluffy edges from the spray gun. owen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
72psb Posted June 6, 2019 Author Share #12 Posted June 6, 2019 Owen, This was my first experience with an airbrush. I get your point about the edges.I will do some things different the next time around.Still a lot of fun doing it. Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phantomfixer Posted June 6, 2019 Share #13 Posted June 6, 2019 I think it is cool you replicated the chipping of the camo with the black paint underneath ...at least that is what it looks like in the pics Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
72psb Posted June 6, 2019 Author Share #14 Posted June 6, 2019 Yep,Judicious chipping with an eXacto knife. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kammo-man Posted June 7, 2019 Share #15 Posted June 7, 2019 Reglardless of my minor nit pic .......... You have done a fantastic job all round. !0 out of ten. owen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cggill85 Posted May 8, 2022 Share #16 Posted May 8, 2022 Great work! Inspiring me to make my own. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
littlegto Posted May 15, 2022 Share #17 Posted May 15, 2022 Very cool. Great work and I imagine it was a fun project. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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