Most people who build diorama's will use plastic injection moulded figures from manufacturers such as Dragon, Masterbox and Tristar. Whichever figures they use, most modeller's will want to replace the heads with those from the Aftermarket resin manufacturers, and there are plenty to choose from, as indicated by this new set from Warriors being German Head set number 66.
the heads
You get six heads in a small transparent plastic bag with a cardboard header. The heads are in the normal cream coloured, brittle VLS resin. All are attached to their pouring blocks at the top of their helmets, which is far from ideal and leaves a marked surface at the top of the helmet which then has to be sanded down. It would be far better to have the blocks at the base of the neck which will fit inside the figures tunic, and which will probably have to be trimmed to achieve a good fit anyway.
The detail on each of the faces is somewhat soft, although the ear definition is good on all of the heads and there is a good undercut to each of the helmets. The helmets however, are like no other I've seen. They resemble first World War helmets with regard to their shape, and looking through the books I have I couldn't really find a match.
None of the faces show any character, and instead are just plain, expressionless faces.
conclusion
Given that I didn't find the faces inspiring, the poring blocks are in the wrong place, and the shape of the helmets is wrong, I can't even recommend this set with reservations.
SUMMARY
A set of cheap, resin replacement heads from Warriors out of the VLS stable. Six heads, with blank expressions and strange helmets.
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From the photos, I think the helmets are the 1918 "cavalry" helmet which had cutouts in front of or above the ear (haven't got my references with me).
So when viewed from the front, it looks as if the sides of the helmet are like flaps.
John[/quote]
The helmets on the heads represent the Luftschutz helmet.
Luftschutz was a Civil Defense type of organisation, engaged in tasks such as relief duties after air raids - kind of like the British ARP.
Plenty of info about German helmets here - interesting to note that the Luftschutz organisation used several types of helmet during their existence.
A quick Google search brings up a mountain of information on the organisation.
It's also possible/likely that these helmets were worn by Volksturm personnel...
$0.02
acav out
Hello,
This is the Luftschultz helmets. They were worn by AA batteries firemen and the Volkssturm. They came in colors from black to blue and i once saw a white one with a red cross on it. Also called the Gladiator helmet. Some carried a decal on the front with the words Luftschultz. I hope this helps. Regards Brock
I have not come accross (m)any pictures of these helmets, and definitely not for the Volkssturm, who seem to have been issued mainly with field caps or 'ordinairy' helmets, if not with just an armband. That's not to say they where not worn...
Mind you, expressionless perhaps, but then Herr Schumacher was never one for overt emotions...
Cheers
Henk
Well nice to get some kind of resolution on this one, I still stand by my previous point that Warriors should consider a revision of their system of labelling the products...
Putting the puring stub on TOP of the helmet is also an 'issue' they should deal with - plenty of space below the neck...
No doubt... But are we certain that the 'stub' isn't part of the helmet? And I agree with the Mr. Branigan that they are quite uninspiring expressions... Looks like a police line-up...
They are in fact Luftschutz helmets and were issued to the volksturm, but were not general issue to them(if there was such a thing). On a side note, I have had a couple of these heads for sometime now got them direct from John Rosengrant or Chris Mrosko and inspite of the mould plug they are quite nice.
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