Introduction

Live Resin is a resin aftermarket company from Russia, specialized in producing amazingly detailed modern figure weapon and accessory sets in 1/35 scale. Although oriented towards creating "non-organic" accessories, guys at Live Resin decided to use their 3D software know-how to expand their portfolio and sculpt their first "organic" accessories as well.

This review covers the second Live Resin head set available on the market: US Army Modern Heads (LRE-35068). The set consists of 5 heads designed to upgrade modern US Army figures.

Review

The US Army Modern Head set comes packed in a zip-lock bag safely secured between a firm cardboard (9x10cm). The CAD box art on the front shows all the different heads included in the kit, while the one on the back lists Live Resin offerings which could be used with these heads: MICH helmet and accessories (LRE 35019-35025) as well as PASGT helmet and accessories (LRE 35040-35044).

The set consists of 5 different heads in 1/35 scale. The grey resin looks really good and upon closer inspection I found no imperfections in the cast; even the tiniest and most delicate details are very nicely delivered in scale. The heads feature small protrusions on the top which serve as "anchoring points" for helmets. I tried fitting one of Live Resin ACH/MICH helmets to the heads and found the whole process extremely easy: the protrusion on the head connects nicely to a corresponding recess inside the helmet. The heads also feature slightly longer necks than usual. These will come in handy when fitting the head to the torso, allowing a good connection at almost any angle.

Each head included in this set is slightly different, with facial details suggesting diverse characters and races. The heads do not feature any specific expressions and are, in fact, identical to those offered in the first Live Resin US Army Modern Head set (LRE-35067). However, heads in this set are depicted wearing Peltor Comtac II Communications Headset. Comtac II is in widespread use throughout US Armed Forces; it combines sophisticated surround sound listening electronics with a slim-line profile cup designed for comfort under PASGT, MICH and ACH helmet. Modelers will need to add Comtac boom microphones themselves, while the rest of the AN/PRC-148 MBITR radio setup which could be used with Comtac II is available separately from Live Resin. Two heads in the set are also wearing ESS Crossbow Goggles, while one of the heads is sporting ESS Profile Goggles. All heads in this set are sculpted with 4-point chinstrap suspension system, which was adopted in 2003 for MICH/ACH helmets. Older PASGT helmets usually employed 2-point chinstrap suspension system, but could have also been upgraded with the 4-point chinstrap.

Measuring Live Resin heads to those from various resin figure manufacturers (Evolution Miniatures, Bravo6, Minisoldiers, NATO in Miniatures, Hobby Fan, Airborne Miniatures, Alpine Miniatures), I found a really good size compatibility to all of those figures. I also added several pictures to this review to show the results which can be achieved by combining various Live Resin accessory sets on a single figure. The pictures were taken from Live Resin website, but I'm sure average modelers can use the sets to get similar results on their figures as well. Anyway, most of these sets are (or will be) reviewed on Armorama, so be sure to check them out here.

Conclusion

Roger Saunders from Hornet Models earned his reputation by producing different resin head sets in 1/35 scale. A vast number of modelers find Hornet heads an essential element for their figure projects; these heads offer a huge improvement over standard plastic (or even resin) heads supplied in most figure kits.

Live Resin recently started producing modern US Army head sets which are size compatible with most US modern figures from various manufacturers. This Live Resin set feature heads equipped with Peltor Comtac II system. The heads are perfectly cast and have their facial features very well defined. Combining different helmets and helmet accessories, which are available separately from Live Resin, modelers have an option of making almost any headgear setup they desire.

Thanks to Yaroslav from Live Resin for this review sample.