That's the next stage done:
I started today with the helmet. I found the easiest way to do it was to paint on the pattern in the various basic colours, then shade and highlight each patch individually. It took a while, but I found the process very enjoyable. I decided on a packet of Malboro, as that way the lettering is hidden under the helmet band (lazy, I know) - the cigarette packet is the wrong shape, but I think it looks reasonable.
There are no straps included with the kit, so the next stage was to make some. As the scale is larger than usual, I used a thin card to get the right thickness. The chin straps utilise some
Miniart Napoleonic buckles with bits of card and metal foil - the result is not totally accurate, but has a semblance of the real thing. I did the same with the M79 strap, adding wire to make the attachment ring - the card wrinkled convincingly when bent, which was a bonus.
I placed him on the final base at this stage, as the last step is to paint and attach the various pouches, which will make later handling difficult.