It's been a while but at last I have some photos of Brad prototype. He's not finished and the face needs more painting, it's only had an initial coating as I have been busy making uniform patterns and uniforms. The pictures are a bit small once compressed and it's a bit hard to see the face but once it's painted up better I'll get some closer ones to compare to Brad's mug shots.

I made a mae west - the pommy one that ties up in the front, not the American one that slips over the head but after closer inspection of the photos I've finally decifered it and my version is actually a little bit wrong! It will have to do for the time being til I get a moment to redo the pattern. The inflatable bit goes in a panel with a rounded bottom, up the front and around the back of the neck - which makes sense. I've made the whole front panel and the neck bit padded. There's a lot more detail you could add like the pockets and tubes but for the moment I think I'll leave it like that Brad and move on. The general effect is there. There are parachute harnesses etc but the 1/6th range of accessories like oxygen masks actually fit the 1/5 heads and look OK. I've got a 1/6 oxygen mask, so I'll take a photo and show you the fit.

The clothing really is quite easy to sew if anyone is wanting to have a go or get someone to make it for them. Now that the patterns are drawn it's quite a straight forward process. I was thinking of doing a little youtube video or just some instructions with photos in here maybe? Would that be of use to anyone, or are you waiting for the fully moulded, paintable pilots instead?

I couldn't resist putting big Eric in as well, he's such a cheery looking chap

I have a snoring puppy beside me so better put her to bed, til next time ...


cheers
Patti