Project completed: HGU-26/P helmet with MBU-5 mask, taped as VF-114 "Aardvarks"

[ties70]

Gentlemen,

what started as a "Covid-19 boredom project" had to pause during our year in Spain.

Now, after our return home, the project gained some momentum and is finished:

All parts were obtained separately, though a complete NOS GENTEX HGU-26 set with shell and complete visor gave me a headstart. The styrene absorbing liner is GENTEX , as well. The inner liner is a modern one from OregonAero, so are the triangular earpads.

The tape job was done by me in 3M series 580 1" tape, the same stuff the USN "Life Support" shops use for the military used helmets. Mask receivers were painted orange to match the squadron marking.

The mask is a mixture of parts from SIERRA and SCOTT. Overall, the set-up was chosen to resemble the helmet of a late Phantom, early Tomcat pilot.

Ties

 

[B-Man2]

Ties
That’s absolutely brilliant . Nice work.
You definitely have a gift and an artistic talent. Me ……. Ahh no …. Not so much .

 

[ties70]

Thanks!

Next in line...a cracked / repaired replica HGU-55 Shell:

And after that? A start from scratch....

Shells are made by a guy from Singapore, and molded after an original HGU-55 in size larger.

Ties

 

[London Cabbie]

Gentlemen,

what started as a "Covid-19 boredom project" had to pause during our year in Spain.

Now, after our return home, the project gained some momentum and is finished:

View attachment 65158

View attachment 65159

View attachment 65160

View attachment 65161

View attachment 65162

All parts were obtained separately, though a complete NOS GENTEX HGU-26 set with shell and complete visor gave me a headstart. The styrene absorbing liner is GENTEX , as well. The inner liner is a modern one from OregonAero, so are the triangular earpads.

The tape job was done by me in 3M series 580 1" tape, the same stuff the USN "Life Support" shops use for the military used helmets. Mask receivers were painted orange to match the squadron marking.

The mask is a mixture of parts from SIERRA and SCOTT. Overall, the set-up was chosen to resemble the helmet of a late Phantom, early Tomcat pilot.

Ties

Amazing, not something I’m into but appreciate your endeavour. Can I ask is it possible to buy a vintage original..?

 

[917_k]

Can I ask is it possible to buy a vintage original..?

Yes…

Started collecting them last year. HGU-26’s are on the far right (got loads more, will have to share some photos some time).

 

[Flightengineer]

Great and big job @ties70

And a lovely collection @917_k - they probably cost a lot of money.

 

[ties70]

Yes…

View attachment 65195

Started collecting them last year. HGU-26’s are on the far right (got loads more, will have to share some photos some time).

You don't have by any chance an MBU-12 you want to part with ?

 

[917_k]

You don't have by any chance an MBU-12 you want to part with ?

I’m sorry I don’t. I only have 1 MBU-12, the one you see in that photo with the HGU-26, which I’m keeping hold of for the moment. The rest of my masks and helmets are all earlier.

 

[ausreenactor]

Stunning work Ties.