SKP Model has released this set of brass German WWII Helmets which contains five preformed helmets with an etched fret with 28 finely etched parts.

The helmets represent the M1935 or M1940 Helmet and are nicely formed with the contours matching well to photographs but unfortunately lack the two side air vents or the three rivets located at the sides and back of the helmet. The air vent design was the main difference between the M1935 and M1940 helmets and their absence makes it difficult to tell the exact type and these are presented in one form or another on most plastic kit or resin helmets.

For the inside there are the etched liners with fine details that easily form to the inner contours of the helmet and the etched straps provided can be fitted as required.

There were no instructions in my set so you will need additional images of the helmets for the strap placement but it’s fairly easy to work out where they go.

Also included on the etched fret are two part SS stencils to airbrush the crest onto the side of the helmet but care will be needed to ensure you line up the SS insignia with the shield crest.

As well there are two finely etched Feldgendarme’s gorget plates with a short lengths of chain which is designed to fit to the front of the appropriate figure with the chain resting against the lower collar.

The helmets are nicely formed with good contours but the lack of the air vents and rivets does let them down somewhat in representing the actual helmet detail. This inclusion of the nicely formed lining and straps makes the best use of these helmets in a diorama setting upside down showing the insides as this would hide somewhat the lack of rivet detail.

Recommended with reservations due to lack of river detail.

Thanks to SKP Models website for the review kit.