Modelling: Helmet Crests

[Durus]

I scribbled around a little. So here's how I do mine:

 

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/7383/crestsue7.jpg

 

1. Take a plastic head and clean it up. Glue it on the Marine's torso or body if you have him assembled already (doesn't really matter, as this is just to make sure there are no problems with assembly later on). Dynamic poses look even better if the hair picks up the movement.
   
2. Add the boxy shape on the head, using the sensor to get the edges straight. Let this dry.
   If you aren't happy with the shape you've got, cut and sand till it looks as desired.
   
3. Drill holes through the box into the head and glue some pins into place.
   
4. Cover the Pins with GS and shape it to have a crescent top edge. Leave space on the sides of the box for further modelling. I do this to have a rigid structure underneath the next layer of GS. The "base structure" should be only a little smaller than the final haircrest, otherwise it doesn't provide enough stability. Let this dry.
   
5. Add the Hair by sculpting another boxy shape. I usually add a little "ponytail" because I like the way it looks (can already be done in stage 4. ) Don't forget to press the marines backpack into the GS, though when it's still mouldable. Otherwise you might end up with problems while assembling the marine. Let this sit for about 20 minutes or so.
   
6. Use a hobby knifes blade to add the hair structure to the sides and a needle to sculpt the top of the hair. Let this dry.
   Further decorations are optional (trims, bolts, eagles, wings etc...)
   

 

Hope this is useful to somebody. It is really easy to do and the results are (If I may say so ;) ) pretty good.

[Durus]

Took some pics ;)

 

There are Khorne Berzerker and Templar heads in there, as well as one of the "old" new metal veterans. The last pic is a conversion with the crest from an alcatani pikeman (as they are often mentioned when this topic comes up). This has actually been my first approach, but considering the amount of work that went into getting the crest off the pikemen i just resorted to using GS as it is by far less work intesive... :sweat:

 

Click to see more

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/9515/helmetsexamplevo5.th.jpg

 

+++Forgot to mention that the first pics are from a assaultsquad sarge. Just to show that they're still looking good with jumppack :blink: +++

[The Normish]

Much better than my technique of just slapping it on, and hoping it ends up looking like a helmet crest after a little frustration and tears.

[Bloodmange]

Or you could always use these...

 

http://www.secretweaponminiatures.com/inde...;products_id=65