John, as you and I have big melons, I personally would prefer such a bucket on the larger size. If it's too small, then it would just be a display piece. The size of an Altmann or a KS biker scout helmet works well for me.
Welcome aboard John and Lewis. Great to see you on this board. I know your efforts will develop another great suit. Pathfinders, to see any example of one of their hyper-firm weapons, check Army Scout's Rubber Blaster interest thread.
From what I understand, 12" rights have been transferred to Sideshow. I strongly suspect that they will do a BARC (along with other armored troopers) correctly as possible.