Kropserkel helmet

[Frank75139]

So some time in February Kropserkel was having a sale on helmets. With the current warping issues to my helmet I decided to jump on it for $99. Package came the other day and I was able to get it out today and look at it. Everything seems sturdy, and it’s mainly trimmed with some clean up needed.

 

 

 

I’m quite excited about this because I bought my helmet prebuilt second hand so this will be a first for me, I’ve got some background building my TK helmet though. Obviously I wanted to jump right in and start something so I followed the Kropserkel YouTube video and started with the decals. I don’t have a steady hand when it comes to this stuff and painted most of my TK helmet but I’m happy with the outcome.

 

 

 

At this point I’m hoping I can do some sanding this weekend and get back to building next week. Unfortunately being a first responder I still have to work so that’ll take up some time. If anyone has any experience or knowledge they want to pass on it’s appreciated.

 

 

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[BikerScout007]

It's looking really good!  I did one of these myself not too long ago.

One piece of advice I'd give is to forget about riveting the face shield to the main helmet and instead get the correct 3M bolts:

They are very easy to install in the helmet, as I have done here:

http://forum.501stpathfinders.com/index.php?/topic/19818-speedglas-bolt-assembly/&tab=comments#comment-179127

 

[Frank75139]

It's looking really good!  I did one of these myself not too long ago.

One piece of advice I'd give is to forget about riveting the face shield to the main helmet and instead get the correct 3M bolts:

[/url] They are very easy to install in the helmet, as I have done here:

http://forum.501stpathfinders.com/index.php?/topic/19818-speedglas-bolt-assembly/&tab=comments#comment-179127

 

 

 

 

I was actually gonna look for that post tonight I knew it was somewhere. Thanks for the link.

[Frank75139]

Ok did some clean up work today on the new helmet.






Still gotta work on the ears, they proved to be a bit annoying.





After the pics I did some more ear hole rounding then painted the inside black.




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[Stroker]

They can be! Looks like your in the home stretch with them! Just a little shaping and smoothing out!

[Frank75139]

So I knew I’d make a mistake eventually. But first off, I did what I could with the ears, from a distance I don’t think they look bad, up close they could use more sanding but I didn’t feel I was getting the effect I wanted with all the tools I was using so I moved past it. I’m not a perfectionist and I know at times that’s frowned upon (not in a bad way, if you get what I’m saying) but I learned with my TK that minor imperfections make you unique. Im fairly sure no kid will point out how my ears aren’t perfect. I did another coat of the black inside and a bit got on the outside and kinda made a streak. It’s ok I’ll be weathering it in the end. Then I used speaker cloth for the ear holes. I know the level two calls for nothing but I like keeping it blocked and the use of speaker cloth allows some airflow and keeps it looking closed. Now on to what progress I have.

 

The Kropserkel YouTube directions are good but the person doing the build does it with ease and makes it look so easy (he actually talks about it in the video) but it’s not as easy for those with little knowledge, again I’m not knocking the video it’s very well done. I had some issues connecting the top piece to the side piece. Watched the video and did the tape method as suggested and couldn’t and it recommends rivets to hold it. Unfortunately I wasn’t prepared so I didn’t have rivets. I did have small screws so I figured I’d be able to use the screw to hold things in place. Well, I fought with it and fought with it and finally figured maybe if I put a screw in there to hold it that would help align it. So I did, now enter the mistake. After all that fighting with it and putting it down and picking it up, I ended up securing it upside down. I couldn’t believe I did it. All in all it’s not a horrible mistake, the holes (circled in red) will be covered when the mask is down so it’s a relief. I think the tape they recommended is holding and I placed a small dab of E6000 under the clamps to help hold it in place for now.

 

 

 

I then had to finish sanding the visor and attach that. I used the tape method the recommended then again I placed a small amount of E6000 under the clamps to help hold it in place.

 

 

I was going to install the lenses that Mae with it but wasn’t sure how to cut them. It really doesn’t hit on that in the video. I was debating on skipping the included lenses and getting the welders lens a lot of people use from amazon. I hear it’s a bit easier to work with, so if you have suggestions please let me know.

 

 

 

As of now I’m at a stand still. I ordered the correct hardware from the forum so I’m waiting on that to get here. I’m in no hurry, this will eventually get done.

 

 

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[Frank75139]

This happened today


Uggh I’m so frustrated with this whole project I’m half tempted to scrap it.


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[Harbinger]

Just means the universe forced your hand into getting the welding lens.

[Frank75139]

Just means the universe forced your hand into getting the welding lens.

Not sure what I’m gonna do. I’m not happy with how it is turning out and not sure if I want to sink another $10 into something I may not wear. The TK bucket was so much easier to build


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[Aradun]

Frank,

What are you using to cut it?


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[Frank75139]

Frank,

What are you using to cut it?


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I used a jigsaw with a metal blade. Cut the whole thing nicely then I did the area around the nose and it cracked in half. Literally the last cut.


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[Aradun]

I think a jigsaw may have a little bit too much force to it when you get to thinner areas like the bridge. A scroll saw might be better if you have access to one.

 

If all you have is a jigsaw then making a rough cut by cutting about 0.25 inches away from your cut line and avoiding turning into the bridge completely. Then use a dremel with sanding bit to sand away the remainder up to your cut line. It will take longer but will give you a cleaner finish and should prevent the lens from cracking under pressure when you get to the bridge.

 

 

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[Chopper]

The welding lens is definitely the easier option for the lens -- I cut mine with a pair of lexan scissors and an emory board. 

I'd certainly recommend you go that way, if you plan to continue the helmet build. 

[Frank75139]

The welding lens is definitely the easier option for the lens -- I cut mine with a pair of lexan scissors and an emory board. 
I'd certainly recommend you go that way, if you plan to continue the helmet build. 

I’m not happy with how the face closes. I’m gonna try and give it a hot bath and work from there. I saw your post earlier this month about the lens so I’ll go that route.


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[Frank75139]

I think a jigsaw may have a little bit too much force to it when you get to thinner areas like the bridge. A scroll saw might be better if you have access to one.
 
If all you have is a jigsaw then making a rough cut by cutting about 0.25 inches away from your cut line and avoiding turning into the bridge completely. Then use a dremel with sanding bit to sand away the remainder up to your cut line. It will take longer but will give you a cleaner finish and should prevent the lens from cracking under pressure when you get to the bridge.
 
 
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I tried going slow, apparently not slow enough. Was working with what I have.


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[Aradun]

Sorry Frank.  If we were’t dealing with all this covid-19 stuff and social distancing craziness, we could make arrangements for an armor party and I could bring some of my tools.  That welder’s mask looks like it might be the better way to go.  

[Frank75139]

Sorry Frank.  If we were’t dealing with all this covid-19 stuff and social distancing craziness, we could make arrangements for an armor party and I could bring some of my tools.  That welder’s mask looks like it might be the better way to go.  

I always thought it would be the better way but I figured might as well use what I have and save a few bucks

 

I appreciate the offer

 

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[Chopper]

4 hours ago, Frank75139 said:

I’m not happy with how the face closes. I’m gonna try and give it a hot bath and work from there. I saw your post earlier this month about the lens so I’ll go that route.

What's the issue with the face plate closing? 

[Frank75139]

What's the issue with the face plate closing? 

The bottom chin area on the helmet flares out further then the face plate so it doesn’t close properly. I think a hot bath will help bring that in a bit so it fits better.


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[Burpo]

3 hours ago, Frank75139 said:

The bottom chin area on the helmet flares out further then the face plate so it doesn’t close properly. I think a hot bath will help bring that in a bit so it fits better.


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My KS is the same way. I got angry at it and ordered an Altmann.

I had assumed that mine was a warped piece from sitting in a box for 4 years before I unpacked it last week to start working on it. Sounds like I need to go at mine with a heat gun. 

Gonna keep an eye on this one and see how it comes together and see if I can get inspired to give mine another go. 

[Chopper]

Remember that the scout helmet visor doesn't need to close absolutely perfectly.

A lot of folks use this image as the gold standard of how the visor should close --

That's actually the stunt helmet! The reason the visor is so flush is because the face plate doesn't open at all.

So, without having seen photos of where your face plate is at, remember that some side gap is totally ok. You can see a number of variations in the photos below.

[Frank75139]

I’m kinda back on track a bit. After some scout stew I was able to get the cheeks back in to where they are easier for me to close.


I am not as consented with it being a perfect fit just want it to close properly. I didn’t take before pics but this is a substantial difference.


Now if I can get the front to fit properly I’ll be a bit more happy. I’ve got the bolts (from the forum) and the stem is a bit too short to use with the metal spacer bracket things (which is the side that flairs out further), so I might just leave them out. Gonna mess with it some more and see where it ends up. New shield was ordered and should be here this weekend. Any suggestions are welcome as always.

With all this Corona junk going on the bosses modified my shift at work so I’ve got a few open days before the weekend. Hoping I can mess with the front and get a better fit, then shield and weathering this weekend.


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[Frank75139]

Was able to do some weathering today. Tried to keep it light, just enough to take the pure white out of it.


(Still want to try and fix up that eyes)








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[Frank75139]

Calling this project done. Still not happy with the eyes but I’m not going to worry about it. The helmet closes properly and fits me well. This was an interesting project that helped me learn a few things for the next build (unless I buy premade). This one will probably sit on a shelf for me to mess around with at home, I don’t think any of my neighbors will pick up on the subtle issues with it.








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