The telescope case brackets fit OK.
In fact, the scope sits better than I thought it would.
Yes, it is actually held in place with string in the photo. I don't have any leather straps yet.
Started on the upper shield locking mechanisms, and the latches were able to be placed in a way that doesn't look too ackward. Nothing like original setup, unfortunately, but that's my fault and I just have to wear it!
I did make a start on the spares box carrier, thanks to a neighbour who folded the parts for me. Got most of the welding done, but as it approached dusk the helmet had difficulties changing to/from weld flash, and I copped several closeup bursts in the eyes. Now partly blinded to shadows, I thought I could finish regardless. Made a significant error in one corner of the carrier, when I misloacted the MIG wire and blew a nice big hole in the metal. Attempted a remedy, and promptly jammed the wire into feed hozzle. Unable to clear this, the job came to a halt right then. I have a number of replacement tips, BUT do you think I can find them, noooooo!
Is anyone able to give me precise measurements for the spares box, and better still, some detail photos of the box itself? I would greatly appreciate that, because I will try to find a local wood wizard to build me one from scratch. We have a woodworks museum in Gympie, and one of the workers there (volunteers, mostly) may like to take on the commission to produce a replica for me. Besides, the gun itself is a fake anyway!