Not really, IMHO. The DDR helmet is almost conical (about as wide as they are long) but with a rounded top part, whereas the Dutch helm, nieuw model was much more streamlined in shape and definitely narrower than it was long.
(Romanian helmets were almost identical to the Dutch one, because the Romanians ordered them from the Netherlands in the 1930s, though with some small changes.)
Actually Jakko, I have discovered a method of reproducing Strichtarn in 1:35. I admit to it being obviously over-scale but then, to me an effect is better than no effect if you get what I mean.
See my Grepo efforts below; the figure isn’t quite completed yet (story of my modelling life) but I’m happy enough with it – just about:
The final pic shows the means – a pen of very small calibre in an appropriate colour. You may not agree of course, but as I say, an effect is accomplished(!)
PS: For info the figure is from Valkyrie and at some stage, will be reunited with his dog.
Cut little stamps in some spongy material?
Sort of like pad printing?
IMHO, it depends. If it looks close to scale, then I agree — but if it’s so much overscale that you can tell immediately, then no effect is better, if you ask me.
I’ve used that trick myself too, a long time ago. Trouble always is that pens this thin dry out on me 
I do indeed take your point re scale; I decided to use the pen method on my NVA figures as otherwise - in my opinion - a plain earth-grey finish was just, well, too bland as it were. Of course, by using the same logic of applying a technically over-scale finish of the “rain drops” I should have used the same method when I tackled my BGS figures - but didn’t - even though their cam pattern also includes “rain drops”:
Perhaps the BGS pattern is busy enough. As I say though, I thought the NVA Strichtarn required some application. And you’re right - my pen too has since dried out!
I see you’re one of the few people who also built the Verlinden Mowag Piranha 4×4
Well spotted Jakko! yes, I did it some time ago (and then it all withered on the vine during construction/completion); it’s on the site as “Bundesgrenzschutz Sonderwagen”. Of course, the BGS never actually used the Verlinden-type Mowag I selected, but I’m not a very capable scratch- builder yet I wanted a vehicle to represent that angularity of what they did use, as I so wanted to depict that juxtaposition of Wehrmacht-type equipment with more modern vehicles:
I just built mine as the prototype I know Nigeria used Piranha 4×4s but not, IIRC, with the remote machine-gun turret, so that kind of limited the options a little.
Well, at least two of us have built it! I’ve never seen any others on the display tables that’s for sure.
Here’s mine next to the Piranha PWI I’ve been building, at a modeller meeting I went to about a month ago:
Let’s try a close-up:
Good to see Jakko! Good to see.
There were times during the build when I didn’t think I’d get to this stage! And it’s not brilliant either so don’t look too closely.
Anyway, although I nearly put the whole project on hold to wait for ACE Models’ version,I decided to carry on. Still some considerable work on the vehicle required: I have to wrestle the screen into position and hope it survives. I need to manufacture a blue light and support stanchion, and install the Driver, which is causing me considerable grief as he doesn’t fit. There again, he is designed for the Jeep; in my optimistic innocence I thought he’d just slot nicely in – but doesn’t – partly as I’ve secured the steering wheel. The perils of not getting the sequence right, and with resin, somewhat unforgiving.
The black paint is also giving me some concern – there’s always the question of scale-shininess. I did a trial with a satin finish but I thought it came out too dull, so went with a full-on gloss. While these vehicles were very much quasi-diplomatic and representative specimens, and kept up to the mark as only the RMP can do, I might have to revisit the finish.
I also need to manufacturer the folded canopy and I think I’ll use Milliput if I can get it thin enough. I was considering lead foil, but I think Milliput will work.
Then, and only then, can I begin to tackle the figures – around 10(!)
I doubt it. The only thing Milliput will work for, is leaving it on the shelf in the shop in favour of buying a better brand.
Wow that’s looking great Brian. The interior looks excellent. Is that black primer coat on the exterior? Again great job with this kit!
Not primer Richard, but a final coat of gloss. I’ve had no option but to paint as I go given that it’s an open-topped vehicle. I managed to get it in my normal grey primer a couple of days ago; I still have fittings and a figure to add as described above.
These things were maintained in a high-gloss black finish being representative vehicles of the British Forces Berlin and therefore dealt with the Soviet Forces (and East German) on a daily basis. See here:
Oh ok I see! They do look sharp in gloss black I have to say.
Just for the record and some possible inspiration for modellers, here’s another vehicle (modern interpretation obviously) albeit from an earlier epoch; clearly the gloss black thing had caught on:
And to take care of all those recalcitrant female soldiers:
All discovered when researching the Berlin theme.
Ah, you dont see these ladies very often …
114 Detachment, WRAC Provo Vehicle Polishing Troop ------ Highly undervalued lol 
Well, if they asked me to leave the bar or a female accommodation block, I’d go without demur!
I think it looks excellent Brian- sure it fought you all the way but you’ve most assuredly made the best out of it. The unusual shape and color certainly catches the eye.
