What to look for in a mannequin?

[Marcel Banziger]

Hello all,

I finally managed to get everything complete for my very first mannequin, which is going to be a Luftwaffe Ostfront soldier. All I need now is a mannequin. But I wonder what to look for when it comes to for example boots. I can imagine it'll be hard to put boots on mannequin's feet. How to solve that problem?
Another thing that goes through my mind is how will the mannequin be able to stand on its own. Mine will wear a very heavy Pelzmantel so the mannequin needs to be quite stable not to fall over.

There are probably very easy and simple solutions for this but since this will be my very first I don't know these solutions yet. So I hope someone is willing to help out.

Looking forward to post the first pics here when he's completely done

Thanks in advance,
Marcel

[Adam S.]

Sitting mannequins are popular because you cut off the feet and boots fit nicely. If standing look for a stand that goes up into the back instead of the leg. That way you can use boots and it won't interfere with the uniform.

Look for head size so your average headgear will fit. Look for overall size so your uniform will fit.

You might also want to consider buying flex arms/hands for various set-ups.

[chrischa]

For me, the biggest consideration is the face on the mannequin. The 1980's clothes shop mannequins with eyelashes and rouged up cheeks are awful.

This can detract from the most fabulous displays.

I buy a black cloth and place it over the head and tuck it into the collar. This faceless soldier works well.

I have bought tailor type dummies from the internet and they display tunics with head wear well.

Good luck,
Chris.

[Marcel Banziger]

I agree those faces are horrible and this is something to avoid indeed when buying a mannequin. My biggest concern is how to get boots on. Guess I have to cut off the tip of the feet, though this will effect the stability. And I do want a standing mannequin, not a sitting one, mainly because of the heavy Pelzmantel. But a stand in the back should indeed help a bit already.

[Erik]

I prefer to position my mannequins standing with their back towards the wall. If you use a thin strong cord (like for fishing eg) you can tie it around their waist (cover it with the belt and kit, so impossible to see from the front) and a small hook on the wall and they keep standing as if on their own. You can also connect the cord on the y-straps on the back but be carefull not to damage them. It is key to have a mannequin with firm legs and feet in an already stable position so it does not hang into the cord but only uses it to keep stable with minimal pressure.

Erik

[Marcel Banziger]

Thanks Erik for this clever and useful trick!

[pak 40]

My point is a nice face and regarding the foots, i can only advice don't cut of the tips of the feets, even if you can put the boots on it wil always fell over ! The best trick regarding to feets and boots is the cut of the heel of the foot,because the boots ore shoes are nice hard and solid and will almost never effect the standing position. Otherwise when it does then its ver easy to putt a pegg of wood under it .

[Marcel Banziger]

Thanks for your input. I never thought of cutting off heels instead of the tip of the feet. Still, even with cut off heels I wonder if the feet will fit into high boots because these boots can't be stretched unlimited and the tip of feet won't bend along either which makes it still a difficult task...I think.

[pak 40]

I have never had any problem with jackboots,ankleboots !! But here is a other trick out of the box, i do this only with modern mannequins not the old ones,,,
I 'll cut off the feets compleet and place a rod in it,and make a male connection in the feets and a female one in the legs . Then you could place the feet in the boots by hand and simply pinn them in the legg not harm will done at the collector pieces .

Ore you could buy those mannequin with flexible feets .

[JUBILEE42]

My point is a nice face and regarding the foots, i can only advice don't cut of the tips of the feets, even if you can put the boots on it wil always fell over ! The best trick regarding to feets and boots is the cut of the heel of the foot,because the boots ore shoes are nice hard and solid and will almost never effect the standing position. Otherwise when it does then its ver easy to putt a pegg of wood under it .

+1
Exactly what I do on almost all my mannequins...the heel not the tips!
(The wood blocks are often the secret of the balance of the whole)

Best
Thierry
(My Collection: http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=591815)

[besslein]

face!

yes good face is what you need at first.

[Marcel Banziger]

Thanks for the info guys! I will cut off the heels then and work with these wooden blocks....and perhaps a fishline as well, just in case hehe

A good face is already on my wanted list for a mannequin yes. For me my main concern was the stability and getting the boots on without damaging these.