How to Fit Gas Mask Heads to Your Squads and Troops

By Victoria Miniatures by Victoria Lamb | Published: 2026-10-17

Category: How-to Guides

A step-by-step guide to swapping gas mask heads onto your miniatures, from test-fitting and pinning to painting. Includes checkpoints to avoid common mistakes.

Quick answer

To fit gas mask heads to your miniatures, start by dry-fitting the head to the torso to check the neck join. Trim or shim as needed, then glue or pin the head in place. Paint the head separately before final assembly for the cleanest result. Always test one model before committing to a full squad.

Why gas mask heads change a squad's look

Swapping in gas mask heads instantly gives a squad a hazardous-environment or siege vibe. The Brodie Helmet Heads with Gas Masks x10 from Victoria Miniatures are a simple way to achieve that look on 28mm heroic scale troops. Because they are compatible with Male Victoria Miniatures troops, Halflings, and popular plastic troops, you can use them across several projects without worrying about scale mismatch.

Check compatibility before you cut

Not all heads fit all torsos. The Brodie Helmet Heads are designed for 28mm heroic scale, but neck joints vary between manufacturers. Test-fit the head on the intended torso before doing any trimming. If the neck post is too long, you can shorten it; if it is too short, a small shim of styrene or putty can bridge the gap. Never assume a head will fit just because it is the same scale.

Prepare the parts

Wash resin or 3D-printed parts in warm, soapy water to remove any release agent or residue. Use a sharp hobby knife to carefully remove any support marks or flash from the neck area. A clean, dry fit is essential before you apply glue. If you plan to paint the head separately, leave it off the torso for now.

Step-by-step: fitting gas mask heads

Dry-fit the head to the torso: Hold the head against the neck socket and check the angle. The gas mask should point forward, and the helmet should sit level. If the head sits too high or too low, note where material needs to be removed or added. Checkpoint: The head should sit naturally without forcing it. If it rocks or gaps, adjust before gluing.
Trim or shim the neck joint: Use a hobby knife or file to remove excess material from the neck post if the head sits too high. If there is a gap, add a small piece of styrene or putty to the neck to build it up. Work slowly and re-test frequently. Common mistake: Removing too much material at once. Always trim less than you think you need.
Pin for strength (optional): For metal heads or heavy resin heads, drill a small hole in the neck and insert a short piece of paperclip or brass rod. This adds a mechanical bond that glue alone cannot match. Pin before gluing to ensure alignment. Checkpoint: The pin should fit snugly without forcing the head off-center.
Glue the head in place: Apply a small amount of superglue or plastic cement (for plastic heads) to the neck joint. Press the head into position and hold until set. If you plan to paint the head separately, skip this step and use a temporary mount instead. Common mistake: Using too much glue, which can squeeze out and ruin the paint job later. A little goes a long way.
Paint the head before final assembly: If you painted the head separately, now is the time to attach it. For gas mask heads, paint the mask and helmet before gluing to avoid awkward angles. Use a brush-on primer and thin your paints for smooth coverage. Checkpoint: Ensure the paint is fully cured before handling to avoid fingerprints.

Product facts

Brodie Helmet Heads with Gas Masks x10: 10x Brodie Helmet Heads with Gas Masks suitable for 28mm heroic scale troops. Gives you enough heads for a full squad or multiple small units, and the heroic scale matches most popular troop ranges.
Brodie Helmet Heads with Gas Masks x10: Compatible with Male Victoria Miniatures troops, Halflings and popular plastic troops. You can use these heads across different armies and projects without worrying about scale or style clashes.