Strange compatibility question - Pig Iron Heads and Empress bodies?

[Cypher226]

Anyone tried this? I want to make some near future guys with a slightly different vibe. Just wondering how the sizes compare?

[joe5mc]

I think most people would fine the Pig Iron heads much too big for Empress bodies. Empress miniatures are on the smaller side of 28mm, quite slight. Pig Iron are bigger and bulkier.

[Cypher226]

I had a feeling that would be the case. Shame!

[Frontal Assault 15mm]

I think most people would fine the Pig Iron heads much too big for Empress bodies. Empress miniatures are on the smaller side of 28mm, quite slight. Pig Iron are bigger and bulkier.

Just compared some of my Pig Iron feral heads to an Empress light machine gunner and that don't look too big in comparison.  The main problem here though would be getting them to fit given the difficulties in converting metal.

[Digitarii]

Head swaps  (actually, any conversion) isn't that difficult provided you have the tools. For head swaps you really need:

A saw (jewelers or fine razor saw),
Files for smoothing, and
A pin vice.

Optional tools to make it easier:
A dentist's pick (for making the pilot hole for the Drill)
Strong wire cutters with a flat point (I use my Xuron Track cutter for this, since it has a flat edge to get non-beveled cuts on one side)

The you need the right supplies, in this case either brass rod or a batch of paper clips for the pins. I prefer the paper clips.

Start by using the saw to remove the original figure's head as clean as possible. Keep a small ziploc bag or other container nearby to save the bits. Use the file to smooth the neck join on the body. At this point, I would use my dental pick to place the pilot hole because the pin vice alone without a pilot hole slips from center. Not fun. Use the pin vice and drill the pinning hole into the neck. Since I use paper clips, I unfold one bend of it and superglue it into the hole and let it set. I usually don't cut this just yet.

Now get the new head off of the sprue. The wire cutters are best for this. My Xuron tool is absolutely the best for this procedure, but Xurons are expensive. File the surface smooth. Now drill the hole for the pin.

Trim the pin back, but leave a little excess. Test fit the head. If the pin is too long, trim it back a little and test fit again. Repeat this as necessary. When you have a solid, well fitting connection, find the position you like the best and glue it into place. The head position can really change the attitude of the figure, so experiment a little. When you find the position you want, take the head off and apply glue to the pin and push the head back into place.

Done!

[Inso]

I have used Pig Iron heads on Grymn (Hasslefree's space Dwarfs) and they look fine:







I am not sure of Empress miniatures size but they CAN'T be smaller than Grymn

[Cypher226]

Good point Inso, I completely forgot I'd seen your conversions!

Guess I'll just have to get some of both and give it a go!

[Inso]

I would, if I was you . What heads are you going for because the system trooper helmets are a little larger than some.

As for head swapping, it all depends on whether you need the heads you are removing. If you don't, side cutters will make short work of them and the bumps under the helmets too... so then it is just a case of a quick file, drill and pin with minimal filling.

[Steve F]

I am not sure of Empress miniatures size but they CAN'T be smaller than Grymn

Yes, but Grymn are supposed to look like dwarfs.

Even so, it's worth trying.  Experimenting with head swaps is fun, and even failures teach you something and usually leave some parts for the bits box.

[Commander Vyper]

The Kolony helmets are your best bet re: sizing. Heavy troopers are good too but might be a little too modern for you, depneds on your disired 'look'. As has been said, system trooper helmets are a little bigger to suit full suited troopers so may be too big.

Either way go and order from Si/Lise, you won't be disappointed.

[Cypher226]

I was going to use some of the older sets (thinking mainly of the full face visor ones) - Will post results here, good or bad!

[Commander Vyper]

I was going to use some of the older sets (thinking mainly of the full face visor ones) - Will post results here, good or bad!

Well this is how they look on Copplestone's future wars and EM-4's troopers so you should be ok: