Sorry upfront if this is in the wrong section but as it's not tied in to any particular nation i didn't know where else to put it. I'm looking at putting a new look together, i've lost a bit of weight recently and my current stuff no longer fits. What i want is something that will be cheap, comfortable and lightweight. I thought if i threw a few points at you guys maybe you could help inspire me. So here goes.
I currently have a TM Thompson M1A1 and a AGM MP40.
I hate wearing helmets so would want a soft top cover.
I want cheap and basic, something suitable for normal open days but passable as a certain look if i found a matching WW2 game.
I'd need lightweight and cool, i get hot very quickly and really don't think i would last long in wool.
I would prefer an Allied look but would consider German if it fit with the above.
Thats about all i can think of for now. So i leave it to your greater wisdom. Any help would be greatly received.
Cheers,
Kris.
If you prefer the allied look, and ignoring all the little nations, then 'British' para is probably the best bet as a beret can be worn, or some commando type jazz.
US forces just look silly without a helmet on the front line and British 'regular' infantry do not look right without a helmet either.
Then again Paras wore wool (but Denims do not distract from the look instead) but the smock can just be worn over a shirt, so you don't need the battledress jacket. However a decent smock is pretty expensive.
Russian infantry is an option, as a pilotka or ushaka looks good, and the uniform is cotton and relatively inexpensive.
Cheap, basic and cotton? Russian, it will also do as an (early) Cold War impression if you want to run around with an AK at an Open Days.
All you need is a jacket, trousers, pilotka (side cap), gas mask bag for your bits and belt. Captured MP40 or Lend Lease thompson are both fine.
Easy enough to wear layers underneath to keep warm and/or dry.
British is another option, maybe wearing denims rather than wool although they weren't usually used as a combat uniform. The usual choice of headgear for non-helmet wearers being commando cap comfortors or green berets. You coudl always wear a commando pullover rather than a jacket. Para is another option - smock plus denim trousers, beret and basic 37 pattern webbing.
Cheers
Martin
"Mistakes in the initial deployment cannot be rectified" Helmuth von Moltke
Toys: AGM MP40, Cyma M1A1, TM M14/G43/SVT40, TM VSR/K98, SnS No. 4, ASG Sten, Ppsh.
Arnhem3,Gumrak,Campoleone
Thanks for the replies guys. I would much prefer British over Russian. The idea of denim trousers and a smock sounds good. Jumper wise were there any issued jumpers or was it mostly a case of "me nan sent me this in a parcel along with some welsh cakes."?
I've seen "commando" jumpers being sold which look similar to the green ones with patches that you get in the armed forces, I have the one that was issued to everyone in green after the war I just never get round to removing the patches on the arms, here's what I'm talking about.
http://www.sofmilitary.co.uk/ww2-commando-jumper-product,7945,1
As for denims I'd suggest What Price Glory, they're selling denims in early war brown which would work a treat and the price is a bargain in my opinion.
http://www.whatpriceglory.com/shopexd.asp?id=5206&bc=no
As for headwear, a Mk.II Helmet is good for everything, if not, a beret for whichever area you wish to go is the way forward.
Good luck.
Weapons:
King Arms M1928 Thompson Submachine Gun
AGM Sten Mk.II
CYMA M1911 EAP
they're selling denims in early war brown
Blimey, that is good value. Ideal for U-Boat crew impressions as well of course 
Cheers
Martin
"Mistakes in the initial deployment cannot be rectified" Helmuth von Moltke
Toys: AGM MP40, Cyma M1A1, TM M14/G43/SVT40, TM VSR/K98, SnS No. 4, ASG Sten, Ppsh.
Arnhem3,Gumrak,Campoleone
