About 10 or 11 years ago in a hot summer, visited one of the maginot line forts, near the Belgian border, open to the public, and has been restored,.........bloody freezing down there! They even have a notice telling people they might want to take a coat with them, so guess who went down in a T shirt! 
still waiting for breeches from Hiki, .........getting withdrawal symptoms now, uniform build has stalled!
Breeches, arrived........and a good fit! A better gas mask bag as well. Happy with the quality too, better than I thought they would be.
So uniform is complete................ for now.
Just got a good "wartime style" ushanka, very cheap, even the inside looks right, got a little bit of biro pen marking on it, but will try to get rid of this, can't see it if the side flaps are buttoned on the "up".
Just got to find a star for it.
At last....found some Russian "jack boots"!..... at a reasonable price, they are the sort with synthetic lookalike leather top section, but they don't look terrible just need a bit wearing in. that's completes the outfit.......now need a battle to christen it!
Andy
Where did the ushanka come from? Shop Bulgaria?
If you're still looking for one, OTK-87 carries the Ushanka stars
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/2670851 ... e_active_2
I've fired a bullet on every continent. Nearly hit someone, too.
I can't remember now where the ushanka came from, got it off eBay, not actually russki, but as near as dammit.
Andy
I got a star about a week later, so everything was a go, for the Rattenkrieg game........had to miss it because of work!
Andy
Maybe an East German one.
Not sure whether I should get a ushanka for winter kit. I have a helmet and a 70s ushanka with blue fur which I might just try and dye grey if possible.
Ushanka is good for winter, good protection too, with ear flaps. I think I paid just over a fiver for it.
Metal helmet is good, too heavy for my old bonce nowadays, neck can't take that weight all day, cold in winter too!, pilotka and ushanka for me.
Andy
