Message 3072, Jun 21, 2001
A while back, A partial pressure suit helmet showed up on E-Bay. It had an oblong neck
ring but was rather well made. I don't know if I still have pictures of this particular
helmet, but I'll look. When I shopped this helmet around, the USAF pressure suit folks
though this helmet was designed by Dr. Lombard for Lockheed. I haven't received official
confirmation of this and I can't seem to find anything else on Dr. Lombard.
I do have a 1949 patent for a flight helmet. I'll have to check the name but it was Edwin
????. Diagram accompanying the patent looks very much like the H-1 with a bunch of snaps
embedded on the sides(s) of the shell.
Cheers, Steve
Message 3070, Jun 20, 2001
According to the little bit of fact and legend I have heard, Dr Lombard was the designer
of the Toptex. If it has a flattened crown, it is a decendant of that design (P-1,
D-10/HGU-9, HGU-16). There is a collector on the west coast by the name of Jamieson who
interviewed him before he died, but this person is very private. This info is at least
second-hand.
Anyone else? Rich
Message 3065, Jun 20, 2001
Hi all, While I was looking for something completely different in my bookshelf, I got
distracted by Col. Jack Broughton's book "Thud Ridge". Leafing through it, my
eye was caught by a section describing his helmet as a "custom-built Lombard
helmet". In his other book "Going Downtown" there is a picture of him in an
F-105 cockpit wearing a helmet which looks very much like a Toptex 3BM.
So, what is a Lombard helmet? Is it another description of a Toptex 3BM, or are they two
different things?
Cheers, Bluelight
Message 2735, Jun 8, 2001
Hi Maggot & Bluelight, Attached are two images taken of McDonnell test pilots in 1948
and 1954 (about 7 years apart); both Bob Edholm and Bob Little were flight test personnel
for the McDonnell F101 Voodoo. Both are wearing a TopTex type helmet and you will note
that it is virtually identical to that beautiful red specimen in Bluelight's photo. [The
photos are from the book 'McDonnell F-101 Voodoo', by Robert F. Dorr, ISBN 0-85045-752-1,
first published in 1987 by Osprey Publishing].
Cheers, DocBoink
Message 2733, Jun 7, 2001
Here are the most recently gathered images of TopTex hats, including those now running on
Manion's auction site (for those who haven't seen them) - Enjoy!
P.S. The silver one sans visor assy is listed on Manion's as having that portion complete,
removed & stowed in the helmet bag.
Maggot
This helmet is now in Figmo's collection.
Message 2731, Jun 7, 2001
I'm not terribly familiar with commercial helmets, but the shape is concurrent with other
Toptex & Protection shells - I'd wager a beer it's an early 3BM... have a shot of NAA
test pilot George Welch wearing a similar hat.
Maggot
Message 2730, Jun 7, 2001
Bluelight, Looks like an early TOPTEX ( late 40's, maybe early 50's )
Milehigh
Message 2729, Jun 7, 2001
Hi all, Anybody who can identify the helmet on the attached photo?
Cheers, Bluelight
This helmet is now in Figmo's collection.
Message 2727, Jun 7, 2001
Thought I'd wade thru some documents I have on the Toptex. Here's some fuel for the fire.
Please check the 2 attached photos. This helmet is in my collection. It has the Toptex
visor but note the "Flight Sound" Decal. The second photo is the label on the
rear of the helmet. This helmet was manufacturered by Bill Jack. The helmet came without a
liner but the H-143 AIC earphones and headset wiring were intact. So the liner probably
rotted out and the comms gear remained.
I have seen the TOPTEX helmets with the two piece custom fit liner and early ones with a
one piece custom fit liner. If USAF Type designation sheets are accurate, the one peice
custom fit liner was available as early as 1956.
Cheers, Steve
