Steel Brigade (v3a & v3b) Build

VFS · September 2, 2025, 8:20pm

This build began in 2019!

Let me introduce this build with the following acknowledgements & thanks.

I’m assembling (with my own tweaks) the work of others into one cohesive place for future reference and use. Credit for this information goes to several individuals, primarily Keith M., Wally P., Gerry W. & Ryan J.

We’re focusing on the modern Steel Brigade figures, but some of this info could apply if you’re looking to build a vintage v1 or the classified versions. If you do build one of those versions, please comment your tweaks, and I’ll add them to this.

If you’re looking to build a classic Steel Brigade there is some helpful info in Ian’s build

References

Links & photos:

There are two distinct versions—one with BDU-style combat shirt sleeves and one wearing a full sweater. I’ll document both here.

Documentation:

Credit to Keith M. for these files! These documents contain detailed lists of items to source for this build, including links to specific items, materials, and other relevant information. As well as instructions on assembling your vest. Make sure to read them thoroughly before continuing!

Steel-Brigade-Field-Manual-EQUIP-LIST AT Edits.pdf (176.1 KB)
Steel-Brigade-Field-Manual_SUPPLEMENT_-VestArmour-Carrier-Harness-Instructions .pdf (877.2 KB)

Build log

Helmet:

3D-printed, with the source files available to members. Message me here, and I can let you know where to get the .stl files.

Prep:

You should be comfortable with the process of preparing and painting a 3D printed object before you undertake this one. I’ll link some recommendations to my favorite techniques.

After sanding, a good filler primer is the next step. Take your time here, and it’ll pay off in the end.

Painting:

Paint colors

Placeholder Paint Diagram

Visor:

Materials:

PET Clear Sheets 16" x 20" x 0.04"
Window Tint Film

Placeholder pattern for visor.

NOTE: The VISOR GOES OUTSIDE THE HELMET

Print and cut out the paper pattern, test against your helmet, and make changes as needed.
Apply tint film to a transparent sheet
Trace paper pattern onto sheet
Using an extremely sharp razor knife, cut out the visor from the sheet.
Working slowly from one side to the other, glue the visor into the helmet (I used hot glue).

Shirt or Sweater

As discussed above, there are two versions of the figure. For comfort, I went with the BDU-style shirt. But I’ll explore all the options here.

The most straightforward approach is a blue ribbed turtleneck. For extra detail, I’d look at adding both the sleeve pockets and the underarm blue sections. See the Equip List above for more information.

Turtleneck

Light Blue color in the link below.

Add pockets and blue underarms. Here are some process photos to give you ideas.

Shirt (Dyed ACU)

I chose this option for my build as I wanted to include the green patterning seen on some versions of the figures. I took an off-the-rack ACU shirt and tossed it in a dye bath for about 2 hrs. Then attached some dark blue under the arms—details in the Equip List.

Shirt (Modified Button-down)

Buy a white button-down tactical shirt
dye using RIT Kentucky Sky
Add sleeve pockets
Add blue under arms

Photos of the process:

Part two soon!

VFS · September 3, 2025, 5:54pm

Build Log Part 2

Pants

G3 styled BDU pants in khaki. There are a few different versions of these, but I’ve had good luck with Emerson, Tacvasen & IDOGEAR.

At a minimum, you should swap out the kneepads with black ones; you can find replacement sets on Amazon or eBay. However, we rarely strive for the minimum around here! So the next section details the options for constructing more accurate kneepads.

Kneepads

The figure has green knee pads with a black center. There are two methods that folks have used so far to achieve this look.

Sewing/Painting

Attaching a proper OD fabric to the existing pants to achieve a similar look. In theory, you could also paint the pants with, say, Angelus Leather Paint to achieve a similar look.

3D-Printing

You may have noticed that the kneepads on the Steel Brigade figure match those from the 50th Saw Viper. STLs for those kneepads exist, and with a bit of paint, you can match the look! I traced a pattern from the kneepads that came with my pants onto 3mm EVA foam and cut out a backer. Then, I glued the printed and painted kneepads to the foam.

Other Components

Refer to the equipment guide for recommendations, but you will need a good belt, black combat boots, and a balaclava. I’d recommend blousing your boots over tucking your pants into them.

Patches

PatchCzar is the go-to resource for this. At this time there are two options but he may have more offerings available, contact him for details through his site linked below. These are custom-made patches to order.

Designations

Like their Cobra Viper counterparts, several of us have opted to select and wear ID numbers. Typically, this is the same as their Viper number (if they have one). We have a master tracking list of numbers, so please check with the Finest Command Staff before ordering to prevent duplicates. Standard format for these is the “SB-” prefix followed by a letter and a four-digit number. For example, “SB-T101”

The standard for these is 5in tape with a hook backing. OD green with black thread. 3/4-inch lettering with all uppercase letters.

The go-to resource for these is 1800NameTapes. Their site looks outdated, but they’re great to work with and fast!

Optional Builds

The modern figure has many optional components that you can add to your build; they’re more applicable if you’re looking to build the classic version.

Bandolier

I don’t think anyone has built this yet, so if you do, please document your build and I’ll add the information to this.

Potential Materials List

1 PROP MK2 fragmentation “Pineapple” Grenade- Silver
1 2in Side Release Buckle- Black
2in Flat Nylon Webbing- Black, approx. 50 inches (measure to person, order by foot)
1-2 Plastic Slides, 2in - Black (for bandolier strap adjustments)
1 Condor Tech Sheath- Black (or similar)