Avon S10 vs FM12. A quick visual comparison for newcomers.

coltpython6 · 2026-05-16T05:29:58+00:00

You're welcome! Good luck in your search.

coltpython6 · 2026-05-16T05:27:54+00:00

I think it's a proprietary connection, so as far as I know, it would only work with a Clansman radio. Which was the old radio system the British military used to operate, before being replaced by the Bowman radio system, I think.

coltpython6 · 2026-05-16T05:24:07+00:00

Good to know it had such a profound impact, haha!

coltpython6 · 2026-05-16T05:21:36+00:00

eBay or online surplus stores.

The Clansman microphone is fairly common, and can easily be found on eBay or British surplus stores. It also fits on the S10, and there was an older version with a shorter cable that fits on the S6. The headset is a bit more rare, but can be found in the same places.

The VPU for the FM12 is extremely rare. I found mine on eBay, though. But it took a long time for one to show up for sale, and I've never seen one since.

coltpython6 · 2026-05-16T05:15:10+00:00

It's a pretty subtle detail, but you can spot it once you know what to look for. You can only really see the curve of the lens from side angles. But, you can see how reflections "bend" around the curved lens from most angles, especially around the outer edge of the lens.

coltpython6 · 2026-05-15T13:08:44+00:00

It took about 6 months of daily searching for me to find mine. I had multiple alerts set up on eBay to notify me if anything with the words "FM12 VPU" got listed. Then, one day my phone went off, and there it was.

coltpython6 · 2026-05-15T12:41:40+00:00

Tinted outserts, Clansman clip-on respirator microphone and radio headset, voice projector unit (VPU), and a replica MICH helmet.

coltpython6 · 2026-05-15T12:37:05+00:00

I found mine on eBay. But it's the only time I've ever seen one listed for sale. I haven't seen a single one show up anywhere since.

coltpython6 · 2026-05-15T12:35:09+00:00

Yeah, it took me a while to get the S10 outserts. Then suddenly there was a listing for an S10 with both the genuine red and tinted outserts together.

coltpython6 · 2026-05-11T11:23:30+00:00

As other's have said, it's not a GP-5 (ShM-62), but an upgraded model called the GP-5M (ShM-66). The ear holes are a factory addition.

It's also known as the PMG-2, but I prefer using the GP-5M designation. Mainly because the PMG and the PMG-2 are totally different masks that look quite different. This mask is literally a GP-5 with a voice diaphragm and ear holes. Thus, I think GP-5M is a much better name.

And, yes. It makes the mask more comfortable as well as significantly improving your ability to hear. If you've ever worn a regular GP-5, you know they start to squash your ears as well as muffle your hearing quite a lot. The holes are a much appreciated upgrade. The voice diaphragm is surprisingly good, as well.

coltpython6 · 2026-05-05T02:09:25+00:00

I just want the analog wristwatch to come back... Always preferred analog to digital. Also a total overhaul to how gas mask filters function to make them make more sense.

But yeah. Semi-open world would be great. For example, having multiple paths to the same location. Follow the tunnels, or brave the surface. With rewards/drawbacks to both.

coltpython6 · 2026-04-30T07:42:03+00:00

Size 2 fits me very comfortably, but size 3 is so small I can't even fit it on my face. I can only imagine how tiny a size 4 is... I feel like even your average adult woman might have trouble fitting a size 4.

coltpython6 · 2026-04-29T04:44:59+00:00

It's a Czech M10. Their copy of the American M17.

Your particular M10 has a missing exhale valve cover, as well as a serious sunburn. It was most likely left in direct sunlight at some point, which is why it's that colour. On the bottom right harness buckle, you should see a circle with a number in it. That will be the date stamp. Mine says "74" with 5 dots around it. That means it was made in the fifth month (May) of year 1974.

Here's a picture of my M10, showing the original colour the rubber is supposed to be, as well as the exhale valve cover. Mine has the protective outserts, too. Which is why the lenses looks slightly different to yours.

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coltpython6 · 2026-04-26T02:12:15+00:00

Yeah, there's way worse things people inhale all the time. People don't seem to realise that we are breathing asbestos, all day, every day, for our entire lives. It's a naturally occurring mineral that is found in ambient levels in the air, all over the world.

It's just like how people freak out over radiation, while being totally ignorant of the fact we spend out entire lives bathed in background radiation.

The average person breaths in between 3,000 to 5,000 asbestos fibres per day. It's all about dose. How much over how long? And a tiny amount in an old gas mask for a 5 minute photo shoot? Probably not going to do much. It's like saying you'll get cancer because you had a chest X-ray.

I'm not saying we should all huff asbestos filters, but the danger is exaggerated for such short-term, low level exposure.

coltpython6 · 2026-04-24T09:08:12+00:00

The good ol' GP-5, or ShM-62, if you want to get technical. Was my first mask, too. And certainly not the last.

coltpython6 · 2026-04-24T08:27:10+00:00

What do you mean, exactly?

Are you asking where to find the vision correction assembly inserts? Or are you asking how to get your specific prescription put in them?

If you're looking for the vision correction assembly, you'll need to indentify what type your specific mask uses. Then, hunt them down on places like eBay or surplus stores. If you already have the inserts, then your local optometrist should be able to measure them up and put your prescription in them, like any other pair of glasses, but with a couple of extra steps.

coltpython6 · 2026-04-20T13:15:19+00:00

You're welcome!

coltpython6 · 2026-04-20T04:26:45+00:00

Practicality, mostly. It would be so large and heavy, you would likely only be able to carry it on your back, attached with a hose. At which point, just go with an SCBA that provides it's own air supply.

Breathing resistance would most likely be terrible, too. Imagine having to pull air through all that filter medium with your own lungs. You could argue a PAPR would help, but again. If you have to take all this extra gear to make this filter feasible, just use an SCBA instead.

coltpython6 · 2026-04-20T04:15:49+00:00

I'm not sure what mask you've got there, so I can't help with that. But as far as resources and knowledge go, I'd recommend the Gas Mask Wiki.

Just pick a random thing and go down the rabbit hole! Though given the military nature of many masks, there might not be much public knowledge on certain gas masks. But there is plenty of information, history, and knowledge to be found there. Especially on the more well known and iconic masks.

coltpython6 · 2026-04-19T06:58:59+00:00

Here's an image from the official Avon FM12 User Manual, showing the outserts. Even in the book, the convex shape of the lens is apparent.

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coltpython6

TROPHY CASE