Trouble discerning mold lines on ATA helmet

[zemzero]

I bought an ATA helmet back in 2014 and just now am finding time to build it. I have an AM 2.0 armor kit coming and I figure I'll cut my teeth on this ATA helmet.

 

However, I honestly can't tell what I'm doing. Some of the mold lines seem to split off into two and I can't tell if its just a defect or there are two options to trim that line. Too late now, as I trimmed quite close to where I think it should be but when I dry fit the halves together, it doesn't fit at all.

 

I'll do some real research about building kits but I figure I'll ask first.

 

The top part of the face, above the eyes bends, does that get trimmed down so it's flat? There's no mold line there. I figure it does get trimmed but I can't tell. I also don't know how far to trim the underside around the neck and vocoder.

 

 I can't get a good dry fit picture because of how poorly everything sits, tape won't hold it, magnets slip out. Maybe the entire thing is warped from sitting in a box for almost two years?

[zemzero]

last couple images

[elleerre]

For the top part, just trim at equal distance from the eyes, let's say 3/4 cms. The dome will cover it.
 

For the bottom part I suggest to first assemble the helmet, then trim a nice round border according to your head size and or preferences. BTW, all the irregular warped borders have to be trimmed off.

Edited January 13, 2016 by elleerre

[cjdesign[TK]]

I had the same issue with the TM helmet. It helps to look at the back side of each piece, for a more accurate trim line. In most cases, I trimmed using the back side mold lines instead of the front. I agree with Lorenzo, trim/file the head opening after the helmet is riveted together, to assure that both sides of the seam match in size and shape.

Edited January 13, 2016 by cjdesign