This is a subject close to my heart, as I am working on an Arnor faction. I can't add any specific help on alternatives which are similar to the existing GW ones, besides the fact that I had a box of the Perry bros plastics 1400s mercenaries (previous poster included a link to the Perry site), and noticed that a couple of the spare 'heads' had that sort of wrapped cloth banding on the helm. So they might be a less heavy armoured option than crusaders, but only a few of those heads are in each set...
I am looking to convert WoMT. As I have a large box full of the fellows gathering dust. I may green stuff the bands, as it might be as simple as rolling out two long thin 'sausages' of green stuff, then twisting, then cutting to fit and placing on the helmet (filed down to round). Or if that is too much maybe make one head from some master and cast it in resin and just head swap them
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