Since I have Viktoria Luise on order, I will be following your progress. I agree with you regarding the totenkopf, hopefully my limited sculpting abilities will be up to the task.
I recently purchased this bust, so I look at every painted version with interest. I too plan to change the regimental number on the helmet cover for personal reasons.
I missed that this was now a commercial piece, I am going to have to add this to my GA. Smart of you to have added the crucifix, which is so prominent in the original photo.