1:32 Seatbelts Luftwaffe WWII - Fighters

Luftwaffe WWII seat belts for fighters, a photo-etched set 1:32 (AML)

This photo-etched set from the Czech maker AML contains seat belts for German fighters of the Second World War in 1:32 scale. The cockpit is the place every viewer looks at first, and an empty seat without belts gives the simplification away at a glance. It is exactly in the large 1:32 scale that belts with their buckles and fittings drawn in are the detail that takes a model up a class.

Why photo-etched belts

German fighters used a robust harness system with wide straps that is very conspicuous in a cockpit. Photo-etch offers precisely drawn buckles and a constant width to the straps; once shaped and painted, the belts look convincingly laid on the seat and thrown over its edge, as is often seen in period photographs of parked machines.

Work tips

Before fitting, anneal the belts over a candle flame or bend them a few times over an edge; they will soften and follow the shape of the seat better. Once degreased, undercoat them with primer, paint the straps in a flat shade matching fabric and set the fittings apart in a metal shade. A dark wash will bring out the structure and a gentle lightening of the edges will add depth. Glue them with small drops of super glue.

Who the set is for

• modelers of German fighters in 1:32 scale
• builders of models with an open cockpit
• modelers who want to bring a cockpit to life with little effort
• builders used to working with photo-etch

This is a photo-etched accessory, not a kit. The exact number of parts on the fret follows the manufacturer's current release.