1:32 Sopwith PUP - Seatbelts

Sopwith Pup - textile belts 1:32 from HGW

This is an add-on set for the cockpit, not a kit of the aircraft. It holds straps of printed microtextile cut by laser and photo-etched metal buckles. The set is prepared for models of the British single-seat fighter biplane Sopwith Pup in 1:32 scale.

Why textile straps

The cockpits of First World War aircraft are austere and open, so the attention is focused on a few details: the seat, the controls, the instruments and precisely the belts. A flat photo-etched strap always gives away in such a setting that it is made of metal. Textile can be crumpled, twisted and left to fall over the edge of the seat, which in a large scale looks markedly more faithful.

Procedure and tips

Take the part out of the sheet and peel the backing paper off. Work the strap between your fingers to soften it, pull the ends through the buckles and secure them with a spot of cyanoacrylate. The fabric stands up to a gentle wash, which takes the newness off the straps; with wooden and fabric-covered interiors it pays to keep to a muted brown range. Work with tweezers, the parts are small and easily lost.

Who the set is for

• Builders of First World War aircraft in a large scale
• Modelers with an open cockpit, where the interior is always visible
• Those who want realistic straps without making them from foil
• Suited to less experienced modelers as well

This is not a model of the aircraft but an interior accessory. The basic kit, the glue and the paints are not included in the package.