1:32 Lockheed F-35C seatbelts STEEL

Eduard 1:32 Lockheed F-35C seatbelts STEEL, seat belts for the cockpit

This is a narrowly focused accessory, not an aircraft model. The set contains photo-etched seat belts for the pilots seat in the STEEL version, that is, of steel sheet. Steel is springier than ordinary brass photo-etch and holds its shape better once bent, so the belts can be convincingly folded over the edge of a seat and left to hang freely. Belts of this kind are usually color-printed at the factory. The manufacturer is the Czech firm Eduard of Obrnice near Most.

The real subject

The F-35C is the variant of the F-35 Lightning II intended for operation from aircraft carriers. It differs in a larger wing area with folding wingtips, strengthened landing gear and an arrestor hook. The cockpit is single-seat, with a large-area touchscreen instead of a conventional set of dials and with an ejection seat whose restraint system justifies a set of this kind; in an open cockpit the belts are the most noticeable detail of the interior.

Building and painting tips

Cut the belts from the fret with a sharp scalpel on a hard surface. Bend them gradually over the edge of tweezers or a blade; steel takes more than brass, but repeated bending back and forth tires it. Glue them with a small amount of super glue, and on printed parts a drop of gloss varnish also works well, as it leaves no white bloom. Belts that are not pulled taut look natural, so leave them slightly slack with one end thrown over the edge of the seat. Repainting is usually unnecessary; a fine wash into the folds is enough.

Who the set is for

• modelers who build the F-35C in 1:32 scale with an open cockpit
• builders who only lack good belts and do not want to buy an extensive set
• exhibitors who have their model judged from close up
• beginners in working with photo-etch, as belts are a good first step

It is an accessory set, not a model in its own right. The kit, glue, paints and tools are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.