1:32 P-47D-20 seatbelts STEEL

Eduard 1:32 P-47D-20 seatbelts STEEL: steel seat belts

This is an add-on set of seat belts, not a model of the aircraft. The Czech manufacturer Eduard etched them from steel and pre-printed them in color, so once they are taken off the fret they are practically finished. The set is intended for the pilot's seat of the P-47D-20 Thunderbolt fighter in the large 1:32 scale. A plastic kit is not part of the package.

Why steel instead of brass

Steel belts are springier and stiffer than brass ones. They hold the shape they are set to, so they will carry a realistic sag over the edge of the seat or a loosely thrown belt without straightening themselves out or, on the contrary, staying squashed flat. In 1:32 scale that shows clearly, as an open canopy means the cockpit is examined from close up and carelessly laid belts catch the eye at once. The parts are pre-printed including the color of the webbing and the metal buckles, so there is no painting to do.

Usage tips

Separate the belts with a sharp scalpel on a hard surface; steel is harder than brass, so forget about twisting them off with your fingers and press the blade in instead. Do the shaping with tweezers gradually, in small steps, because once a sharp crease is in it cannot be taken back without a visible line. They are glued with a drop of cyanoacrylate, as modeling cement for plastic will not hold on metal. Do not lacquer the pre-printed surface, since a solvent-based paint would damage the printing. Wipe off any fingerprints with a dry cloth before gluing.

Who the set is for

• Modelers building the P-47D-20 in 1:32 scale with an open cockpit
• Builders who want realistically sagging belts that hold their shape
• Completing a seat on a build without a full photo-etched interior set
• Competition models where the detail of the cockpit is judged

The set is an accessory for a kit, which it does not include. Glue, paints and tools are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.