1:48 Douglas A-4M Skyhawk seatbelts STEEL

Eduard 1:48 A-4M Skyhawk seatbelts STEEL

This is a set of color-printed photo-etched seat belts for a model of the A-4M Skyhawk attack aircraft in 1:48 scale. It is not a kit but a detail accessory for the pilot's seat. The parts are made from spring steel, which holds its shape and allows the belts to be bent realistically and routed the way they hung in the real cockpit.

The real subject

The A-4 Skyhawk was a compact carrier attack aircraft nicknamed the Scooter. The A-4M version was among the late, uprated models used by the US Marine Corps. Finely rendered four-point belts bring an otherwise empty seat tub to life.

Use and tips

• Separate the parts from the fret carefully and deburr them.
• Bend the belts with tweezers for a natural sag and ripple.
• Glue them with cyanoacrylate or with a glue for photo-etched parts.
• The color printing needs no paint; a matte coat at most.

Who it is for

• Modelers who want to raise the realism of a cockpit.
• Builders in 1:48 scale with an interest in fine detail.
• An accessory that suits an open canopy.

The accessory is supplied unpainted as a photo-etched set; glue and paints are not included in the package.