1:48 FM-1 Wildcat seatbelts STEEL

1:48 FM-1 Wildcat seatbelts STEEL, photo-etched belts from Eduard

The smallest set that fundamentally lifts the look of a cockpit. The set from the Czech manufacturer Eduard contains the seat belts of the pilot's seat for a Wildcat model in 1:48 scale. The designation STEEL in the name refers to steel as the material of the etching; against softer metals it is springier and the belt keeps its shape better once bent, so it drapes naturally over the seat. It is an accessory to a model, not an aircraft kit.

The real subject

FM-1 Wildcat is the designation of the fighters built by the Eastern Aircraft division of General Motors, which took them over after Grumman turned to the successor. The machine was based on the F4F-4 version but carried four machine guns in the wing instead of six. The Wildcats operated mainly from small escort carriers, where a short takeoff run and the toughness of the airframe were valued, and they escorted convoys and landing formations. In an open cockpit with a manually folding wing, the seat belts were absolutely essential for the pilot during a hard landing on deck.

Usage tips

Separate the belt from the carrier fret with a sharp scalpel on a hard surface and never break it off. Do the shaping gradually, in small bends, and let the belts drape loosely over the seat and over the edge of the cockpit; it is precisely the irregular shape that makes the result believable. Bend the buckles with tweezers with smooth jaws so that no marks are left. Glue with a vanishing amount of cyanoacrylate glue and work with the belts before you glue the fuselage halves together.

Who the set is for

• Modelers building the Wildcat in 1:48 scale who want a faithful cockpit
• Those interested in American carrier aviation of the Second World War
• Beginners who want to try working with photo-etched parts on a small scope
• Those looking for a large gain in appearance from a small amount of work