1:16 Fastening eyes

What fastening eyes are for

An eye is the simplest way of tying one thing to another. On vehicles they hold cargo straps and tarpaulins, on crates they serve for hanging, and on buildings and ship fittings ropes are tied to them. On a model it is a small thing that no one notices until it is missing: as soon as a strap leads off a vehicle bed and has nothing to catch on, an eye is what the scene lacks. In 1:16 scale such detail is clearly visible, because the model is large and the viewer looks at it from close up.

What the set offers

The set contains fastening eyes in 1:16 scale. The number of pieces, the dimensions of the individual elements and the recommended way of attaching them are given in the manufacturer's instructions. The name does not determine a specific vehicle or kit the elements would belong to, so the builder places them according to his own reference and documentation.

Building tips

Try the place where it is to sit dry first and mark it with a faint scribed line. Choose a suitable glue according to the material of the parts; with small elements a really small amount is enough, as otherwise the glue runs out around the eye and makes a glossy blotch. Handle the parts with tweezers over a work mat. Cut the excess material away with a sharp blade a little away from the part and sand the surface. Wash and degrease the elements before painting, otherwise the paint will not hold on the smooth surface. A metallic look is helped along by a dark wash into the shadow of the eye and a fine highlight on the upper edge.

Terms of supply

This is an accessory to a model or to a diorama. Paints, glue, cord and tools are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.