1:72 Let Z-37A seatbelts STEEL

STEEL seat belts for the Let Z-37A in 1:72 scale (Eduard)

This set from Eduard holds an etched fret with the pilot seat belts for a model of the Let Z-37A agricultural aircraft in 1:72. The belts are made of steel and pre-colored, so you do not have to paint them, only cut them off, shape them and glue them in. This is not an aircraft model: the plastic kit is not included in the package and has to be bought separately. The set is intended for the plastic Z-37A kit from Eduard.

Why the steel series in particular

Classic etched belts are made of brass, which is soft and holds a shape less well. Steel is springier and remembers its shape: you can drape a belt realistically over the edge of the seat, fold it or twist it, and it stays that way. A draped belt makes a big difference in a cockpit, which otherwise looks flat. Being pre-colored also solves the most tedious part of the work: coloring the webbing and the fittings in miniature scale.

The real subject

The Z-37 Cmelak is the first wholly Czechoslovak agricultural aircraft, developed for aerial chemical work in farming and forestry. The prototype first flew in 1963 and series production ran at Kunovice. A sturdy, angular and unmistakable machine with fixed landing gear, it became a symbol of crop dusting and is among the best known Czechoslovak postwar aircraft; for Czech and Slovak modelers it is a strong home subject that deserves as much care in the cockpit as a fighter.

How to work with photo-etched parts

• Cut the part from the fret with a sharp knife or photo-etch scissors; do not break it out.
• Bend over an edge, ideally with a photo-etch bending tool, otherwise with tweezers and a blade.
• Bond with super glue; ordinary cement for plastic has no effect on metal.
• Shape the belt dry first and only then fix it in the seat.

Who the set is for

For modelers building the Cmelak who want to take the cockpit beyond what is in the box, and for beginners too, as pre-colored belts are the easiest way to get to know etched parts.

An accessory for modelers. It is not an aircraft kit: the plastic model, glue and paints are not included in the package.