1:72 Seatbelts IJAAF WWII STEEL

Eduard steel belts IJAAF Second World War STEEL 1:72 Eduard

This Eduard set in 1:72 scale contains photo-etched seat belts in steel (STEEL) for the cockpits of plastic models of aircraft of the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force (IJAAF) of the Second World War. It is neither a kit nor a model of its own but a color-printed detail accessory that takes the place of missing or simplified belts on the seat and markedly lifts the realism of the cockpit. The steel version holds its shape after bending better than brass.

The real subject

Aircraft of the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force in the Second World War used harness belts specific to that service, which differed from those of the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service and from Allied machines. Faithfully shaped belts are among the most noticeable details of a cockpit, and on models with an open or clearly visible cockpit they lift the overall impression appreciably.

Building tips

Separate the individual belts from the fret with a sharp scalpel on a hard surface. The steel material holds its shape well, so form the belts into a realistic hang over the edge of the seat. Belts printed in color are normally not varnished; it is enough to blend them gently with their surroundings and perhaps pick out the buckle. Bond them with super glue (cyanoacrylate); cement for plastic does not hold on metal. Work with tweezers and good light.

Who the set is for

• Modelers who want true-to-life belts in the cockpits of Imperial Japanese Army Air Force aircraft
• Those who will appreciate color belts with no need to paint
• Builders of carefully detailed cockpits in 1:72
• Modelers working with super glue

The package contains the photo-etched belts only. The model, paints, glue and decals are not included, unless stated otherwise.