1:72 Red Army WWII Air Force Seatbelts Type 2 (for 2 Seats and All Kits)

The real subject

Soviet aircraft of the Second World War used several different patterns of seat belt during the war. This set offers the variant the manufacturer designates as type 2, and so completes the range alongside the earlier pattern. The difference between the variants lies in the weave of the belt and in the hardware, so it is clearly apparent on a finished model. On a model this is a detail that catches the eye in an open cockpit sooner than a carefully shaded camouflage finish.

What the set contains

The sheet holds three-dimensional printed belts for two seats. The print conveys the texture of the fabric as well as the color of the hardware, so the belt stands out from the surface of the seat and does not look like a drawn line. The set is universal and you will use it on kits from various manufacturers, because the belt conforms to the shape of the particular seat only during application.

Building and painting tips

Cut the belt out with a sharp blade, release it from the backing paper by briefly dipping the sheet in lukewarm water and transfer it with tweezers. It is held by the gloss-painted surface, which works as the adhesive, and no decal softener is used, as the chemicals attack the printed resin. With light pressure the material can be shaped over the edge of the backrest or down into the cockpit floor. Paint the seat beforehand and degrease the surface, or the belt may not adhere reliably.

Who it is for

The set suits builders of Soviet aircraft in the small scale who want a visible step up in quality without assembling photo-etched parts. Two sets on the sheet are enough for a two-seat cockpit or for a pair of separate models, so the set pays off when building several examples too. The package contains only the belts. The kit, paints and glue are not included, unless stated otherwise.