Eduard Eduard STEEL Seatbelts 1:48

[Mike]

STEEL Photo-Etched Seatbelts

1:48 Eduard

 

 

Eduard's new STEEL seatbelt range combines the simplicity of pre-painted Photo-Etch (PE) belts with the thin, flexible steel that they now use, resulting in seatbelts that look more in-scale, and are easier to bend to drape more naturally over the ejection seat or crew seat as the case may be.  The paint used also seems more flexible, and better able to cope with the rigors of fitting the belts into position without cracking and peeling off, which was sometimes a danger with the previous nickel-plated brass types.  As well as coming pre-painted, they are also shaded to imply further depth to the buckles and overlaps, with the clasps, slides and attachment points showing bright in conjunction with the painted portions.  As usual with Eduard's Photo-Etch (PE) and Mask sets, they arrive in a flat resealable package, with a white backing card protecting the contents and the instructions that are sandwiched between.

 

This recent batch is quite numerous, so let's get on with it!

 

 

Early RAF Seatbelts (FE811)

Containing two full sets of early-type harnesses for fighters, including the two-part shoulder section and the lap straps, with instructions for correct assembly included.

 

 

 

 

Luftwaffe WWII Fighters Seatbelts (FE812)

This set includes two sets of belts each for Fw.190 and Bf.109, with separate shoulder and lap-belts, and the large cushioning pads under the buckles as separate parts.

 

 

 

 

Seatbelts France WWI (49108)

Five types of belts are depicted in this set, three of which seeing service from 1914-1916, the other two throughout the whole of WWI.  Three of each type are included, some of which are really quite bright, and several types need a small section of wire to act as the attachment point for the belts if ultimate realism is to be achieved.  You are helped in this by two scrap diagrams showing the correct shape of the two types of attachment.

 

 

 

Seatbelts IJAAF WWII (49109)

Three types of belt are included in this set, all of the lap-type, split between Nakajima in leather or cloth, and Kawasaki, all of which have a separate pad under the buckle.  Seven of each type are included in the set, along with two sizes of belt pads.

 

 

 

Mig-21 Seatbelts (49110)

One complete set of seatbelts, plus the very important (to the pilot at least) ejection handle for between his knees are included in this set.

 

 

 

 

F-4 Seatbelts Green (49111)

Two sets of identical crew belts are included, which is handy, given that the Phantom is a two-seater!  Made up of eleven separate parts including the leg restraints, it should add sufficient detail to a stock seat to distract the viewer from any simplification of the kit plastic.

 

 

 

F-4 Seatbelts Grey (49112)

Yep – same as above, but in grey not green.

 

 

Review samples courtesy of

[Mike]

Seatbelts STEEL

1:48 Eduard

 

 

Here's the latest batch of the newish STEEL seatbelts from Eduard.  In case you don't already know, they are Photo-Etch (PE) steel, and because of their strength they can be etched from thinner material, which improves realism and flexibility in one sitting.  Coupled with the new painting method that adds perceived extra depth to the buckles and other furniture by shading, they are more realistic looking and will drape better than regular brass PE.

 

 

Seatbelts USAAF WWII STEEL (FE817)

This small fret contains two sets of belts of the four-point variety, in olive drab and a natural sand colour, including the comfort pads that sit under the fixtures, and the quick-release tabs that hold the belts in place.

 

 

 

Seatbelts RAF Late STEEL (FE818)

Three sets of four-point British harnesses in natural sand colour with the usual lap straps and comfort pads depicted as single parts.

 

 

 

 

Seatbelts IJAAF WWII STEEL (FE827)

Clearly the authorities weren't overly bothered about their pilots' heads during crashes, because of the three types of belt in this set, all of them are lap-straps only.  There are three each of Nakajima leather, Nakajima cloth, and Kawasaki, all of which have separate comfort pads under the buckles, ironically.

 

 

 

 

Seatbelts USN WII Fighters (FE828)

Similar to the general USAAF set above, but with two of each colour and the same separate pads and latches, this set instead is intended for the Navy's fighters.

 

 

Review sample courtesy of