In this detail set, Eduard provides modelers with a unique way to add detailed seat belts to any 1/48 scale WWII Luftwaffe fighter. Unlike previous Eduard seatbelt sets, this one does not include solely painted photo-etch parts. Instead, the photo-etch components in this set are for the buckles and other hardware, and the belts are provided in a flexible, pre-printed fabric that comes on a paper backing. This multi-media combination promises realistic looking results because of the flexibility of the belt material.

The drawings on the front of the small instruction sheet illustrate the somewhat complex assembly process, and the step-by-step instructions on the back describe how to do it. These cryptic instructions describe a process that proved to be more tedious than I had expected.

The steps read:

1. Take the precut part out of the sheet.
2. Remove supporting paper.
3. Crumple the belt into a little ball and knead it between the fingers.
4. Thread the belts through the buckles – use superglue.
5. Put the belts into the seat.
6. Spray by the glossy varnish.
7. Impregnate the belts with very diluted oil color.
8. Spray by matt varnish.

I chose a seat from a Tamiya Bf-109E kit to detail with this set. I proceeded to follow Eduard’s instructions for the first shoulder belt that I assembled, but found the instructions introduced some unnecessary difficulties into the assembly process. Steps one and two went smoothly enough, but after following the third step I had to deal with an unruly wad of flexible fabric that resisted almost every effort to fit the end of the curled material into the small PE hardware. The belt material assumed a reverse curl that required it to be held with a pair of fine-tipped tweezers. The small buckles demanded equal treatment, so I found it necessary to manipulate the belt through the buckles with a pair of tweezers in each hand. It proved to be a frustrating experience…a process that required considerable dexterity and eventually brought a few words to my lips that I rarely utter.

Suffice it to say, I did not repeat step 3 as I continued working on the other belts. I found it was much easier to guide the belts through the small openings in the PE parts if they were not pre-curled. I learned two other things: first, it is advisable to determine the length of the complete belt that will be needed and trim the length of each section before assembling them; and second, the assembly goes more smoothly if the belts are threaded through the PE parts before removing them from the frets, thus avoiding the need to use the second set of tweezers to hold the tiny PE parts. I found that this was a time-consuming process, but a rewarding one. As the photos below show, after the belts were assembled it was possible to add enough casual wrinkles and folds to each of them when they were attached to the seat.

I anchored each belt with no further difficulties, using a drop of superglue here and there. After applying a wash of thinned oils, I gave everything a dusting of Testors Dullcoat and took the photos below. As the photos show, the finished product is very convincing and will add a lot of detail to the cockpit of any Luftwaffe fighter. I’m pleased with the results and will use the detailed seat in the next Bf-109E that I build.

This set is recommended as a clever way to add realistic seatbelts to a German fighter, but with a further recommendation to assemble the pieces the way I found worked best...by avoiding step 3. To me, following Eduard’s instructions to the letter just introduced an unnecessary level of difficulty to the process.

My thanks to IPMS/USA and Eduard for the opportunity to assemble and review this interesting detail set.