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We live the in the golden age of
modeling. In spite of warnings that the hobby is dying, we seem
to have increasing options for high quality kits and
accessories. One accessory option that I've recently tried is
the Eduard line of pre-colored photoetch belts. These have been
out for some time, but I did not get a good close look at them
until recently when I visited the Eduard vendor table at the
IPMS Nationals in Virginia Beach. Available sets include WWII
German, American, RAF, IJN and IJA, in 1/72 and 1/48. All the
colors look right and durably bonded to the surface of the
brass. Having just completed the cockpit of my Tamiya Do355, and
being less than thrilled with the decal seat harnessing, I
decided to pick up a German set. But then wallet fever got the
best of me and I purchased the American, RAF and IJN sets as
well. The level of detailing on these belts is quite nice. For
example the stitching marks where the buckles are attached to
the fabric is well represented. The metal used is brass yet
chrome in appearance so the buckles will be the appropriate
color, and absolutely no painting will be required. One other
nice feature of this durable finish is that you can bend and
position the belts without fear of paint popping off. I don't
know about you, but this has always been a risk factor for me
when I paint photoetch.
Each set offers enough hardware
for at least 4 different aircraft. In addition, each set offers
different kinds of harness-ware. For example, the German set has
harness sets for the following categories: 1935-1939, Me109
early, Fw190/Ta 152, Me109 late, and Me262/Ar234/others. In the
German set each cockpit requires assembly of 8 photoetch parts,
which can be secured to the pilot's seat or to each other with
white glue. Although the painting is already done for you, this
is still photoetch, so get out the tweezers, magnifying glass,
and for goodness sake don't drop anything! Are these sets worth
their retail cost of $9.00? My answer is Yes! If you are
comfortable working with photoetch, these sets will reduce some
of the work, and look great in your aircraft. |
