I was going to order a set of p.e. racing harnesses, from Detail Master, for Tamiya’s new Williams F-1 and found that they carry two different styles. Most of my modeling expertise is in the non-racing genre. I would like to know what type of harness, the cam type or the lever type, would be the correct harness for this particular application? What is the primary difference, in application, between the two harnesses? Any and all help and advice for construction of these would be greatly appreciated.
You need the cam type.
The lever type, or aircraft type was first used in the earlier years of racing. In an emergency type situation it tends to jam up. Not good for egress. It can also have the lever itself get caught on clothing and release at bad times.
The cam type itself comes in two varients, the slam cam, where you release all belts, shoulder and lap by either flipping a tiny lever on the back of the cam, or by twisting the entire cam 30 degrees and pushing on the front of the cam.
Later cam types have from three to six raised ridges on the cam that can be turned either way to release all the belts.
Check reference photos for brand of belt used for the car you are working on.