Seat Belts & Harness

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Techniques
1

I’m building an Italeri 1/12th scale F16 cockpit model . The seat belts and harnesses they provide are pretty cheap looking. Any suggestions on materials that can be used to make realistic looking belts?

John

2

Well, I use the foil that comes in cigarette packs. Cut a strip, fold it in half, and glue it. The nice thing about that is that it is usually textured and looks pretty good in scale. Here’s what they look like in 1/32 scale (but the cockpit is not that green!)

Some people use paper, others the foil off of wine bottles, anything like that will work.

3

I use the heavy foil that comes off the top of wine bottles. The best part is emptying the wine bottle and unlike Music City’s material - no cancer causing agents!
Here’s a set in 1/48 with brass buckles added …

I have made the buckles out of fuse wire before also.

4

Cancer of the esophagus is related to alcohol consumption. [:D]

I use masking tape that has been painted, as it has no cancer causing agents that I know of. [(-D]

Mike

5

I use masking tape 'cause I quit smoking, and only drink beer!!! [;)][:P][:D]

6

You don’t have to smoke to get cigarette pack foil nor do you have to drink wine to get wine bottle foil. You only need to know someone who does [:D]

7

Now there’s a thinking man. [:D] [;)]

Mike

8

Maybe even a little “Dumpster-Diving” at the local bar. Wear gloves of course![dinner][(-D]

9

I too use masking tape. but have a hard time making buckles. and prefer not to buy them because i like making all the extra parts that i need.

10

Yeah, I can see it now … “Honest, Officer - I’m just looking for some foil.”

11

[(-D][(-D] Right!

12

how are you guys making such nice looking buckles?

James

13

Mine are PE and came with the kit.

14

what would be an easy way to make your own buckles, i still practicing with strectched sprue around cubed piece of balsa wood.

15

I’ve heard of a lot of people making them out of just wire although I’ve not tried it myself. Bend the wire over the corner of needle-nose pliers or tweezers and get a nice sharp bend.

Depending on the scale you are working on you may need to get some stranded wire and just use one strand.

16

Thanks Music City ill try that