I found several suggestions for making seatbelts, all of which were very good ideas. I did find something that wasn’t mentioned that seems to work pretty well to. It isn’t very politically correct these days though [:)]
I used the foil from a pack of cigarettes. It’s thin enough to go through 1/32 photo-etched buckles, but stong enough to stay in one piece. It’s also textured so it gives the seatbelts a more realistic look. I used it with the white side out, not the foil side. If you need it thinner I think the paper can be shaved off the foil (or maybe just soaked off), but I didn’t try that.
Damn, I knew I shouldn’t have quit smoking!!! HONEY…I NEED to smoke for my models!!![:P] AHHH, she ain’t buying it. Thanks for sharing, I’ll keep it in mind if I ever start up again!!
Here’s what they look like. The photo actually shows the texture if you look close.
Gotta work on the colors a bit though. Fluorescent lights make it look greener than it actually is.
Don’t worry, I’ve always got a stack of extra foil laying around here [:D] Let me know, I’ll send you some.
I’ve used standard yellow masking tape, two pieces stuck together so there’s no sticky side, cut into thin strips with an X-Acto. Fine wire for the harness rings, Koch fittings, etc, and a dab of superglue to hold the strap in place. Paints nicely with enamels.
Hey MC.
How did you make your buckles.
I am busy with the seatbelts for my 1/24 BF109 G2 and man, I just can not get the buckles right.
I have tried everything.
They came with the kit and are photoetched parts. They look good, but were a pain to work with.
Modeling IS a vice!! [;)]
I didn’t try that, but I did take a piece of an old shirt painted with Future to give it some stiffness, I tried heavy paper, and a couple of other things. None of them would go through the buckles because they were too thick. Regular paper worked but I tore it trying to get a buckle on. Finally came up with the foil idea and managed to get through the ordeal.
Mine came with paper seatbelts printed on the instruction sheet. They didn’t last long; tore the first one, tore the second one, waded the third and forth up and threw them away; went looking for something more substantial that I wouldn’t screw up so easily.
