How would I make seat belts for a 1/48 scale plane? I don't want to use the decals included in the kit. I'm working on an SBD Dauntless.

Thanks!

Try this trick: Go to a well-stocked stationery store and get some tan colored paper. Cut thin strips as long as you require. Then dip them in a solution of watered down white glue. Once they're soft, drape the strips over your seat where you want them to be. Let them dry. Now order up some of Voyager Models' photo etch belt buckles (example here: http://www.squadron.com/NoStock.asp?item=VY48002 or http://www.rollmodels.net/search/newsrch.php) and glue them down to the paper seat belts at the appropriate places.

Regards-
Mark

You can use lead-foil or masking tape for the belts and thin wire to make the buckles.
Btw, if the only bad thing about the decal belts is the absence of scale thickness, you can still use them. Apply them to lead foil, paper or other suitable material, and when dry trim to shape with scissors and a modeling knife.

Thanks for the help, guys!

Good idea, Eetu. I think I'll try that. That was one of my problems. The other one is that they are very bright, bold brown. How would I tone that down?

You could use photo etched belts (PE), Eduard do a wonderful range and you can get pre-painted ones which are superb. I prefer to make my own from PE buckles and wine bottle "lead" foil (actually mine is from Port bottles)









Mal

Those seatbelts look great, Mal! Thanks!