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World War II: Japan
Aircraft of Japan in WWII.
Hosted by Rowan Baylis
A6M2 N 'Rufe' seatbelts
propwash
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Charente, France
Joined: July 06, 2007
KitMaker: 289 posts
AeroScale: 231 posts
Posted: Tuesday, September 28, 2010 - 08:47 AM UTC
I'm currently building a 1/48 Tamiya 'Rufe'.

The cockpit's assembled but the seatbelts are bugging me.

There are 3 of them engraved into the seat, but others' models seem to only have 2 lap straps/belts. Can anyone tell me which is correct, and what colour they would be?

TIA
JPTRR
Staff MemberManaging Editor
RAILROAD MODELING
#051
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Tennessee, United States
Joined: December 21, 2002
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Posted: Sunday, October 10, 2010 - 12:23 AM UTC
Hi TIA,

From the esteemed researchers at J-aircraft, I asked, and received in reply:

Quoted Text


A6M2-N Seatbelt Question
« on: September 28, 2010, 11:29:43 pm »

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Hi Everyone,

What was the configuration of the pilot restraints in the various Zeros and Rufes?

Lap belt only?

Lap belt and single shoulder strap?

Lap belt and double shoulder strap?

Were the belts leather or fabric?

Thank you for your help.

Fred



Quoted Text

JPTRR,

The surviving handling manual for the A6M2 shows a lap belt and a single shoulder belt. Another source shows the shoulder belt running across the chest from right to left. The source shows the belt to have been made of leather.

Re: A6M2-N Seatbelt Question
« Reply #2 on: October 02, 2010, 10:52:52 am »

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Basically the A6M seatbelt system is very similar to today's automobile seatbelt system, the straight across lap and single diagonal shoulder belt restraint system. So picture this in your mind and you will understand Mr Long's response.
propwash
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Charente, France
Joined: July 06, 2007
KitMaker: 289 posts
AeroScale: 231 posts
Posted: Sunday, October 10, 2010 - 02:09 AM UTC
Thanks, Fred.................Yikes! I sealed the fuselage up now and just have lap belts. I'll see what I can do. Thanks for your reply.
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