Special Hobby's recent new-tool Siebel Si 204 looks to be an excellent kit, packed with detail in the cockpit and fuselage interior - and, of course, the “greenhouse” canopy will really showcase the effort spent on the "office". So, it's rather surprising that it doesn't include any seat harnesses - not least because Special Hobby did so much to establish the inclusion of photo-etched seat-belts as standard in their early days as a short-run manufacturer.

Thankfully, Eduard have come to the rescue with a very nice etched set of full harnesses for the pilot and co-pilot, along with simple lap belts for the rest of the crew.

The seven sets of harnesses are pre-coloured, and each includes separate pads for the lap-belts. The buckles etc. are integral to the belts and the only bit of folding you need to do is on one side of each lap belt to form the latch, so they should be very straightforward to install and promise to look very effective.

I always think zoomed-in photos do a bit of a disservice to Eduard’s pre-coloured seat-belts, because they can appear rather "speckly" (you can see it in the magnified photo at right), but they actually look excellent to the naked eye - and the belts really come to life if you add a little subtle weathering.

I've read a number of comments over the years from modellers who've had problems with the paint (or is it ink?) detaching from the belts when they try to install them. I've only ever had this happen once, and that was down to bending the part too quickly and forcefully. The key is to bend the belts to shape gently - and if the painted film does begin to lift, you can re-attach it with varnish or PVA.

The set is accompanied by a simple set of instructions featuring clear diagrams, so anyone with a modicum of experience should have no problems.

Conclusion

This is a great little set that will really add to the look of the Si 204. With the cockpit so open to view, the lack of seatbelts for the pilot and co-pilot is rather glaring, so Eduard’s set is a very worthwhile investment.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.