pre-painted seatbelts

[macsporran]

I recently bought an Encore Voss F.1 off ebay and included in the box was an Eduard detail set (32547) including pre-painted seatbelts. I have not used these before and seek some thoughts on their use, please.

Usually with PE sets, I would heat and cool the fret to anneal the parts, making them easier to bend - especially seatbelts. I would think putting these painted items near a flame however would destroy the paintwork. Are you supposed to just use them as they are, or is there some other recommended way of reducing the springiness of the material?
Thanks in advance
Sandy
 

[iwik]

Hi!
I have those.
I'll be removing the paint. I don't like how it looks. Then I can heat them and position them as I wish.
Never tried the fabric ones though.
Ciao
Iwik

[lcarroll]

   I've used both and agree with Justin, the PE Versions work but are no match for the HGW Fabric Products (IMHO).
Cheers,
Lance

[Des]

The PE seat belts are okay but in my opinion you can't beat the HGW fabric belts.

Des.

[macsporran]

Yes I have some HGW, just wanted some thoughts from you guys on the Eduard items. Much appreciated.
S

[davecww1]

I have used the Eduard prepainted ones in the 1/48 scale SPAD XIII and found that the metal is very thin and flexible, no need to heat them and burn off the paint.  The paint is also very flexible, I was able to bend them into a sort of ball and unbend them leaving in some of the wrinkles, and they looked great when glued to the seat then.  Nothing looks more unrealistic to me then using a photoetched seatbelt and just gluing one end to the seat back or mount and letting it drape straight down the seat back with a 90 degree bend right where it meets the seat.  But these Eduard ones can be made to look quite realistic without much work.  if you don't like the color they are painted a wash of oil paint in various browns will get you the correct shade too.
Dave

[ALBATROS1234]

i have never felt the need to anneal photoetch. i get the premise but bending paper thin brass sheet didnt seem too hard to do so i have never tryed to make it easier. its not har to position the photoetch belts then glue to the seat. that said hgw or rb micro fabric are the best looking way to go. just dont get eduard "super fabric" belts. not a good product.