SPA Modeler

I didn't want to hijack BsYamato's thread on his Ju-88 build but I have to find out how the heck do you guys make your own seat harnesses? I know some use tape but what do you use as buckles? I did see BsYamato had two types of buckles inserts on the tape. I'm at a loss how to make your own. How wide should the harnesses be for 1/48 scale?

Never made my own. I usually by RBProductions or HGW.
On the buckles I have seen modellers using thin wire bent to shape, or fine solder.

I cant speak for other aircraft nationalities, but US aircraft seat webbing is usually around 4" for the lap harness and 2"-3" for the shoulder straps. In 1/48 1/4" of actual size is 1 scale foot, so roughly 1/16" for the shoulder straps and 3/32" for the lap harness. The leather pads under the main buckle are approx. 6" wide so 1/8" wide for that.



And of course there are lots of variations from this example by nationality and era

What aircraft and time is this from, Stik?

Thomas_M wrote:What aircraft and time is this from, Stik?

I've worn harnesses like this on UH-1s. CH-47s, OH-58s, C-130s and C-141s. between 1983 and 2007

The P-51 had a similar set up. just notice the shoulder strap buckles that hook into the lap buckle



Here is a P-47 seat



Here is a P-40 seat



Here is a UH-1


As I said, it was pretty much a standard design for non ejection seat in US aircraft from WWII thru today

The only US aircraft with a different non ejection type harness set up that I have used was on the UH-60 which has automobile type end buckles and a central dial type closure device



Pre war/early WWII aircraft seat had only lap belts, no shoulder harness straps

Early SBD seat


TBD seat

I always wondered where or how the shoulder belts attach to the lap ones. The image of the P-51 makes this clear for me.
Thanks for all this information, Stik!

You're quite welcome Thomas. It's funny how something that works and is simple can be kept in service by the US military for decades. Just like the M2 .50 Cal.. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"

The RAF/FAA WWII era Sutton Harness is similar in concept, but uses a series of grommets with a single point plug & cotter pin to secure it all in one point

basic component lap and shoulder belts with attached plug and cotter pin



plug & cotter pin inserted thru grommets

Lots of good info Stik.

Very interesting information Stik !

I have started to use flat strip of lead from "JMC Hobby". Very easy to use.




- Kari