Re: Revell H-291 by speedgraflex
Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2026 8:40 am
They both look good Bruce. But I think that the paper belts have a bit more natural drape to them.
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Re: Revell H-291 by speedgraflex
Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2026 9:38 am
Yeah, I vote paper!
Re: Revell H-291 by speedgraflex
Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2026 3:21 pm
Thanks Stuart, Carlos and Gary! I truly appreciate your feedback and support. I’m not quite happy yet. You’re right about the artificial drape of the plastic. I’m not sure about the thickness of the paper or the photo-etched brass clip. I’m still nowhere near accurate here. I have tried to drill three rows of six holes for one end of the belt three times and it’s hard to line up the holes even with a pencil guide.
Re: Revell H-291 by speedgraflex
Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2026 7:43 pm
I’m sure you folks know this, but Wingnut Wings still keeps an active website, with reference photos and instructions for all of their kits; an invaluable resource. I think when Peter Jackson and the fella running the Historic Aviator parted company there was a lot of belt tightening and casualties involved in the fallout. I don’t know if HA is still operating or if Sir PJ has donated all of his collection and thereby gutting HA, but it’s a pity that WnW is defunct too. Thank goodness Copper State Models is still going on its second owners! And thank goodness Meng bought those ex-WnW molds! I’m going to try again in plastic to get the look based on—
Re: Revell H-291 by speedgraflex
Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2026 9:46 pm
V3—WnW interpretation. HAPPY DRILLING. This is just one half of the seat belt system because drilling holes free ball ain’t my cup of tea and I wanted/needed a break after trying and failing, many times. There aren’t as many holes as actual, 12 instead of 18 but their position is acceptable so that’s enough for me. I don't want to push my luck. And yes, I did measure and attempt to very carefully align the drill bit, but the tolerance is so tight. I can see why miniature drill presses exist! Also that's a piece of plastic that I think can be bent and rolled and beaten into shape. I can't drill paper by hand unless I build a jig and that's a bit too much for me right now.
My goal is once the CA cures, I'll bend the wires like in the illustration. But I think I'll paint the belt straps first. Also I have to build the other belt piece which is smaller and has a latching mechanism. Hmmm.
My goal is once the CA cures, I'll bend the wires like in the illustration. But I think I'll paint the belt straps first. Also I have to build the other belt piece which is smaller and has a latching mechanism. Hmmm.
Re: Revell H-291 by speedgraflex
Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2026 7:42 am
Cool - looking forward to seeing where this goes Bruce.
It was sad what happened to WnW - I always fancied having a go at one of their kits.
It was sad what happened to WnW - I always fancied having a go at one of their kits.
Re: Revell H-291 by speedgraflex
Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2026 9:58 am
That's a lot better, Bruce. And really does look right! 
I admire your persistence and tenacity in search of an accurate and presentable seat belt; you are getting there now, sir! 
I admire your persistence and tenacity in search of an accurate and presentable seat belt; you are getting there now, sir! Re: Revell H-291 by speedgraflex
Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2026 10:26 am
Thanks, gents! And if anyone has noticed I’ve been a bit limited in responses generally due to some crazy issue with my iPhone and the forum; an issue that might be related to just general internet WiFi bugs. I actually don’t think so. Let’s see if I can suss out what’s what.
Re: Revell H-291 by speedgraflex
Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2026 10:51 am
That is some most excellent work on creating the lap belt Bruce! Wow!!! Re: Revell H-291 by speedgraflex
Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2026 2:12 pm
Carlos, thank you so much! I truly appreciate your encouragement and I appreciate everyone else who follows and takes a moment to write. I’ve been hampered lack of documentation other than what WnW put together and a photo of a seat belt that was made in 1917, which I didn’t find by Google search but buried in a Sopwith Camel forum. Here’s the photo:
