Another Sort-Of-Review from me again. (Previous being Eduard's Slat Armor Template for the Stryker)
Cory Sutton /corsutton has been kind enough to send me this set. It's been a long while in the making and very well worth the wait!
The set includes 30 buckles : 10 Ratchet-style, 10 Pinch-style and 10 Spring-style. Plus 30 sets of Hooks for the Strap End to tie it down on your AFVs.
$20 gets you the Set including Shipping & Handling. Comes with 2 A4 pages of instructions printed clearly with nice 3D drawings.
Email Cory at [email protected]
The $20 price tag is very acceptable, especially since it is a combination set of of very useful items. The 3 inch square of photoetch sheet will run empty only after a bunch of models are complete. I doubt you'll have wasted left overs.
Think of it this way, if you're buying this set just for the Ratchet type then it's just $2 bucks for each Ratchet & Hook and Postage! And that's enough for at least 10 AFVs if you're a cheapo using one only for each!!!
But you will certainly find use for the other types..more on that later..so for now, I will focus on the Ratchet-style.
Official Review Here : https://armorama.kitmaker.net/news/9408
I was most excited on the Ratchet strap, since having a ton of commission builds for US armor deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan......And we all know how the "small details" truly bring realism and completion to our builds. This little piece of gear is most welcome!
From Humvees, Warpigs, LAVs, M1117s, M1 Abrams, Strykers and AAVs....you'll see these Ratchet straps everywhere on US armor, but NOT LIMITED to them..
It makes a big realistic difference having this Ratchet strap holding down your gear. It physically tells a story of the crew lashing down their equipment before deployment or heading out on mission..
Rather than just empty straps a modeler tied onto his AFV with nothing at the ends.
Before this set arrived, I tried similar ones from other companies which are more complex and rather stressful to put together being multi-part and etched onto thinner brass.
I've also scratch built one to hold down a spare tire for my Humvee. It was a pain and my eyes got crossed but how else would I have lashed that tire down..tie a knot!!???
What I like about Cory's Ratchet version is that it is just 2 parts. Couple of folds of the photoetch, insert 3 styrene rods and you're just about done for assembly! Just need to add the straps and hook to complete it. Glue the central rod from the outside and you'll easily make the 2 parts movable.
The detail of the Ratchet at 1/35 is good enough for me, and mind you if you've seen my work then you know I'm a sicko for the "details". I have to be, as my clients expect realism...So this Ratchet set is certainly on my list of "Must Haves"! It's just a GREAT set! The type of well designed accessory I look forward to building with ease and enjoyment ...making all the difference in "spicing up" my models!!!
I can already see these Ratchet straps for my SF Humvee, Warpigs and LAV A2 in the works.. But I will first post photos of the one I installed on my Abrams!
.....Stay Tuned for More.....
THANKS CORY!
