Every build log and review of this kit has criticized the flexible poly seat belts as having soft details. There are numerous photo etched sets that extensively update the exterior, why nothing for the interior? A great deal of the interior of a Bradley can be seen through its many hatches. It seems like this kit screams for an interior set. Are belts available for any other vehicle that will work here?

Regards,

Eric

I find the Meng belts look just fine when painted up. If you really must change them, you could use the Eduard UH-60 troop seatbelts. You would have to repaint them though.

I don't think these look too bad.. I think if painted well, they'll look fine.



Hisham

Gino and Hisham, thank so much for the replies. Gino, once I see some good reference photos I'll have to give those UH-60 belts a better look.

Regards,

Eric

Unless you're going to be examining the interior with an arthroscope, the kit belts will be fine. I won two golds using them, but your mileage may differ:

Thanks Bill. I really appreciate your confidence in MENG's choice of material. Your build is beautiful. I will try to do it and builds by Pascal and others justice when I finally start mine.

Regards,

Eric

Eric, I defer in all matters modern to Pascal. His builds are superb.

Hello all, to any who are interested I bought ET Model set E35-218 for Meng's M2A3 Bradley IFV. It is a very comprehensive set that includes the seat belts for the troop seats in the back. The detail is very nice. There are no pictures of the interior shown by ET Models so I had no idea the seat belts were included. They even have a texture etched onto them. It is a welcome surprise. Too bad I had already spent the money on Eduard's UH-60 seat belts as suggested by Gino!

Regards,

Eric

Eric,
Can you post a couple of pics of the photo etch frets and or the instructions from the ET Models set. I have the M3A3 sitting on my desk waiting to be finished.

Pete, give me a few days. I am on a weird rotation at work. I already have the scans of the instructions. I might be able to get them up tomorrow. Photos of the frets will take a bit longer.

Regards,

Eric

Pete, I had taken photos of the frets and forgot about them. The seatbelts are covered by one step. The instructions assume you know where they go. Remember everyone, these pictures are for reference purposes only. Here are the images:





















Fret D is mostly pieces that are no improvement over the kit parts. I have no idea how some of the bigger assemblies will go together. My experience with glue is hit and miss and I haven't really given soldering much of a try.

Regards,

Eric

Having used the ET set on the M2A3, I can say that the stowage rack behind the turret is the only significant upgrade over the kit IMO. Plus the ET directions are generally [auto-censored]e.

Bill, I agree that the instructions are bad at best. I hope to do your M2A3 justice. Your build and the one by Pascal are really inspiring.

Regards,

Eric

Thanks, Eric, can't wait to see the photos of your build.