Basics: Antennas Aircraft and Armor need antennae to look complete. The materials used depends on the scale: human hair can be used on a small kit, stretched sprue on a large model. Different weight fishing line can be used on different scaled kits or even to represent different types of aerials on the same model. Painted silver or black antennas add depth and dimension to a model. Since many instructions suggest ways of making antennas and show were to place them most contests will categorize entrees with only antennas added as 'Out of the Box' or 'Minor Detail'.
Seat Belts/Harnesses Simple belts can be made using masking tape. A complete set of belts
adds to any cockpit or car/AFV interior. Lay a length of tape on a smooth work surface, cutting board, or sheet of glass (mirror) and cut into strips using a hobby knife. Either paint the 'straps' on the work surface or after they are in place. To place the belts peal them off the surface and, using tweezers or other hand tools, 'stick' them to the seat, draping one end over the seat back or under the seat. The adhesive allows re-placement without ruining the paint underneath. To ensure a permanent seat belt: peal up one end and place some super glue on the belt and repeat for the other end. Buckles can be made by simply painting one end of the strap silver for small kits, or manufacturing buckles out of spare parts/sheet plastic for larger kits.
An alternate method to attach cockpit dials and seat belts: Go to your local hobby shop or hardware store and get a container of Synthetic Carpet; instead of buying special cement use
this roll of double sided tape. Thanks to ARMOREDFIST316@aol.comAdvanced: Scratchbuilding Using scrap plastic, sheet styrene, wire, household items and anything else your imagination can come up with, to build accessories or create brand new items to add detail to a kit. Goto: Scratchbuilding for more details and how to's.
