Belcher Bits

Belcher Bits is one of the many smaller 'garage kit' manufacturers in the aftermarket business today. The proprietor, Mike Belcher, is a professional engineer working for the Canadian Navy in Ottawa. Mike has been a modeller for 25 years, most of that time as an avid scratchbuilder interested in Russian armour, naval aviation, helicopters and Star Trek ships. Mike is also a keen supporter of IPMS Canada and has been editor of the national publication, RT since 1982.

Belcher Bits started when Hasegawa released the Sea King in 1/48 scale but only offered the USN version with the extended sponsons. Mike scratchbuilt replacement sponsons, cast copies of these parts in resin and starting selling them through a local shop. Today, Belcher Bits are available directly or through retail outlets around the world.