1:144 Hawker Tempest Mk.V

1:144 Hawker Tempest Mk.V — a Peewit masking set

A masking set from the Czech brand Peewit for a plastic model of the Hawker Tempest Mk.V fighter in 1:144 scale. It is not a kit but a set of die-cut self-adhesive stencils that cover the areas which are to stay free of paint while spraying — at such a small scale that means above all the glazing and the thin framing of the canopy, which is very hard to mask with tape. Neither the exact contents of the sheet nor the target kit is stated here.

The real subject

The Hawker Tempest Mk.V was a British fighter of the closing stage of the Second World War, which followed on from the Typhoon. It received a new wing with a thinner section, a powerful Napier Sabre engine and cannon armament in the wing. It excelled in speed at low and medium altitudes and was deployed against ground targets and against fast aerial targets alike. In 1:144 scale it is built mainly as part of collections and aviation display cases, where a series of models from one period shows to advantage.

Masking and painting tips

In 1:144 scale clean work is decisive: degrease the surface, transfer the mask with tweezers and press it down with a toothpick. Spray the paint in truly thin coats and rather from a greater distance — on miniature framing a heavy deposit shows up at once as a swollen edge. It works well to oversray the edge of the mask with the shade of the surface beneath, which hides any seepage. Take the mask off as soon as it has dried, lifting it at a corner with the point of a scalpel.

Who the set is for

• Builders of models in 1:144 scale, where hand masking is the most demanding
• Modelers who want a crisp transition on the canopy framing
• Collectors of British fighters of the Second World War
• Anyone building a series of small models who wants to speed up the preparation

This is an accessory for a model. The kit, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.