1:32 AH-1G Cobra BASIC kabuki masks

The real subject

The AH-1G Cobra is an American attack helicopter with a strikingly narrow fuselage and a crew seated in tandem. It carries stub wings for hanging armament and sits on skids. In 1:32 scale it is a large model on which the cockpit glazing and its sharp transition into the fuselage are seen really close up.

What the set offers

The masks are cut from kabuki tape, that is, from a thin paper material that adapts well to rounded surfaces and leaves no adhesive on the surface when removed. The designation BASIC distinguishes the extent of the set within the range. A list of the elements and their placement is given in the manufacturer's instructions, which also state which kit the masks are cut for.

How to use the masks

The masks are applied before spraying, to a clean, degreased surface. Lay each piece down with tweezers, align it along the frame of the glazing and press the edges down properly, because that is where paint most often runs underneath. Spray in thin coats and let them set. Once the paint has dried, peel the mask off at an acute angle rather than straight upward, and the edge of the finish will stay sharp. If paint has run under a mask after all, a brush with a fine tip will put it right.

Who it is for

The set will be appreciated by modelers who do not want to define the frames of the glazing by hand and who want clean transitions between colors. Even a beginner will manage working with masks, as long as they do not hurry. Check in the instructions which kit the masks are cut for.

The model, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.