1:32 Fokker E.I - Mask

The real subject

The Fokker E.I is the first production version of the German monoplane that came to be known as the Eindecker. It is a single-seat machine with a wire-braced wing, on which roll was not controlled by ailerons but by warping the whole wing. The main novelty, though, was the armament: the machine gun fired forward through the propeller disc, because its fire was synchronized with the turning of the propeller. The pilot could therefore aim with the whole aircraft instead of having to shoot clear of the propeller arc, and in 1915 that meant a noticeable advantage.

What the set is for

The masks define the area that is to be sprayed and keep the edge straight and crisp. The cockpit of this type is open, so these are not glazing frames as on more modern aircraft; exactly what the set masks is stated by the manufacturer in the instructions. In 1:32 scale it pays to mask even where a decal would do in a smaller scale, because large areas show up every unevenness under a film more harshly than it deserves.

How to work with the masks

The masks are applied before spraying, onto paint that is dry, smooth and free of grease. Lift the part off with tweezers, settle it according to the shape on the model and press the edges down firmly so that paint cannot creep under them. Spray several thin coats rather than one heavy one, and remove the mask shortly after the paint has dried, while the adhesive has not yet hardened. Should paint creep under all the same, correct the edge with a sharp blade before the coat cures completely.

Who it is for

For builders of First World War aircraft models who want their edges sprayed rather than painted on. The model, paints and glue are not included in the box, unless stated otherwise.