1:32 Hawker Typhoon Mk.IB Early camouflage mask

AML 1:32 painting masks for the early Hawker Typhoon Mk.IB

A set of painting masks for the Hawker Typhoon Mk.IB in its early form, in 1:32 scale, from the Czech manufacturer AML. The masks are cut to shape and do away with the laborious cutting of tape. In a large scale every inaccuracy shows at first glance, so a precisely shaped mask makes twice as much sense.

The real subject

The Hawker Typhoon was designed as a high-altitude fighter but made its name as an exceptionally effective ground-attack aircraft. It was powered by the twenty-four-cylinder Napier Sabre H-24 engine, an entirely unusual layout with two crankshafts one above the other. The Mk.IB version had cannon armament and the early machines could be told by a different canopy and different national markings from the later batches.

Building and painting tips

Spray the area under the mask with the lighter shade first and let it dry right through. Lay the mask on a degreased, smooth surface and press the edges down with a toothpick so that the paint cannot run underneath. Spray thin coats at right angles to the edge of the mask, not at an angle under it. Take the mask off shortly after the paint has dried, while the finish is still slightly flexible, otherwise it can tear the edge away.

Who the set is for

• Builders of British ground-attack aircraft in a large scale
• Modelers who want crisp camouflage divisions
• Anyone interested in the early form of the Typhoon
• Those who do not want to cut masks by hand

This is an accessory for a kit and does not contain the model itself. Paints, glue and the kit are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.