1:35 Crusader Mk III - Border Model

The real subject

The Crusader was a British cruiser tank of the Second World War, built for speed and mobility. The Mk III version differs from the earlier forms mainly in its armament: in place of a weak gun it was given the six-pounder of 57 mm caliber, with which it could at last deal with better armored opponents. That change was paid for in space in the turret, where the crew had to be reduced. These machines appeared most of all on the North African battlefield.

What the set is for

With the masks you cover the surfaces that are to stay unsprayed, and you get a sharp border between two shades with no cutting by hand. It is precisely on rounded shapes that hand masking shows at once, because the line wavers and the width of the band changes. A pre-cut piece holds its shape by itself and falls where it was designed to. Which parts of the model the set covers and how the masks are laid on are given in the instructions from the manufacturer.

How to work with the masks

• wash and degrease the surface before masking; a mask will not hold on grease
• pop the mask out with tweezers and lay it on according to the shape of the part
• press the edges down thoroughly so paint cannot run under them
• the masks are applied before spraying, not onto dried paint
• apply the paint in thin coats; one heavy coat builds a ridge at the edge
• once the spray has dried, remove the mask slowly and at a slant, not straight up

Who it is for

For builders of ground equipment in 1:35 scale who are building the Crusader Mk III from Border Model and want sharp color transitions with no patient cutting of tape.

Terms of supply

A masking set is supplied. The kit, paints and glue are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.