1:35 Russian ASU-85 - Trumpeter

ASU-85 wheel masking set in 1:35 scale (Quickwheel)

Self-adhesive masks cut to the shape of the road wheels of the airborne self-propelled gun. This is neither a kit nor a set of replacement wheels — the set only separates the rubber tire band from the rim while spraying. The cut matches the wheels from the kit by Trumpeter.

Combining it with resin replacement wheels

Resin wheels that replace those from the kit are among the accessories available. Care is needed here: the mask is cut to the dimensions of the plastic wheels of a particular kit, not to those of resin replacements. Replacement wheels tend to have a different tire band diameter, a differently set hub and a different rim relief, so a mask will fit them only by chance. If you are planning resin replacements, first check whether their manufacturer supplies masking of its own for them. What works well, on the other hand, is the combination the other way round — plastic wheels with a mask and a resin replacement only where visible detail is at stake, for instance on the drive sprocket or the idler wheel. With resin, do not forget to wash the release agent off and to prime, or the mask will come away along with the paint.

Procedure and tips

• Check before ordering that you will be using the wheels from the kit the mask is cut for.
• Wash the release agent off resin parts and spray a primer, or the paint will not hold.
• Lay the rubber shade on first and apply the mask only to a cured surface.
• Spray square and in thin coats.
• Remove the mask once the paint has flashed off, not later.

Who the set is for

• Builders of Soviet airborne equipment in 1:35 scale.
• Modelers who want a clean rubber-to-rim transition with no hand brush.
• Those who build from the box and do not swap the running gear for resin.

The package contains masks only. The kit, paints and thinners are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.