1:48 A5M2b/4 National Insignias

National insignia masks for the A5M2b and A5M4, 1:48 scale

A set of masking stencils with which the national insignia are applied to a model in paint. According to the name it is cut for models of the A5M2b and A5M4 in 1:48 scale, so the size as well as the shape of the markings match these machines and you do not have to cut them out according to a drawing.

Why spray a marking

A decal lies on a carrier film, which has a gloss of its own and on a matte or rougher surface gives itself away with an outline and a slight step. A sprayed marking, by contrast, is part of the coat of paint. It has no edge, it takes weathering, a sanded transition and being sprayed over with matte varnish, and there is no risk that the carrier film will yellow after years. On the large areas of the wing and the fuselage this difference is visible at first glance.

Building and painting tips

The stencils are stuck onto a finished and perfectly dried coat and only then is the marking sprayed. Go about it like this:

• Let the base cure and degrease the surface
• Lay the stencil in place and press the edges down with a toothpick, so that the paint does not run under the edge
• The national insignia of Japanese machines of this period is a red disc, so first apply a white or a light yellow coat under it, or it will stay dark and dirty
• Spray the paint perpendicular to the surface and in thin coats
• Take the stencil off shortly after spraying, while the coat is not yet hard

Who it is for

The set suits a modeler who wants the markings sharp and level with the surrounding paint, and also someone who weathers a model heavily. The package holds only the masking stencils. The kit, paints and glue are not included, unless stated otherwise.