1:48 C5M2 National Insignias

National insignia masks 1:48 C5M2 (Dead Design)

It is an accessory to building a model, neither decals nor a kit. The set holds die-cut self-adhesive stencils, which are stuck onto a finished coat of paint, sprayed over with paint and taken off once dry. The marking is then formed directly by the coat of paint, so neither a step nor the reflection typical of a decal arises on the surface.

The real subject

The Mitsubishi C5M was a Japanese reconnaissance monoplane derived from a fast courier and reconnaissance aircraft by the same manufacturer. Its hallmarks are the long glazed canopy over the crew, the fixed landing gear with wheel covers and the radial engine. The C5M2 version had a more powerful powerplant. The light, not very divided areas of the airframe mean that the markings are plainly visible on a model and that a clean job on them pays off. A sprayed marking moreover holds on curved surfaces as well, where a decal usually puckers and has to be softened, which with a freshly finished model means a needless risk.

Use step by step

• Spray the area under the marking smoothly and let it cure properly.
• Lay the mask on dry and press the edges down all the way round.
• With a pattern that has a light border, spray the light base first.
• Apply the paint in thin coats, so that it does not run under the edge.
• Take the mask off shortly after the paint has dried.
• Finally unify the area with a varnish according to the degree of gloss you want.

Who the set is for

• builders of Japanese reconnaissance equipment in 1:48 scale
• modelers who spray markings instead of sticking them on
• those interested in weathered and scuffed markings
• exhibition and competition builds

The package holds only the masks. Paints, varnish and the kit are not included in it.