1:48 Curtiss P-40C /TRM

Painting masks Curtiss P-40C 1:48 — AML

A set of painting masks from the Czech manufacturer AML for spraying the camouflage of the Curtiss P-40C fighter in 1:48 scale. The smaller the scale, the more inaccuracies show: a boundary between shades sprayed freehand looks exaggeratedly soft and blurred in 1:48. The masks keep the edges of the fields fine and in proportion to the model, and the camouflage then looks like a scaled-down original rather than a spray job done by guesswork.

The real subject

The P-40C was an early version of the well-known American Curtiss fighter, which brought among other things improved protection for the fuel tanks. Aircraft of this series appeared on a number of fronts in the first half of the war and became the basis for the later, more capable P-40 versions.

Spraying tips

• In 1:48 scale, spray at lower pressure and with the paint thinned for a fine spray pattern.
• Press the edges of the masks down with a toothpick, especially along the panel lines.
• Paint from the light shades to the dark ones and let the paint vent between coats.
• Lift the masks off shortly after spraying at a sharp angle and the edge will stay clean.

Who the set is for

• For builders of the P-40 in 1:48 scale who want camouflage true to the proportions of the model.
• For modelers who care more about the fineness of the edges than about speed.
• For anyone who wants the spray job done without cutting tape.