1:48 Curtiss-Wright AT-9 Jeep

Masking set for the Curtiss-Wright AT-9 Jeep in 1:48 scale

Precisely cut self-adhesive masks which cover the glazing during spraying. It is not a model and not a part to be glued — it is an aid thanks to which the frames come out sharp and the same width along the whole length of the cabin. The set does not carry the TFace designation, which with this manufacturer means masks for both sides of the glazing. The target kit is not stated here, so check before ordering that the set matches the model you are building.

The real subject

The AT-9 Jeep is an American twin-engine trainer aircraft of the Second World War period. It served for converting pilots onto twin-engine machines and was deliberately designed to be less forgiving than ordinary trainer types — the handling came close in its demands to combat aircraft. The cabin has glazing drawn out to a point with a dense network of frames and side windows above both seats; a canopy like that is among the most demanding to mask by hand in the whole of 1:48 scale.

Usage tips

Degrease the glazing and let it dry completely. Lift the masks off the sheet with pointed tweezers; with narrow frames it pays to work under a magnifier. Press the edge down with a toothpick, so that no air is left under it. Spray in several thin coats; a heavy coat will run under. Fill the cockpit with cotton wool before spraying. Take the mask off while the paint is freshly dry — once it has cured the edge breaks less well.

Who the set is for

• builders of Second World War trainer aircraft in 1:48 scale
• modelers who do not want to cut tape by hand for a densely divided canopy
• beginners, for whom masking is the hardest part of a build
• anyone who wants uniform frames with no differences in width

The set holds masking material only. The kit, glue and paints are not included in the package.