1:48 Hawker TEMPEST Mk.V - Stencils

Hawker Tempest Mk. V - Stencils 1:48 (HGW)

A set of wet transfers from the Czech manufacturer HGW intended for models of the British Hawker Tempest Mk. V fighter aircraft in 1:48 scale. It is not a kit, but an accessory with markings: the sheet carries small technical and maintenance markings, that is the labels that are found on the real aircraft by the filler caps, the service openings, the panels and the armament. It is exactly these details that make a finished model convincing when seen close up.

Why a set of markings on its own

The markings from the original kit package tend to be coarsely printed, and when they are applied to a large smooth surface of a wing or the fuselage it is on them that the carrier film shows most. A wet transfer solves both: the print is fine and the film is taken off once dry, so only the color is left on the surface. The marking then has no glossy edge and no silvering occurs, even on a less glossy finish.

Use and tips

Spray the surface and varnish it over with a gloss varnish, so that it is smooth. Cut the individual markings out one at a time, slide them into place after soaking and adjust the position while they are wet. Then press the water out carefully, let it dry for several hours and only then pull the carrier film off. You will make the work easier with tweezers with a fine tip and good lighting, because these are very small items. At the end bring the whole model together with a matte or semi-matte varnish.

Who the set is for

• Modelers building the Hawker Tempest in 1:48 scale
• Builders who are not satisfied with the quality of the markings from the original package
• Contest modelers, where the details of the surface are judged
• More experienced builders used to working with small decals

This is an accessory with markings, not a model. A kit, paints and varnishes are not included in the package.