1:48 Lockheed-Martin F-35A Lightning II

The real subject

The Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II is a single-seat combat airplane shaped for reduced radar signature. The A version is the one in the F-35 family that takes off and lands conventionally from a runway. Its surface is unusually smooth and divided up differently from older machines: covers and hatches have beveled edges, the panels are faceted and the edges run parallel to one another. For a model that means every color transition left unfinished is noticed at once.

What the set solves

The masking templates define the areas on the model that you want to spray separately, so the border arises directly in the paint, with no decal carrier film. On this type that is particularly useful: the gray shades lie on one another in mild contrast and the transition between them is meant to be clean. The extent of the sheet and the recommended order of steps are given in the manufacturer's instructions; go through them before the first coat.

• masking set for the F-35A Lightning II model, 1:48 scale
• stuck on before spraying, onto a cured and degreased coat
• the border of the area arises directly in the paint
• the extent of the sheet and the procedure are given in the manufacturer's instructions
• the kit the cut is tied to is given in the instructions

Building and painting tips

The surface under the template has to be dry, clean and degreased. Press the edges down all the way round with a blunt stick and spray thinly several times over, otherwise a ridge you can feel forms under the edge. With grays of low contrast, plan the order of the shades in advance and work from lighter to darker. Take the mask off while the coat has only just dried, pulling it at an angle across the edge.

Terms of supply

The kit, paints and glue are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.