1:48 Mask S.Spitfire FR.46/FR.47 BASIC (AIRF)

The real subject

The Spitfire FR.46 and FR.47 are among the last production versions of the British fighter Supermarine Spitfire. The letters FR in the designation stand for the reconnaissance form of the fighter, that is a machine that carries photographic equipment alongside its armament. The late machines differ from the early Spitfires at first glance in a more massive vertical tail and a bubble canopy, so the shape of the cockpit masking is different on them as well.

What the set contains

The set carries masking elements shaped to the parts of one particular kit in 1:48 scale; the name marks it with the abbreviation AIRF, that is the kit from the Airfix brand. For this airplane the range runs two steps side by side, BASIC and EXPERT, and this item is the BASIC step. What exactly the individual steps cover and where each piece belongs is given in the instructions enclosed with the set.

Building and painting tips

The masks are applied before spraying, not after it. First wash and degrease the surface so that the elements hold reliably, and press their edges down carefully; it is exactly there that paint runs under most often. Spray in several thin coats rather than one heavy one. Once the paint has dried, take the masks off carefully, helping yourself with the tip of a pair of tweezers and leading them over the edge of the part, so that the finish does not peel away with them.

Terms of supply

It is a supplementary set for a plastic kit, and because the elements are shaped for one particular model, check before buying that the kit you are building is the one the set fits. The model itself, paints and glue are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.