1:48 Mask TF-104G,F-104D/DJ EXPERT (HAS)

Masking set 1:48 TF-104G and F-104D, F-104DJ, Expert level

This set from New Ware is intended for the model of the two-seat Starfighter in 1:48 scale. The templates are machine-cut from kabuki paper and serve to cover the areas that are not to receive paint while spraying. Expert is the widest of the offered levels of coverage, that is the variant with the largest number of templates.

A two-seat canopy means twice the work

The trainer versions of the Starfighter have a tandem cockpit, that is two separate seats under a divided canopy. There are therefore twice as many frames as on the single-seat version, plus the central bulkhead in between. With hand-cut tape that means hours of work and a high risk that the widths of the front and rear canopies will not match. A cut set supplies both sections in the same width and the same shape, so the model looks consistent even seen from the side.

Gluing and spraying tips

Label the two clear parts on your bench beforehand so that you do not mix them up while gluing. Always lay a mask on dry first and check that it fits the engraved frame, and only then press it down. Spray thin coats straight down from above, so that paint cannot get under the edge. A natural metal finish is often chosen for the Starfighter and it is sensitive to the touch, so remove the mask as soon as the paint is dry, pulling it at a shallow angle. A higher level of the set usually offers templates beyond the glazing as well, so look over the whole sheet before you put it away.

Who the set is for

• builders of two-seat versions of the Starfighter in 1:48 scale
• modelers who want the frames of the front and rear cockpits to match
• anyone after the widest coverage of a masking set
• those who build glossy and metal finishes, where the edge shows most

This is an accessory for the model, not the model itself. The kit, paints and glue are not included in the package.