1:48 U.S. LETTERS & NUMBERS 24" (LETTER HEIGHT: 10,583MM)

Armycast 1:48 — masks for American letters and numerals in the 24-inch size

A masking set in 1:48 scale from the Czech maker Armycast. The self-adhesive sheet holds machine-cut letters and numerals in the American aircraft style; the maker lists the set as the 24-inch size and states the character height in the name of the item. It is the largest size in this line — that is lettering which forms a dominant element on a model. These are not decals and not a kit but templates for spraying.

What the set is for

Large-area characters are sprayed where an applied decal would show the most: on the fuselage, on the tail surfaces or under the wings. Sprayed lettering has no carrier film, so it neither catches the light nor silvers, it has no visible edge and it follows riveting and engraved lines without trouble. At the same time it can be weathered, faded and scuffed just like the surrounding finish.

Procedure and application tips

First stick a straight strip of tape on as a guide and line the characters up against it — with large letters every irregularity shows at once. Degrease the base and leave it smooth. Press the edges of the mask and the inner cutouts down with a wooden stick. Spray several thin coats straight down from above and let them dry in between; spraying at an angle makes the paint creep under the edge. Lift the mask off soon after it has dried by pulling back over itself at a sharp angle, and check that the inner cutouts of the closed letters have not stayed behind in the finish.

Who the set is for

• builders of American aircraft in 1:48 scale with large identification markings
• modelers who want to spray the lettering instead of using decals
• those who make up their own combinations of letters and numbers
• builders of models with a pronounced patina to the finish

The package holds masking templates only. Paints, varnish and the model are not part of it.