1:72 Curtiss Hawk 81 A-2 (A.V.G.) camouflage mask

Curtiss Hawk 81A-2 (A.V.G.) painting masks 1:72 from AML

A set of camouflage painting masks from the Czech maker AML for a model of the Curtiss Hawk 81A-2 fighter in 1:72 scale. It is precisely in a small scale that masks show their greatest strength: on a model about ten centimeters long the divisions of the camouflage are so fine that painting them by hand calls for exceptional skill — with pre-cut masks you spray them accurately and with no shaking hand.

The real subject

The Hawk 81A-2 was the export version of the Curtiss P-40 fighter with an Allison engine, made famous by the American Volunteer Group in China, the unit known as the Flying Tigers. Its machines with shark mouths painted on the noses and camouflage in earthy shades fought against Japanese aviation at the turn of 1941 and 1942 and are among the best-known aircraft of the Second World War.

Tips for working with masks

Move the small parts with pointed tweezers and mark their position beforehand in pencil according to the drawing. In 1:72 scale, spray at the lowest possible pressure and from a shorter distance so that the paint does not get under the film. After spraying, remove the masks slowly at an acute angle — on small parts the edge of the paint is more prone to lifting.

Who the accessory is for

• Modelers building Flying Tigers machines in 1:72 scale.
• Builders in small scales who do not get on with painting camouflage by hand.
• Users of an airbrush with a fine nozzle.

These are painting masks, an accessory for painting. The model, paints and glue are not included in the package.