1/72 Mi-4 Painting mask (HB)

The real subject

The Mi-4 is a Soviet helicopter of the postwar generation with one main rotor and a tail rotor on the tail boom. It served for carrying people as well as cargo and it spread to a number of countries, Czechoslovakia among them. What matters about it for the modeler is the extensive glazing: the crew cabin, set high above the cargo compartment, has a great many panes and intricate framing, so masking the glazing tends to be the most time-consuming part of painting this machine.

What the set contains

This is a masking set for a model of the Mi-4 in 1:72 scale. The masks are cut to the shape of particular areas, so cutting tape to size is done away with and the frames of the glazing come out the same width along their whole length. The abbreviation in brackets at the end of the name refers to the kit the set is prepared for; check the match in the instructions enclosed with the set before buying, because the masks are cut for a particular model.

Building and painting tips

• rid the areas of dust and grease before applying, so that the edge of the mask seats
• apply the masks before spraying, not only after the paint has dried
• in curves and corners press the mask down with a toothpick or the blunt tip of tweezers
• work the paint from the edge of the mask toward the middle of the area and apply it in thin coats
• take the mask off as soon as the paint is dry to the touch, slowly and at an angle to the surface

Who the set is for

For anyone who is building the Mi-4 and does not want to spend an evening cutting tape for the small panes of the glazing. It pays off for a less experienced modeler as well, because a sharp edge on a frame does more for a finished model than many an accessory inside it.

Terms of supply

The set is intended for use on a model you build yourself. The model, paints, glue and thinners are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.