1:72 Mitsubishi Ki-51 Sonia Control Surfaces

The real subject

The Mitsubishi Ki-51 was a single-engined two-seat aircraft of the Japanese Army Air Force, intended for reconnaissance and for the direct support of ground units. You will recognize it by the fixed undercarriage in its fairings and by the glazed cabin stretching far back. The Allies used the code designation Sonia for it, which became established among modelers as well.

What the set contains

This is a set of painting masks defined for the control surfaces, that is for the area of the ailerons and the elevator and the rudder. What exactly each piece is cut for and which kit in 1:72 scale the set will suit are stated in the manufacturer's instructions. Check that before buying, because the shape of the surfaces differs from one kit of the same aircraft to another.

How to work with the masks

Masking decides how the finish will look at the edges. A few principles hold regardless of which paint you use and which kit you are building.

• The surface under the mask must be clean, dry and degreased.
• Transfer the mask with tweezers and press it down all the way around, so that no paint runs under the edge.
• They are stuck on before spraying, not onto a finished coat of paint.
• Apply the paint in thin layers; a heavy layer will create a step at the edge of the mask.
• Peel the mask off as soon as the paint is dry to the touch, slowly and at a shallow angle to the surface.

Terms of supply

The set contains painting masks. The paints, the glue and the kit of the model are usually not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.