1:72 Soviet Red-White Outlined Kremlin Stars - Early

Soviet Kremlin stars with a red and white edging 1:72 — early variant, Armycast

A masking set in 1:72 scale from Armycast. It serves for spraying aircraft markings: the film is applied to finished paintwork, the star is sprayed over it and the mask is taken off. The marking thus comes about directly in the paintwork — with no carrier film, no step and no glossy frame, which is what usually gives a decal away on a matte area. It is a finishing accessory, not a kit.

The marking and the variant

The set combines two features that the manufacturer distinguishes: the drawing of the Kremlin star, kept separate from the ordinary red star, and the double edging, that is, a white outline completed by a red line. The qualifier for the early period is the division used by the manufacturer according to the stage of development. Because the particular form of the marking differed from machine to machine, we recommend comparing the shape and the size with a photograph or a color profile of the subject before applying it.

Tips for applying and spraying

Let the base coat cure first — on paint that has not dried the mask will pull the finish away as it is removed. Degrease the area and press the film down carefully around the perimeter. A two-color edging is sprayed in two steps: the lighter shade over the whole area, masked over once it has dried, then the darker one applied. Thin the paint and lay it on at right angles in several thin passes; one heavy coat forms a ridge on the edge that shows once the mask is off. Take the film off soon after it has dried, with tweezers at a sharp angle, and unify the surface with a final matte varnish.

Who the set is for

• modelers of Soviet aircraft in 1:72 scale
• those who want a double edging with a sharp transition
• builders whose decals in the box have aged
• more advanced modelers working with an airbrush

This is a masking accessory, not a model. Paints, glue and a kit are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.