1:35 Paint mask M88 A1G Recovery Vehicle (AFV)

The real subject

The M88 is an American tracked recovery vehicle intended for towing and recovering damaged equipment from the battlefield. The M88A1G version is its later form. The vehicle carries a crane jib, a winch and a massive bracing spade at the bow, so on a model it has a great many broken-up surfaces that are hard to cover by hand.

What the set contains

A masking set for painting the M88A1G model in 1:35 scale. The masks are cut to shape according to one particular kit, so they are laid on and stuck down without the slow business of measuring out and cutting tape. The list of the pieces and their positions is given in the manufacturer's instructions; before sticking them on, lay them on dry, so that you know which one belongs where.

Painting tips

Stick the masks onto a clean, degreased and completely dried base, always before spraying. Press the edges down properly, or the paint will creep under. Spray thinly and in several coats, as one heavy coat gets under the edge of a mask far more easily. Take them off shortly after the paint has become tacky, while the coat is not yet fully cured, and pull them off slowly and at an angle, back over themselves, so that the paintwork does not tear. A small paint run is put right with a brush once it is uncovered.

Who it is for

For a builder of military equipment who wants sharp transitions between shades and does not want to cover them by hand. The work is undemanding; tweezers and a sharp blade for lifting the edge of the mask come in handy.

The package contains masks only. The model, the paints and the glue are not included, unless stated otherwise.