1:72 Nakajima Ki-43-I Hayabusa undercarriage bay paint masks

The real subject

The Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa was the most numerous fighter of the Japanese Army Air Force in the Second World War. It relied on low weight and agility in a turn, for which it paid with a light structure and weak armament. The Allies used the code designation Oscar for it. The Ki-43-I is the first production form, that is the machine from the beginning of wartime service.

What the set contains

Masks for the landing gear bays of a model in 1:72 scale. The parts of the mask are prepared in their finished shape; they are laid in place and define the boundary between the inside of the bay and the outer color. The work is quicker for it and the edge comes out evenly all the way around, which is hard to do with tape cut on your knee. Compare the shapes of the masks with the parts you have on the bench before painting.

Building and painting tips

First wash and degrease the surface, otherwise the mask does not hold and the paint creeps under. Place the mask before spraying and press the edges down with a blunt tool. Spray in thin coats; one heavy coat leaves a noticeable step at the edge. Lift the mask off as soon as the paint has set and look at the edge against the light, while any bleed can still be put right easily.

• 1:72 scale
• subject: the Japanese Nakajima Ki-43-I Hayabusa fighter
• masks for the landing gear bays
• applied before spraying, lifted off once the paint has set
• check the target kit in the manufacturer's instructions

Terms of supply

The aircraft kit, the paints and the glue are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.