1:48 Fairey Gannet AS.1/AS.4 mask ADVANCED kabuki masks

New Ware masking set for the Fairey Gannet AS.1/AS.4 in 1:48 scale, ADVANCED level

This item is a set of masking stencils for a model of the British carrier-borne antisubmarine aircraft Fairey Gannet in the AS.1 and AS.4 versions, not the model itself. According to the name the masks are cut from kabuki paper, that is from Japanese masking tape with a firm edge and clean removal. The ADVANCED level stands above the basic BASIC level in the range; for the same aircraft the maker also offers the EXPERT level. The individual levels differ in the extent of masking, so it pays to compare them against the instructions.

The real subject

The Fairey Gannet was designed as a carrier machine for searching out submarines and destroying them. Its distinguishing mark was the Armstrong Siddeley Double Mamba coupled turboprop with two contra-rotating propellers; by shutting one section down the crew could markedly extend the time spent on patrol. The AS.1 and AS.4 versions served with the British Fleet Air Arm from the fifties and differed in details of the powerplant and the equipment.

Use

• Lift the stencils off the backing with tweezers, so that they do not crease.
• Press the edge of the mask down along its whole length, otherwise paint runs under it.
• Apply thin coats; a heavy coat makes a step at the edge.
• Take the mask off once the paint has flashed off, while it is still pliable.
• The particular extent of the ADVANCED level is in the instructions with the set.

Who the set is for

For modelers who want to deal with masking on the Gannet to a greater extent than at the basic level and do not want to cut complicated shapes out by hand. It suits anywhere the sharpness of the edges decides the final impression of a model.