1:32 AH-1G Cobra - Canopy Mask for ICM

The real subject

The Bell AH-1G Cobra was the first production attack helicopter. It grew out of the dynamic system of the Huey, but received an entirely new, very narrow fuselage in which the crew sits one behind the other: the gunner in front, the pilot a little higher behind him. The machine stands on skids, carries its armament in a rotating turret under the nose and on stub wings at the sides of the fuselage. The glazing of the cockpit is made up of flat panes in dense framing, which is excellent news for the look of a model and bad news for whoever has to spray those frames.

What the set contains

Masks cut to the shape of the clear parts of the ICM kit in 1:32 scale. They do away with cutting strips of adhesive tape, which with so many frames takes a whole evening and even then rarely comes out exactly. The extent of the coverage and the recommended order of steps are given in the manufacturer's instructions; go through them before you reach for the airbrush.

• Masks for the glazing of the AH-1G Cobra in 1:32 scale
• Cut for the ICM kit
• They replace cutting adhesive tape by hand
• Sharp frame edges without paint creeping under

How to work with the masks

The masks are applied before spraying, not after the paint has dried. Wash and degrease the clear part first, because a mask will not hold on a greasy surface. Press it down all round so that no paint creeps under the edge. Spray in thin coats; one heavy coat always creeps. Lift the mask off with tweezers at a sharp angle before the paint has fully cured, otherwise it may take a piece of the finish with it. On a helicopter it pays to spray the cockpit shade first and only then the exterior color.

Who it is for

For anyone who builds the Cobra in a large scale and does not want to spend an evening with tape and a scalpel. The model, paints and glue are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.