1:32 Bf-109 G-6 - In & Out (for Revell Kits)

The frames from outside and underneath them

The Gustav's glazing consisted of three pieces: the fixed windscreen with armored glass, the hinged center section and the rear part with the view aft. The center section opened to the side on hinges on the right-hand flank, so when open it pointed its reverse straight at the viewer. On a large model, therefore, it will not do simply to paint the frames from outside.

The package consequently brings shapes for both sides. The inner pieces cover the glass while the dark cockpit shade is sprayed, the outer ones come up when the camouflage is applied, and between the two the cockpit gets glued together and allowed to mature. There is no sense in rushing that intermediate step until the cockpit shade has hardened properly.

It is particularly worth paying attention to the reverse of the windscreen. The reflector gunsight sits behind it and any overspray on the glass is most visible at this spot, because it looks straight down the axis of the cockpit.

The rear part, by contrast, tends to be underrated. It sits snugly behind the armor plate, only a narrow frame holds it, and looking down from above, anyone examining the model closely will peer into it. Spraying its outline freehand is meanwhile the hardest of the whole cockpit, because the frame breaks twice right at that spot.

What to watch out for: the shapes are laid onto a surface free of dust, because even a tiny grain under the film lifts the edge and paint runs under it. Wiping with a soft cloth before applying them is enough. A sharp blade helps just as much, because a blunt point tears the film and a torn shape will no longer seat in its place.