1:32 Canopy And Wheels Paint Mask Set For Italeri’s TF-104G Starfighter

The real subject

You recognize the Starfighter at first glance by its slender fuselage and very short wing with sharp leading edges, which on the real machines were covered with protective guards on the ground. The TF-104G designation belongs to the two-seat version of the G variant: the second cockpit is seated behind the first, so the canopy is longer and there are more frames on it than on a single-seat machine. It is exactly those frames that the masking concerns, because tape stuck on by hand sits badly on them and uneven edges are more visible on a finished model than anything else.

What the set contains

The set contains masks for the cockpit canopy and for the wheels, cut precisely for the TF-104G kit in 1:32 scale from the Italeri company. The masks for the glazing follow the shape of the individual panes and frames, and the masks for the wheels separate the tire from the hub, so the boundary between them comes out crisp with no retouching with a brush.

Building and painting tips

Stick the masks onto a clean, dry and degreased surface before spraying. Press the edges down well so that paint does not creep under them, and apply the paint in thin coats. Take the mask off as soon as the paint is touch-dry, not after it has cured fully, otherwise the edge may chip. During removal pull it away slowly and back over itself, not perpendicularly from the surface. Wipe any adhesive residue away with a clean cloth.

Who it is for

For builders of jet aircraft in a larger scale who want the frames of the cockpit crisp and with no bleeding. The model, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.