1:32 Curtiss P-40 2 canopy mask (inside and outside canopy frame mask)

Montex 1:32 Curtiss P-40 canopy glazing masks

According to the name, this set from the Polish manufacturer Montex holds canopy frame masks in two versions: for the outside and for the inside of the glazing. In the large 1:32 scale that is a substantial difference from ordinary sets, because the inner side of the frames is clearly visible on a clear part and unpainted frames seen from within give the model away. This is not an aircraft kit but an accessory that goes onto the canopy of a kit you already own.

The real subject

The Curtiss P-40 was an American single-engine fighter with a liquid-cooled Allison V12 engine, built in many versions. Its hallmarks are the deep chin radiator bath under the engine and the fairly extensive canopy glazing with several fixed frames. The type served with American and Allied units and carried a wide range of finishes under various designations.

Usage and painting tips

Wash the clear part in lukewarm soapy water before masking and let it dry freely, because grease from your fingers is the most common reason masks lift. Apply the masks for the inside first and spray those frames in the interior shade; only then mask the outside and spray the camouflage. Allow enough drying time between coats, otherwise the paint tears away when the mask comes off. A small paint bleed under an edge can be corrected once dry with a sharpened toothpick or a scalpel with a fresh blade.

Who the set is for

• Modelers bothered by unpainted canopy frames seen from inside
• Builders of large scales, where the canopy detail gets a close look
• Those who want precise, repeatable masking without cutting tape
• Advanced modelers working in layers with an airbrush

This is an add-on masking set, not a kit. The kit, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.