1:32 Westland Wessex HC.2/HU.5 exterior

Exterior masks for the Westland Wessex HC.2 and HU.5, 1:32 scale

A masking set for a model of the Westland Wessex transport helicopter in the HC.2 and HU.5 versions, 1:32 scale. The word exterior in the name says that the masks are aimed at the outer sides of the glazing and at the exterior surfaces of the model. It is not a kit and not paints, but an aid that shortens the preparation before spraying.

The real subject

The Wessex came about as a British development of an American design and differed from its original mainly in the powerplant placed in the front of the fuselage. It served as a transport and utility machine, and in both of the versions named it mainly carried troops and cargo. The fuselage has extensive cabin glazing with a great many frames, so masking the windows tends to be the most time-consuming job on a model. In 1:32 scale the model is large and every uneven frame edge is clearly visible on it.

How to use the masks

• First wash and degrease the glazing; a mask will not hold on a greasy surface.
• Lift the mask off the backing with the point of a scalpel or with tweezers and lay it on the matching panel.
• Press the edges down thoroughly with a toothpick so that paint cannot get under them.
• The masks are applied before spraying, not onto dry paint afterwards.
• Lift them once the paint has dried, while the coat is still fresh and does not peel with them.

Who the set is for

For modelers building the Wessex in a large scale who do not want to spend an evening cutting tape for dozens of windows. The set covers only those surfaces the manufacturer's enclosed instructions name, so lay the masks on dry before applying them and compare them with the part.

The package contains masks only. A model, paints and glue are not included, unless stated otherwise.