1:32 Westland Wessex HU.5

The real subject

The Westland Wessex was created in Britain on the basis of the American Sikorsky S-58, but with turboshaft power instead of the original piston engine. Its silhouette is therefore unmistakable: a tall nose with the engine section, the crew cabin above the cargo compartment and a long tail boom. The HU.5 version belonged to the Royal Navy and served to carry troops. Models in 1:32 scale have cockpit glazing and side windows large enough for every unfinished frame edge to stand out.

What the set contains

Pre-cut masking templates for a model of the Wessex HU.5 in 1:32 scale. The material is kabuki paper tape: pliable, with moderate tack, leaving no adhesive on the surface once lifted and able to be pressed into a curve. Cutting tape by hand to the frames is no longer needed, and on a helicopter with so many windows that shows in both time and result. What the set covers is given in the manufacturer's instructions.

How to work with the masks

• Before spraying, try the templates dry on the model to see where each one belongs.
• The base color must be perfectly dry, otherwise it will lift with the tape.
• Press the edges of the frames down with a toothpick or a blunt point, not a fingernail.
• Spray at right angles to the surface and in several thin coats, otherwise the paint will creep under.
• Lift the masks shortly after the paint has become tacky, drawing them at an angle across the edge.

Who it is for

For modelers building naval helicopters in a large scale who want sharply bounded glazing. A kit, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.