1:35 Panzer III / StuG III - TAMIYA

Masks for the road wheels of the Panzer III and the StuG III in 1:35 scale

The set serves to create a clean boundary on the road wheels between the rubber tire and the metal wheel. It is neither a model nor a spare part; you get masking elements that are applied to the wheels from a particular kit. It is intended for the kits of the Panzer III and the StuG III from the Tamiya company, whose shape and diameter of wheels it counts on. The material of the sheet, the number of pieces and the dimensions are stated on the box of the set.

How a mask lines up on a wheel

The key thing is that a mask seats in a single correct position. Lay it on dry, align it along the margin of the wheel and only then press the center down. Go over it around the perimeter with a toothpick or a blunt skewer, so that it seats even where the casting is slightly domed. When a mask overhangs the edge, that is not a fault of fit but a sign that you have seated it off the axis; lift it and lay it on again. On wheels with a different tread or on wheels from another mold you have to count on the dimensions not matching.

The painting procedure

• Spray the wheel with the shade of the tire first, so that the base is uniform.
• Apply the mask only onto a perfectly cured coat.
• Apply the color of the wheel in thin coats, as a thick coat creates a step at the edge.
• Once the mask is off, go over the edge with a magnifier and put any hairlines right with a fine brush.
• Unify the whole with a matte clear coat, and only then does dusting and mud come in turn.

Who the set is for

For builders of armored hardware in 1:35 scale who want their road wheels all the same as one another. Given the number of wheels on the running gear of this category of vehicle, the saving of time against drawing the tires by hand is noticeable.

The set contains masks only. The kit, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.