1:48 A-10A/C Thunderbolt II - Italeri

The real subject

The Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II is an American ground-attack aircraft intended to support ground troops. You will recognize it at first glance: a straight wing, twin vertical tail surfaces and two turbofan engines set high at the sides of the rear fuselage. The machine is built for low speeds, long endurance over the battlefield and resistance to hits. The A form is the original, while the C form went through an upgrade of its equipment for the precise use of weapons.

What the set is for

The set contains masks pre-cut to the shape of the parts of the A-10A/C model in 1:48 scale from the Italeri company. You lift a mask off the sheet and fit it straight to the place it belongs, so measuring out and cutting from tape falls away. The work is faster as a result and above all more accurate than with strips cut by hand, on which a sharp transition is hard to find.

Building and painting tips

• Fit the masks before spraying, onto a clean, degreased and dry surface.
• Press the edges down with a blunt tip, so that paint does not creep under them.
• Apply the paint in thin coats; a heavy coat leaves a step once it is lifted off.
• Lift the masks off shortly after the paint has dried, not after several days.
• Pull them at a slant to the surface, so as not to tear the finish away with them.

Terms of supply

The masking set alone is supplied. The kit, paints and decals are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise. The extent of the set and the fitting procedure are given in the manufacturer's instructions.