1:48 A5M1/2a Claude Family Optical Illusion Control Surfaces for Fine Molds

The real subject

The Mitsubishi A5M was a Japanese carrier fighter of the 1930s. It was an all-metal low-wing monoplane with an open cockpit and fixed landing gear whose wheels were covered by teardrop-shaped fairings. In its day it was among the most agile machines of its class and it proved itself in combat over China; among the allies the code name Claude became established for it. The A5M1 and A5M2a versions stand at the beginning of the development line from which its successor, the A6M, then emerged.

What the set solves

The masks are cut to the outlines of the movable surfaces, that is, the ailerons, the elevator and the rudder. After a slightly different shade has been sprayed, a suggested boundary is left on the model, thanks to which the surfaces stand out optically even though the surface of the part is smooth. Tracing with a brush, where the line tends to be of uneven thickness, thus falls away. The set is tied to Fine Molds kits and covers the pair of versions named.

Building and painting tips

Apply them only onto a finished base coat that is dry and degreased. Press the edges down along their whole length with a blunt point and choose a shade only a little darker or lighter than the base; too great a contrast looks coarse on a model. Apply the paint in several thin coats and take the mask off as soon as it is dry to the touch. Any sharp transition can be evened out with a light overspray of the base color.

Who it is for

For builders of Japanese aircraft in 1:48 scale who want to suggest the division of the surface with paint instead of by engraving. The kit, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.