1:48 Boening B-17F Flying Fortress Markings Airbrush Mask For HK Models

The real subject

The Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress is an American four-engine heavy bomber of the Second World War. The F version is older than the later G form and differs from it in a number of details, among them the arrangement of the forward part of the fuselage. A model of this machine has large smooth fields on the fuselage as well as on the wing, exactly where the large markings tend to be, so every inaccuracy shows in the result.

Why spray the markings rather than stick them on

A sprayed marking is part of the finish: it has no carrier film, its edges do not shine and there is no risk of a silvery veil appearing under it. It takes later weathering well, because it can be sanded and dusted just like the paint around it. A mask, moreover, holds its shape even on a curved surface, where a flat decal would wrinkle.

How to use the masks

• Stick the masks onto a perfectly dry and smooth base coat, that is before the marking is sprayed.
• Press the edges down with a blunt tool, so that no paint seeps under them.
• Lay the paint on in several thin coats, because a heavy coat will seep under and make a step.
• With a marking in several colors, work layer by layer and let the paint dry between them.
• Take the mask off while the paint has only just dried, not after several days.
• Wipe any remains of the adhesive away with a soft cloth, not with a solvent.

Terms of supply

According to the title the set is meant for the kit from HK Models. The kit, paints and glue are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise. The exact extent of the set is given by the maker on the packaging.