1:48 Consolidated B-24J Liberator US national insignia

Masks for the US national insignia, B-24J Liberator 1:48

Unlike masks for glazing, this set from Eduard aims elsewhere: it is cut for the US national insignia of a Consolidated B-24J Liberator bomber model in 1:48 size. The markings are then not applied as decals but sprayed, so no step at the edge of a decal and no glossy frame around it arises on the surface.

Why spray the markings

Sprayed insignia look like part of the finish, because they lie in the same layer as the surrounding paint. There is no risk of silvering with them, that is of air bubbles under the film, and weathering over them is easy. On a large bomber this shows twice over, because the insignia on the wing and the fuselage are sizeable and any imperfection in a decal is immediately visible. It is worth counting on the fact, though, that spraying markings calls for more preparation than laying down a film and that the order of the shades has to be thought out in advance.

The real subject

The Liberator was one of the mainstays of the American bomber force. It flew in large formations over occupied Europe, patrolled over the ocean against submarines and in the Pacific managed long-range tasks thanks to its range. The form of the US national insignia changed several times during the war, so choosing the right variant for a particular period is part of preparing the build.

Who the set suits

• Modelers who prefer spraying to decals
• Builders bothered by the visible edges of a film
• Those who want to weather and rub a model heavily, even across the markings
• More experienced airbrush users with a feel for low pressure