1:48 de Havilland Chipmunk T.10

Masking set for the Chipmunk T.10 in 1:48 scale

Precisely cut self-adhesive masks which, during spraying, cover the glazing and leave the paint only where it belongs. It is not a kit and not a part you would glue — it is an aid thanks to which you get sharp canopy frames without tedious cutting of tape. The set does not carry the TFace designation, which with this manufacturer marks masks for covering the glazing from the inside as well as the outside. Before ordering, check that the set matches the kit you are building.

The real subject

The DHC-1 Chipmunk is a single-engine low-wing aircraft with tandem seats, designed in Canada as a successor to biplane trainers. The Royal Air Force brought it into service under the designation T.10 and used it for basic training for decades; a large part of the machines later passed into civilian use. The canopy of the Chipmunk is long and divided into several narrow frames — which is exactly why masking by hand drags on so and a ready-made set saves hours.

Usage tips

First degrease the glazing and let it dry completely. Lift the masks off the sheet with pointed tweezers, seat them in the frame and press them down with a toothpick or tissue, so that no air is left under the edge. Spray the paint in several thin coats; a heavy coat will run under the edge. Take the mask off while the paint is freshly dry, as the edge then breaks more cleanly. It is a good idea to fill the inside of the cockpit with cotton wool or masking putty before spraying, so that no mist from the airbrush gets inside.

Who the set is for

• modelers who want sharp canopy frames without cutting tape by hand
• builders of trainer and civilian aircraft in 1:48 scale
• beginners, for whom masking the glazing is the hardest part of a build
• anyone building more than one example of the same type who wants a uniform result

The set holds masking material only. The kit, glue and paints are not included in the package.