1:48 D.H. Mosquito B MkXVI

A wooden bomber with a pressurized cabin

The B Mk.XVI version was the culmination of the bomber branch of the de Havilland Mosquito. It received a pressurized cabin, two-stage supercharged Merlin 70-series engines and a bulged bomb bay into which a single 4000 lb bomb fitted, nicknamed the cookie among the crews. With it the machines of the Light Night Striking Force flew over Berlin almost every night, and their speed let them do entirely without defensive gun armament.

How the film is worked with

The parts are die-cut into the shape of the individual frames, so measuring and cutting tape on the model is avoided. The film is transferred onto the clear molding, pressed along the edges with a toothpick and sprayed over; once dry it is taken off and the transition between the glass and the frame stays sharp along its whole length. The covering is arranged for the outer side of the cockpit.

Which molding the cut is made for

The dimensions come from the shape of the clear parts of the British kit whose manufacturer is given at the start of the description. Other releases of the same aircraft tend to have the frames shifted by tenths of a millimeter, so always try the set dry before spraying.

Before applying

Degrease the cockpit and let it dry completely, as adhesive holds worse on fingerprints than on a clean surface. Apply the paint in thin coats, since a heavy spray bleeds under the edge. Take the film off while the paint is still fresh, otherwise it will pull a peeling edge away with it. Remaining adhesive on the glass is removed with a cotton swab moistened in clean water, as solvents would frost the clear part. Glue the finished cockpit on as the last step of the build.