1:48 EA-6B Prowler canopy mask

Masks for the cockpit glazing of the EA-6B Prowler

A set of shaped masking stencils for the cockpit frames of an EA-6B Prowler model in 1:48 scale. Try the fit on the clear part dry beforehand.

The real subject

The Prowler is a carrier aircraft intended for electronic warfare, derived from the A-6 Intruder attack aircraft. Against it, it has a lengthened nose and instead of a crew of two it carries four men, who sit in two pairs side by side. At the top of the vertical tail there is a conspicuous fairing with antennas, and pods with jamming equipment hung under the wing. A lengthened cockpit also means a considerably larger area of glazing: there are more frames here than on any single-seat carrier aircraft and they run far back along the spine.

What the masking solves

Cutting tape by hand for that many frames takes a whole evening and one slip of the blade is enough to leave a scratch on the clear part that can no longer be polished out. A pre-cut stencil holds the shape of the frame for you and the width of the frames comes out the same on both sides of the cockpit.

• Shaped masking stencils for the cockpit glazing
• 1:48 scale, shaped for the frames of a four-seat cockpit
• Suitable for the extensive glazing of a four-seat cockpit
• No cutting of tape directly on the clear part
• Try the fit on the part dry beforehand

Painting tips

Wash and degrease the clear part; on a greasy surface a mask does not hold and the paint creeps under. Apply the stencils before spraying and press the edges down with a blunt tip. Apply the paint square to the surface and in thin coats. With a cockpit this long, work in sections and keep checking whether any of the frames has lifted. Take the masks off while the coat has not yet fully cured and pull them away at a slant across themselves.

The package contains masking stencils. The kit, paints and glue are not included, unless stated otherwise.