1:48 F-16CJ Block 50

Eduard 1:48 F-16CJ Block 50 masking set

This item is a masking accessory for painting a model, not a kit. The sheet contains self-adhesive masks whose shapes are die-cut exactly to the clear parts of the F-16CJ kit in 1:48 scale. Eduard uses kabuki tape to make them: it is thin and pliable, it adheres reliably to glazing and yet after spraying it can be pulled off without taking the paint with it or leaving a tacky film behind.

Use

• The F-16 has a one-piece frameless canopy, a single large clear shell with no cross frame. That makes every inaccuracy on the border between the clear area and the sprayed edging all the more visible, and that is exactly where a precisely die-cut mask helps most.
• Tape cut by hand ripples on a curved shell and the border of the spray comes out wavy; a pre-cut shape, by contrast, sits right the first time.
• Stick the mask on, press it down all the way around, spray and let the paint dry: only then pull it away from the edge at a downward angle.
• It also saves time: there is no measuring, tracing or cutting with a knife directly on the clear part, where a single scratch means irreversible damage.
• Paint does not creep under kabuki tape, so the edge of the spray stays crisp even with an airbrush at higher pressure.

The real subject

The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a modern American lightweight multirole fighter in widespread service with air forces around the world. The F-16CJ Block 50 version was intended among other things for the suppression of enemy air defenses, that is for finding and destroying radars and air defense launch sites, one of the most demanding combat roles there is. A hallmark of the F-16 remains that bubble canopy with no windshield frame, which gives the pilot an outstanding view.

Who it is for

For the modeler building the F-16CJ in 1:48 scale who wants the canopy edging and the rest of the glazing sprayed cleanly. Because the masks are die-cut to the shape of specific clear parts, check which kit this set is intended for.

It is not a model. The kit, paints and glue are not included in the package.