1:48 F-35A Lightning II mask

The real subject

The F-35A Lightning II is the version of the multirole combat aircraft with conventional takeoff and landing from a runway, that is the most widespread of the three variants of this type. It has a one-piece hinged canopy with no transverse frame, angular fuselage shapes with a reduced radar signature and internal weapons bays. It is exactly the clean canopy with no dividing frames that makes masking one of the most demanding parts of the build, because every inaccuracy is visible on the finished model.

What the set contains

A sheet with pre-cut masks shaped to a model of the F-35A in 1:48 scale. The extent of the areas masked and their position are shown by the template on the sheet and by the enclosed instructions.

Building and painting tips

Stick the masks onto a clean, degreased surface, always before the spraying itself. Lift the individual pieces out of the sheet with the point of a scalpel or with tweezers so that they do not curl, and once in place press the edges down carefully with a blunt tool. It is precisely under a poorly pressed edge that paint bleeds through. Spray in thin coats and in two goes rather than one; a heavy coat tears when the mask is removed and leaves a step on the edge. Take the mask off shortly after the paint has become tacky, before the finish has fully cured, pulling at an angle away from the painted area.

Who it is for

The set pays off for anyone who does not want to mask a canopy with strips of tape, and especially for those who want the cockpit frames sharply defined. The kit, paints and varnishes are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.