1:48 F-35B Lightning II EXPERT kabuki masks

New Ware 1:48 F-35B Lightning II EXPERT kabuki masks

A masking set from the Czech maker New Ware for a model of the F-35B Lightning II aircraft in 1:48 scale, released at the EXPERT level. The masks are cut from kabuki tape, that is a fine self-adhesive paper tape that follows a curve and leaves no adhesive residue on the surface when lifted off. On the F-35 the shaping of the frames is far from trivial, and a pre-cut piece is therefore markedly more reliable than a hand-cut strip.

Levels of coverage: New Ware offers masks for the same type in several levels marked BASIC, ADVANCED and EXPERT. The coverage differs from type to type; which surfaces the EXPERT level covers on this aircraft is stated by the manufacturer on the packaging of the set.

The real subject

The F-35B Lightning II is the short-takeoff variant of the fifth-generation combat aircraft, with the ability to land vertically. Behind the cockpit it has a lift fan driven by a shaft from the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, the main nozzle swivels downward and the aircraft can thus operate from short strips and from ships' decks without a catapult. The shaping of the machine subordinates everything to a low radar signature: faceted edges, internal weapon bays and carefully routed panel lines. For a modeler that means large smooth surfaces on which any imperfect color boundary shows at once.

How the masks are applied

• Degrease the surface first and clear it of dust.
• Lift the pieces from the backing with tweezers or a toothpick and seat them dry.
• Press the edges down with a wooden toothpick, so that no paint runs under them.
• Spray thinly and in several coats, not in one heavy coat.
• Lift the masks off shortly after the paint is dry.

Who the set is for

For modelers who want to take masking on an F-35B in 1:48 scale further than the canopy alone and who do not want to spend evenings cutting tape. It also suits those preparing a model for a cabinet or for a competition, where clean edges are judged.