1:48 F-84F Thunderstreake double-sided express fit mask for Kinetic

The real subject

The Republic F-84F Thunderstreak is an American jet fighter-bomber of the 1950s. Compared with the older straight-wing version it received a swept wing and swept tail surfaces. Besides the US Air Force it was used by a number of European countries, so a whole range of finishes and national insignia can be rendered on a model, from bare metal to the later camouflage schemes.

What the double-sided version offers

The masks are pre-cut to the shape of the parts of the 1:48 F-84F model from Kinetic, so they come off the sheet and go straight into place. This version is double-sided: it covers the parts from both sides. That helps when the inner face of a part is to be a different color from the outer one and the two sides are sprayed separately. The single-sided variant is sold on its own under its own code.

Building and painting tips

• Wash and degrease the surface before the masks go on; a mask will not hold on a greasy base.
• Press the edges of the mask down with a toothpick or the blunt tip of a pair of tweezers.
• Apply the paint in thin coats, or it will bleed under the edge.
• Paint the inner and the outer face in separate steps and let the paint dry in between.
• Take the masks off soon after the paint has dried, at an angle to the surface, not straight upward.

Terms of supply

The mask set is supplied on its own. The kit, paints and decals are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise. The particular procedure for placing them is given in the manufacturer's instructions.