1:48 F4U-4/5 Corsair Serial and Squadron Lettering Mask Set

The real subject

You can tell the Vought F4U Corsair by its inverted gull wing, which the designers chose so that a large propeller would fit under the fuselage and the landing gear could stay short. The machine served as a carrier-based fighter and attack aircraft, and in the postwar F4U-4 and F4U-5 versions it moved toward heavier tasks in the support of ground forces. It is precisely with these late versions that the markings tend to be prominent and very visible on a model, because they are carried on large smooth areas of the fuselage and the wing.

What the set solves

The masks in 1:48 scale define the serial numbers and the unit letters. A sprayed marking has no carrier film, so no silvering patches and no decal edge appear under it, it will take matte varnish and it can be weathered together with the surrounding surface. On large markings this difference shows more than anywhere else.

Building and painting tips

Glue the masks onto finished, dry and degreased paint. Mark the layout out in pencil beforehand or line the markings up against a strip of tape stuck on as a guide line, so that the text does not wander. Press the edges down along their whole length and spray at right angles, in several very thin coats; with letters very little paint is really enough. Take the mask off as soon as the paint is dry to the touch and lift it with the tip of a scalpel. If dirt gets into a marking, wait and put it right with a fine brush only once it has dried.

Who it is for

For builders of carrier aircraft in 1:48 scale who want their markings sprayed rather than glued on. The model, the paints and the glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.