1:48 Grumman F-14A Tomcat (late) EXHAUSTNUZZLES kabuki mask

The real subject

The Grumman F-14A Tomcat is an American two-seat carrier fighter with a variable-sweep wing: on takeoff and landing the wing is spread, and in fast flight it folds back toward the fuselage. The late version differs from early aircraft in details of equipment and surface. The nozzles at the tail are among the places everyone notices first on a finished model, because they differ in color from the rest of the airframe and usually show traces of heat.

What the set contains

Kabuki paper masking elements in 1:48 scale, cut for the exhaust nozzles. Kabuki paper is thin, follows a rounded shape well and leaves no adhesive behind when lifted. The elements are precisely pre-cut, so there is no measuring and trimming tape by eye, and the edge of the paint comes out sharp even on a circular section. The scope of the set and the kit it is cut for are given in the manufacturer's instructions.

Building and painting tips

Apply the masks to a finished, clean and degreased surface, that is before spraying, not after the paint has dried. Lift the elements with tweezers and press the edges down firmly, or paint will creep underneath. Lay the paint down in several thin coats; a heavy coat builds a ridge at the edge of the mask that stays visible once the mask is off. Remove the mask as soon as the paint is dry, because after standing longer it holds more firmly and may pull the finish away with it. Bring out the metallic shades of the nozzles with a darker glaze run in between the individual segments.

• 1:48 scale, a kabuki paper masking set
• cut for the exhaust nozzles of the F-14A Tomcat in the late version
• the thin paper follows a rounded shape and leaves no adhesive behind
• applied before spraying and peeled off once the paint is dry
• the scope of the set and the kit it is meant for are given in the manufacturer's instructions

Terms of supply

The kit, paints and glue are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.