1:48 Maachi C.200 Saetta

The real subject

The Macchi C.200 Saetta is an Italian single-seat fighter from the time of the Second World War. It was powered by a radial engine, whose wide cowling gives the fuselage its characteristic stocky nose, onto which a slender tail follows. The combination of rounded cowls and cockpit glazing is among the places on a model where taping up by hand goes worst, and where reaching for ready-made masks pays off.

What the masks are for

The masks are pre-cut shapes stuck onto the model before spraying. They cover the area that is to stay free of paint and, once removed, leave a sharp edge with no seepage. They are used most often on the cockpit glazing, where the narrow frames would otherwise be laboriously outlined with tape, and on the wheels, where the tire is to stay separated from the rim. Which parts of the model the masks cover and in what order they are applied are given in the manufacturer's instructions.

Procedure

Work on a clean, degreased surface; a mask will not hold on grease or dust. Lift it off its backing with tweezers or the tip of a knife, lay it on and press it down, so that no gap is left anywhere around its edge. On curved areas work in small sections and press the edge down bit by bit, so that the mask does not ripple. Spray the paint in thin coats; a heavy application easily forces its way under the edge. Take the mask off while the paint is freshly dry, not after a long cure, and pull it at an angle across the edge rather than straight up.

Terms of supply

This is an accessory to a kit. The model, paints and glue are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.