1:48 Mig-31 B/BS

The real subject

The MiG-31 is a Soviet and Russian heavy interceptor aircraft. It is a large twin-engined machine with the crew seated one behind the other: the pilot in front and, behind him, the weapons systems operator in a cockpit of his own with separate glazing. It is precisely the pair of cockpits in tandem that makes a model of this type a fairly demanding job, because there is more glazing and framing here than on a single-seat fighter. The letters B and BS after the designation distinguish modernized forms of the type; the set is listed for both.

What the masking set deals with

The frames of glazing are hard to trace by hand with a brush: the paint spreads, the edge stays ragged and the width of the frame varies along its length. Pre-cut masks bypass this work. The shape is ready made and cut to the outline of the glazing, so the mask is simply stuck down and sprayed over. The frames then come out straight and the same width along their whole length. What exactly the individual items cover and which kit the set is cut for are given in the manufacturer's instructions.

How to work with the masks

Wash and degrease the clear part before sticking the mask on, otherwise it will not seat. Stick it down before spraying and press down the edges above all, so that paint cannot get under them; on a domed canopy it helps to press the mask down with a pointed wooden stick. Once the paint is dry, lift the masks carefully with tweezers or the point of a blade so that the clear surface is not scratched.

• 1:48 scale
• pre-cut masks for the MiG-31B/BS aircraft
• the masks are applied before spraying and lifted once the paint is dry
• the clear part has to be degreased before they are applied
• the extent of the set and what it is for are given in the manufacturer's instructions

Terms of supply

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