1:48 Mil Mi-24P TFace canopy frame paint mask

The real subject

The Mil Mi-24P is an attack helicopter of Soviet design with an armored cockpit in which the operator and the pilot sit one behind the other. The P version differs from the older machines in a fixed built-in twin-barrel cannon on the right side of the nose instead of a movable turret. The glazing of the cockpit has an intricate frame, and cutting it out of masking tape by hand is among the least popular parts of the build.

What the set contains

A set of masking templates for the frames of the glazing of a model of the Mi-24P in 1:48 scale. With masking sets the designation TFace is used for the form meant for the outer as well as the inner side of the glazing, so the frame looks right even when seen from inside the cockpit. The extent of the set and the assignment of the individual templates are given in the manufacturer's instructions.

• masking templates for the frames of the glazing
• 1:48 scale, the TFace form
• an accessory to a plastic kit, not a model in its own right
• the templates are applied before spraying and lifted off once dry

Building and painting tips

Before masking, wash the glazing in lukewarm water with a little dish soap and let it dry; grease from your fingers holds the templates and the paint considerably worse. Transfer the templates with tweezers, press the edges down with a toothpick or a blunt skewer and only then spray, always in thin layers. It is practical to spray the inner side of the glazing with the interior color before the outer side comes up. Lift the templates off shortly after the paint has dried; a mask left on for a long time separates less well.

Who it is for

The set pays off for anyone who wants sharp cockpit frames without the tedious cutting of tape. The kit, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.