1:48 Mitsubishi A6M2 model 52 National Insignia

Masks of the national insignia for the A6M in 1:48 scale

A set of masking stencils for a model of the Japanese carrier fighter Mitsubishi A6M in 1:48 scale. With it the national insignia are applied in paint, so the result has no carrier film or its edge and merges with the surrounding finish into one plane. The shapes are cut for the scale, so cutting out from a drawing and measuring out on the wing fall away.

Where the insignia were on the machine

The carrier fighters of the Japanese imperial navy carried the national marking in the form of a red disc, on the upper as well as the lower surfaces of the wings and on both sides of the fuselage. These are therefore large circular areas in clearly visible places, where every inaccuracy in the outline or trace of a carrier film shows. That is exactly why this marking is sprayed considerably more often than small lettering and numbers.

How to work with the masks

• Let the base cure properly and degrease the surface, and only then lay the stencil on.
• Press the edges down with a toothpick or a blunt stick, so that paint does not run under the edge.
• Lay a white or light yellow coat under the red first, otherwise the disc will darken and look dirty.
• Spray perpendicular to the surface and in several thin coats, not in one heavy one.
• Take the stencil off shortly after spraying, while the paint is not yet hard; the edge then stays sharp.
• The finished marking can be sanded over, weathered and oversprayed with matte varnish without concern.

Who it is for

For builders of Japanese naval fighters who want the markings without a glossy outline, and for modelers who go on working with the surface and for whom a decal would get in the way. The box holds masking stencils. The kit, paints and glue are not included, unless stated otherwise.