1:48 Mitsubishi G4M1 'Betty' National Insignias

Mitsubishi G4M1 1:48, national insignia sprayed in paint

In 1:48 scale the G4M1 is a large model, and the national insignia grow with it. On an aircraft this big the disc on the upper wing surface has a diameter at which a decal becomes awkward: it carries badly, it is hard to settle straight across such an extensive area and even a small bubble is then visible from across the whole table. A masking template does not solve the size by applying something but by spraying.

Mitsubishi G4M

The G4M was a land-based naval bomber that could carry a torpedo over a great distance. That very range was bought with the absence of armor and protected tanks, so it often caught fire after a hit, and its reputation stems from that. In December 1941 machines of this type took part in the sinking of two British surface ships off Malaya and they went on serving across the whole Pacific. For a modeler it is a large piece whose span takes up a good deal of shelf room in 1:48 scale.

Spraying tips

• Mask an extensive area in one go, do not assemble the insignia from pieces.
• Check the edge of the whole perimeter before painting, not just two spots.
• Use a white base where the camouflage is dark.
• On large circles keep the pressure lower, otherwise a coarse edge forms.
• Mask the wing laid on a flat base, not held in the hand.
• Look the edge of the insignia over with a magnifier after lifting, as corrections are easy then.

Who the set is for

For builders of Japanese naval bombers who cannot settle large decals without creases. The package covers masking for the insignia, and the aircraft itself is its own item. They can also be used at the stage when the model already carries the remaining decals.