1:48 Nakajima J1N1 Gekko National Insignia

National insignia masks 1:48 Nakajima J1N1 Gekko

This Dead Design set in 1:48 scale is an accessory to a model, not a kit. It serves for spraying the national insignia onto a finished paint job. The extent of the package, that is the numbers and sizes of the markings, is stated on the box of the set.

The thickness of a decal in 1:48 scale

A decal has a carrier film whose thickness is set by manufacture and does not shrink with the scale. In 1:48 that means the film corresponds to roughly centimeters of real thickness on the subject, which does not exist on a real aircraft. A sprayed marking has no such layer at all, so the surface stays flat and the marking looks painted on rather than stuck on.

Where brushwork is not enough

A brush in the hand can outline a circle, but it will not keep the line clean. In 1:48 scale the marking on the fuselage is only a few millimeters wide and every inaccuracy, converted to real size, turns into decimeters. A mask reduces that problem to a single action: lay it on and spray over it.

Usage tips

Let the camouflage cure properly and degrease the surface before masking. Stick the circular marking on so that its center matches the position on the drawing, because once it is sprayed you can no longer move it, unlike a decal floating in water. Spray the red over a light base. Once the mask is off, bring the surface into line with clear, so that a different sheen on the marking does not stand out.

Who the set is for

• Builders of Japanese twin-engine aircraft in 1:48 scale.
• Modelers bothered by a visible decal film on matte camouflage.
• Those who work with an airbrush and want the markings brought into line with the finish.
• Anyone after an alternative to aging decals from the box.

This is an accessory for a model. The kit and the paints are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.