1:48 Spitfire Mk.IXc one-sided express fit mask for Eduard

Art Scale 1:48 Spitfire Mk.IXc, single-sided masking set

Pre-cut self-adhesive masks for the outer face of the glazing of a Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc model from the Eduard kit in 1:48 scale. It is not a kit but an aid for painting. The double-sided variant, with masks for the inner face of the glass as well, is a separate item.

A sharp frame edge, and what spoils it

A mask has one purpose: that the boundary between paint and glass should be straight and without teeth. The most common cause of a poor edge is paint that runs under the film. Three things prevent that. First, after sticking the mask on, press the edge down firmly with a blunt stick along its whole length, not just in the corners. Second, direct the first coat straight down from above, not at an angle from the side, because an angled jet pushes the paint under the edge outright. Third, seal the edge first, that is spray it very lightly with interior color or with varnish, which soaks under the edge and closes it. Only then spray the camouflage. If a thin line of paint does appear under the edge all the same, it can be corrected after the mask comes off by scraping with the tip of a scalpel run along the frame; on glass such a repair is almost invisible.

The real subject

The Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IX is the version of the British fighter with two-stage supercharging of the Merlin engine. The suffix c in the designation refers to the wing form with the universal armament arrangement. The glazing of the cockpit has fairly fine framing, where every inaccurate edge shows at once.

Who the set is for

• Builders of British fighters in 1:48 scale.
• Modelers for whom masking from the outside is enough.
• Anyone who wants straight frames without cutting tape by hand.

The kit and paints are not included in the package. The number of parts and the material of the film are not stated here.