1:48 Su-25 Frogfoot Expert kabuki masks

1:48 Su-25 Frogfoot masking set, Expert level (New Ware)

An accessory to a kit in 1:48 scale, not a model. It holds pre-cut self-adhesive masks on a carrier tape. The manufacturer grades its sets by scope, and Expert is the most extensive of them: besides the glazing it takes in further surfaces that would otherwise be taped by hand.

The real subject

The Su-25 is a single-seat ground attack aircraft meant to support ground units. It differs from fighters in its whole concept: a rugged airframe, a heavily protected pilot's compartment and the ability to operate from simpler airfields. It is the armor protection of the cockpit that has a practical consequence for the modeler, because the glazing is fairly small while the frames are massive, so the boundary between the airframe color and the clear part is very conspicuous. In 1:48 scale the model is large enough for every inaccuracy to be picked out even from an ordinary distance.

Building and painting tips

A set of a wider scope takes in more pieces, so sort them before work and do not peel them off the sheet in advance, as they lose their grip. Degrease the glazing with lukewarm soapy water. Ground attack aircraft are often built with pronounced weathering, with exhaust streaks and worked-in grime. Here the mask also serves to keep the glazing clean during weathering, so leave it in place as long as you can and take it off only after the last step that could soil the glass. If the set holds masks for the wheels as well, fit them before spraying the tires; they save you outlining the rim by hand.

Who the set is for

• Builders of ground attack aircraft in 1:48 scale.
• Modelers who want the widest range of masks and the least work by hand.
• Those who weather models heavily and need to protect the glazing to the end.
• Builders who are bothered by paint creeping under the edge of the canopy.

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