1:48 Vought F4U-1A Corsair

The real subject

The Vought F4U Corsair was an American carrier fighter of the Second World War, recognizable at first glance by its inverted gull wing. That let a large propeller be used while keeping the landing gear legs short and strong. Compared with the first machines, the version designated 1A received a higher seat and a canopy with a better view; over the long nose the pilot could see next to nothing on the approach to a deck, and the shape of the canopy is one of the marks that identify the version on a model.

What the set offers

A set of spraying masks cut for the F4U-1A model in 1:48 scale. The masks give the paint an exact boundary, so a straight edge or a regular shape does not have to be laboriously traced with a brush. Which areas the set covers and which kit it is cut for are given in the manufacturer's instructions; check that against the kit you have, because masks are always cut to the particular shape of the parts.

How to work with the masks

The masks go on the model before spraying, and the surface beneath them must be clean, dry and degreased. Lift the individual pieces off the sheet with tweezers or the tip of a blade, lay them down and press the edges home carefully with a toothpick, above all where a mask crosses engraving or a curve. Lay the paint on in several thin coats, because a heavy coat runs under the edge and the line frays. Take the mask off soon after the paint has dried, while the coat is still flexible, and pull it away at an angle so that it does not take the finish with it.

Terms of supply

The aircraft kit and paints are not included, unless stated otherwise.