1:72 MiG-21F-13 (S106) - Advanced Kabukli Masks (for Kovozavody Prostejov Kits)

The early MiG-21 as the subject

The F-13 is among the first production versions of the MiG-21. It has a slender fuselage with a low spine, a small cone in the nose intake and a single-seat cockpit with a canopy that hinges forward together with the windscreen. In Czechoslovakia this aircraft was built under license at Aero Vodochody under the designation S-106, which makes it one of those subjects worth building in several examples side by side.

What the masking brings

The set contains masks cut from kabuki paper exactly to the shape of the glazing of the given kit. In 1:72 scale the canopy frames are as thin as a hair, and building them up from offcuts of tape means an hour of work with an uncertain ending. A die-cut mask seats along the whole perimeter, so the edge between the frame and the glass comes out sharp and the glass stays clean. This item is the Advanced level; the Basic and Expert levels are also made for the same aircraft and the extent of each one is stated by the manufacturer.

The order of work

• Wash and degrease the clear parts, and only then apply the masks.
• The masks belong on the model before spraying; line them up along the frame and press them down with a stick.
• Spray the frames with the interior shade first, then with the exterior coat, and the transition will be clean.
• Lift the masks off before the paint cures; from a hard coat the edge tears away along with the paint.
• Polish the glass at the end and wipe off any adhesive residue with alcohol.

Who it is for

For builders of early MiG-21s and S-106 machines in 1:72 scale who want glazing without creep and smeared edges. The kit, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.