1:16 Paint Masks Set WWII German Crosses And Numbers Stencils - Early And Late

The Balkenkreuz and turret numbers in the large 1:16 scale

This set does not cover areas but draws markings. It contains stencils for the German cross and for the numerals that were applied to the turrets of armored vehicles, in both the early and the late period rendition. 1:16 is a large scale, so the individual elements are comfortable to handle, but at the same time every inaccuracy in their alignment shows on the finished model.

Why the markings changed during the war

At the start German vehicles carried a conspicuous solid cross in a light rendition. It turned out that it served the crews of enemy antitank guns as an aiming point, so it was painted over as early as the first campaigns and in the end gave way to a plainer outline form. The numbering developed in a similar way: a three-digit number on the turret denoted the company, the platoon and the particular vehicle, so that a commander could orient himself in action. It was painted by hand, sometimes in a solid color with an outline, sometimes only as an outline.

Applying small elements

With an insignia stencil, alignment and pressure decide. Mark the centerline, lay the element down with tweezers and press the edges carefully, so that paint does not creep under. Spraying is done really thinly, as otherwise a palpable step arises at the edge, which once the stencil is removed gives away that the marking was not painted. Take the stencil off immediately once the paint has set.

Who the set is for

• builders of large models of German equipment
• those who need both the early and the late rendition of the markings
• situations where a decal comes across as too thin in a large scale
• applying a marking over an uneven or roughly painted surface

The set contains masking stencils, not paint.