1:48 Nakajima J1N1-Sa Night Fighter Gekko Type 11

The real subject

The Nakajima J1N1 Gekko is a Japanese twin-engine aircraft of the Second World War that in the versions designated S was used as a night fighter. The Sa version belongs to these night versions. For a modeler it is marked above all by the long glazing over the fuselage: the cockpit has a row of frames and transitions that are hard to mask freehand, and on the finished model every imprecise edge shows.

What the set solves

The set brings pre-shaped masks for painting, that is pieces matching the individual panes of the glazing. That does away with cutting strips of adhesive tape and guessing at curves. The edge of a mask is cut precisely, so the edge of the paint is sharp once it is removed and the frames come out the same width along the whole cockpit.

Usage tips

• Stick the masks onto clean and degreased glazing before spraying, not once the paint has dried.
• Press every mask down with a toothpick all around, so that paint does not creep under the edge.
• Fill the free areas between the masks with a piece of tape or with masking putty.
• Spray in thin layers; a heavy layer peels off when the mask is removed, even where it should stay.
• Lift the masks with tweezers soon after the paint has dried, not after several days.
• If the set also holds circular elements, they suit the wheels and separating the rim from the tire.

Who it is for

For modelers who spray and do not want to spend an evening cutting strips for an intricate cockpit. The use is simple but the result shows at once: straight frames do more for the overall impression of a model than most small accessories.

The package contains masks only. The kit, paints and glue are not included, unless stated otherwise.