1:48 F-16D Block 30/40/50 one-sided fit and self adhesive express mask for Kinetic

The two-seat Falcon and its long canopy

The two-seat F-16D came about as a trainer, but in time it grew into a full combat aircraft. Blocks 30, 40 and 50 differ in engine, equipment and role: the thirtieth block received a General Electric powerplant, the fortieth brought night and precision attack capability and the fiftieth was shaped toward the suppression of enemy air defenses. What they kept in common is that enormous bubble canopy with no frame in the middle, which on the model is the biggest painting puzzle of all.

Why masks instead of tape

Tape cut by hand never sits accurately on a curved canopy; either it creases around the arc or paint creeps underneath. Pre-cut masks follow the shape of the frames exactly as the kit forms them, so there is no measuring and no guessing. Work that takes a whole evening shrinks to a few minutes.

The single-sided version

The set covers the outer face of the canopy. The inner frames, which are usually in the cockpit color, are therefore left to the modeler; anyone who wants to spray those as well can reach for the double-sided variant of the same series. The masks are laid on a clean, degreased surface, pressed down with a wooden stick, and spraying is done in thin coats so that no ridge forms along the edge.

They are best removed soon after the paint has dried, while the adhesive has not yet aged. Tweezers with flat jaws will handle even the narrowest strips without any risk of leaving a mark on the clear part.

Any adhesive residue that does cling to the glazing comes off reliably with a cotton bud dipped in clean water with a drop of dish soap. Solvents do not belong on clear parts; they fog them for good.