1:72 Arado Ar-240

The real subject

The Arado Ar-240 was a German twin-engine aircraft intended for several tasks at once, from reconnaissance to the heavy fighter role. Only a few were built and it never saw widespread service. For modelers it is interesting for its deeply glazed nose and the extensive canopy glazing, which gives the most work when painting.

What the set contains

Masking templates cut to the shape of the glazed surfaces of the model in 1:72 scale. They follow the framing, so there is no cutting of strips from masking tape and no guessing where exactly a frame ends. The range of templates for the individual parts is specified in the instructions in the package. In 1:72 scale the frames are so narrow that a strip of tape can hardly be cut straight and to the same width along its whole length, and that is exactly what the set solves.

Usage tips

Wash and dry the glazing first, because a mask will not hold on a greasy surface. Lift the template off its backing with tweezers and lay it on the part so that it lines up with the frame, then press it down all the way around with a toothpick or a soft tool. The masks go on before spraying, not after. Apply the paint in several light coats so that it does not creep under the edge. Take the templates off as soon as the paint has set; on a fully cured finish the edge tears more often.

Who it is for

For anyone building a model with intricate glazing who does not want to spend an evening cutting tape. It saves time and, above all, it evens out the width of the frames, which shows at once on the finished model. The kit and paints are not included, unless stated otherwise.