1:72 Chinook HC.1

The real subject

Chinook HC.1 is the British designation of the heavy transport helicopter with two tandem main rotors. The aircraft has a roomy cockpit with large windows and further windows along the sides of the fuselage, so on a model the glazing is a prominent feature and its sharp framing decides the final impression.

What the set contains

Masks for the model of the Chinook HC.1 in 1:72 scale. They are applied to the areas that are to stay clean during spraying and are taken off once the paint is on. Mask sets for helicopters usually cover the cockpit glazing and the windows in the fuselage; what exactly this sheet carries and which kit it is cut for is given in the manufacturer's instructions.

Building and painting tips

Apply the masks to clean, degreased and dry parts, that is before spraying. Press the edges down carefully with a toothpick or a blunt stick so the paint does not creep under them. On glazing it works well to spray the interior shade first, then the primer and finally the top color, so that the window framing does not glow from the inside. Spray in thin layers and take the mask off soon after the paint has set, pulling it back over itself at a sharp angle.

Who it is for

The set saves work for anyone who does not want to cut the outlines of small windows out of adhesive tape by hand. In 1:72 scale the windows are small and hand masking tends to be slow and imprecise; a pre-cut shape holds the line where a freehand knife wavers. Even a modeler spraying for the first time will appreciate it, because the biggest part of the work is already done on the sheet. The package contains only the masks; the model, paints and glue are not part of it, unless stated otherwise.