1:72 D3A2 Val Nat. Ins. w/ o white outline

Aichi D3A2, national insignia without an outline, 1:72 scale

A Dead Design masking set for spraying plain red discs onto a model of the later version of the Aichi D3A2 dive bomber in 1:72 scale. The variant without a white outline matches the machines on which the insignia stayed single-colored, that is, mainly the older schemes and the machines of auxiliary units.

The real subject

The D3A2 differs from the older version above all in a more powerful Kinsei 54 engine, a longer rear end and increased fuel capacity. Its external recognition feature is a more pointed propeller spinner. It came at a time when the carrier role of the type was already ending, so most of the machines served from land airfields, with training groups and, at the end of the war, in suicide attacks as well. That is exactly why you meet the most varied combinations of finish and markings on it.

What to keep in mind while spraying

A single-color insignia tempts you to work fast, but without an outline there is then nothing to even up. Before laying the mask on, check that the area is free of dust and the previous finish has dried out completely, because fresh paint will be pulled up under a mask. Apply the red in short bursts from the edge to the center. If you find a slight run after lifting, it is simpler to touch it out with the camouflage color from the outside than to correct the disc itself.

For which models

• For the late Val with the sharp propeller spinner
• For machines of training and land-based units
• For modelers who want a simple insignia perfectly round
• For builds from the last year of the war in the Pacific