1:72 Douglas A-20 Havoc National Cocarde Mask Set (Suitable for all Manufacturers)

National insignia sprayed through a stencil

American national insignia went through several changes during the Second World War. At first it was a white star in a blue circle, in the summer of 1943 white rectangles were added at its sides and briefly a red border too, which was changed to blue that same year. The Havoc served throughout this whole period, so any of the forms can be met on it and the choice of scheme also determines the form of the marking.

A sprayed marking differs from a glued-on one in what is not under it. There is no glossy carrier film, nothing stands up over the engraving or over raised riveting, and the surface will take rougher handling during subsequent weathering without the edge starting to peel.

The work is done in layers. First the white area is laid down, once dry it is masked over and the blue is added, along with a border according to the chosen period. The resulting marking therefore lies in the paint itself rather than on it, and it can be lightened or dusted over just like its surroundings.

The set is not tied to the molding of one maker. The dimensions match 1:72 and the regulations of the day, so they can be used on another type as well, provided the size suits the subject.

White covers dark camouflage only gradually. Count on several light coats; a single thick one easily runs under the edge and the star then loses its sharp points.

The Havoc carried markings on the fuselage and on the upper and lower side of the wing, so several of them are used on one model. It is a good idea to check the layout against a photograph of a particular machine, because the placing and the size differed slightly between individual batches.