1:72 Exhaus Nozzles

Masks for the exhaust nozzles in 1:72 scale

A set of masks in 1:72 scale for the area of the exhaust nozzles of the engine. It is exactly here that two entirely different surfaces meet on a model airplane: the matte finish of the airframe and the metallic, heat-stained mouth. A boundary between them drawn by hand tends to show at first glance, whereas a pre-cut mask keeps it the same on both sides of the machine.

What the set is good for

The nozzles are usually painted separately and with a different technique from the rest of the model, so their surroundings have to be covered. In 1:72 scale these are small areas where tape cut with a knife is hard to lead around a curve and lifts easily. How many pieces the set contains and how they are laid out is described by the manufacturer's instructions. The instructions likewise state which kit the masks are cut for.

How to work with the masks

• lay them on before spraying, onto a clean, dry and degreased surface
• press the edges down carefully, because paint bleeds in exactly under an edge that has not settled
• lay on thin coats in two passes, because a heavy coat leaves a ridge on the edge
• remove the mask before the paint has fully cured, and pull it at an angle
• dry-fit the masks before laying them on and check that the shapes match the part

Who it is for

For builders of airplanes in fine scales who want the transition on the nozzles crisp and without touching up by brush. The kit, paints and glue are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.