1:72 F-111 Aardwark Canopy Mask Italeri/Esci

The real subject

The General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark was an American combat aircraft with a variable-geometry wing, intended for attacks on ground targets at long range. The crew of two sat side by side under a shared canopy, which gives the cockpit an unusually wide and flat silhouette.

What the set contains

The set is intended for masking the glazing during painting. According to the name it is cut for the Italeri and Esci kits in 1:72 scale; the masks need not fit the glazing of another kit, so compare the shape beforehand.

• self-adhesive masks cut to the shape of the glazing
• 1:72 scale, the F-111 Aardvark aircraft
• cut for the Italeri and Esci kits
• straight frames with no paint bleed
• the glass protected from overspray throughout the painting

Building and painting tips

Wash and degrease the glazing before applying and let them dry. Apply the masks before spraying and press the edges down with a wooden stick; on the wide cockpit canopy, lay the mask from one side so that it does not ripple. Lay the paint on in several thin coats and let them set. If you want the frames in the interior color from inside, spray that first. Take the mask off shortly after the paint has dried, pulling at a slight angle to the surface.

Who it is for

The set suits anyone who does not want to cut glazing out of masking tape and wants the frames equally wide along their whole length. It saves time mainly where the canopy is broken up and tape would have to be cut into fine strips. This is an accessory: the kit, paints and glue are not part of the package, unless stated otherwise.