1:72 F-4C/D/J Phantom II EXPERT kabuki masks

The real subject

The McDonnell F-4 Phantom II is an American two-seat twin-engine combat aircraft and one of the most widespread Western machines of the Cold War. The F-4C and F-4D versions served with the US Air Force and the F-4J with the US Navy. The aircraft is recognizable at a glance by its upswept wingtips and its drooping horizontal tail surfaces.

What the set contains

This is a set of masks in kabuki tape for 1:72 scale, designated EXPERT in its name. That designation distinguishes the extent of the set from the other extents in the same line; exactly what the set covers, and which kit it is cut for, is stated in the manufacturer's instructions. The masks are cut to fit a particular model: the shapes of the canopies differ between kit manufacturers and a mask cut for another model will not seat.

How to apply the masks

The surface must be clean, dry and degreased before masking. Lift the mask with tweezers, lay it on and press it down with a blunt tool all around, above all in the corners of the frames and on the curved areas. Only then should you spray, and preferably in several thin coats, so that the paint does not creep under the edge. Lift the mask as soon as the paint has set, pulling toward yourself at a shallow angle.

Who it is for

The set saves you an evening spent cutting strips and the glazing frames come out the same width all over the model. In 1:72 scale that shows even more than on larger models, because there is little room to hide an inaccuracy made by hand. The kit, paints and varnish are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.