1:72 Heinkel He 162 MASK

Masking set for the Heinkel He 162, 1:72 scale

This set of pre-cut self-adhesive masks is used to cover the glazing and other areas while painting a model of the single-engine Heinkel He 162 jet in 1:72 scale. It is not a kit or an extra part but a tool that simplifies the most unpleasant stage of the build.

Why masks are useful on this type

The He 162 has an unusual layout: its single turbojet sits on the spine of the fuselage right behind the cockpit. The canopy therefore stands high and is exposed from most angles, including the view from above, which on other aircraft is hardly ever photographed. The cockpit is small and the frames are thin in 1:72 scale, so outlining them by hand with tape means working with strips narrower than a millimeter. On top of that, this type is modeled with a multi-color camouflage scheme where several shades are sprayed over the glazing one after another, and every one of them has a chance to creep under.

How to use the masks

Wash and degrease the glazing, then let it dry thoroughly. Lift the individual masks off the sheet with pointed tweezers or the tip of a scalpel, place them where they belong and press them down with a toothpick, especially around the edge. Spray in thin coats. With a multi-color camouflage it is better to let each coat flash off properly before you start the next one, otherwise the lower color comes away with the mask when you lift it. Remove the masks soon after the paint has dried and pull them at an angle across the edge of the frame, not straight up.

Who the set is for

• modelers building late Second World War jets in 1:72 scale
• builders of multi-color camouflage schemes sprayed with an airbrush
• modelers who want sharp canopy frames without cutting by hand

The set contains the masks only. The kit, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.