1:72 Kawasaki Ki-45 Toryu National Insignia paint masks

The real subject

The Kawasaki Ki-45 Toryu was a Japanese twin-engine heavy fighter of the Second World War with a crew of two. It was used against bomber formations and, later in the war, at night as well; its armament and its paint schemes differed with the task. On a model the national insignia on the fuselage and the wings are among the most prominent features, because they are regular and the eye spots every inaccuracy on them at once.

What the set contains

This is a set of masks for spraying the national insignia in 1:72 scale, that is, templates that are applied to the surface of the model before painting. A sprayed insignia has the merit over a decal that it lies directly in the paint, so no carrier film gleams on it and no edge gives it away. The extent of the sheet and the division of the parts is given in the manufacturer's instructions; follow them for the order of the colors as well.

• masking templates for the national insignia, 1:72 scale
• cut for the Kawasaki Ki-45 Toryu
• applied to a clean, degreased surface before spraying
• the paint is laid on in thin coats square to the edge of the mask

Building and painting tips

The surface under a mask has to be smooth, clean and degreased. Press the mask down carefully around the whole perimeter, or paint will run underneath and the edge of the insignia will lose its sharpness. Spray several thin coats, not one heavy one; a heavy coat forms a lip at the edge that stays visible even after the mask is lifted. Lift the mask soon after the paint has dried, slowly and at a shallow angle, so that it does not take the surrounding finish with it.

Terms of supply

A set of masks is supplied. The model of the aircraft, paints and decals are not included in the delivery, unless stated otherwise.