1:72 Ki-45 Toryu KAI Ko/Hei Canopy

Canopy masks 1:72 Ki-45 Toryu KAI Ko and Hei (Dead Design Models)

A set of pre-cut masking stencils in 1:72 scale for the twin-engined Ki-45 Toryu aircraft in the KAI Ko and KAI Hei versions. The masks are cut from fine kabuki-type masking tape, hold on curved surfaces as well and leave no adhesive on the glazing once taken off. Besides the divided cockpit canopy, the set covers the wheel discs as well. It is neither a kit nor decals but an accessory to a model.

The real subject

The Kawasaki Ki-45 Toryu was a Japanese twin-engined two-seat heavy fighter aircraft, carried by the Allies under the code name Nick. The crew consisted of the pilot and a second member in the rear part of the long cockpit. The KAI designation corresponds to a reworked version of the airframe, and the suffixes Ko and Hei distinguish production variants, which differed mainly in the make-up of the armament and in their purpose. It is precisely the long glazing with its great many frames that makes masking this type by hand an unpleasant job.

Use and masking tips

Degrease the clear parts and let them dry out completely, as a mask does not hold on a greasy surface. Lift the pieces off with tweezers, lay them on the frame and press them down with a toothpick, mainly in the corners. With a long cockpit, go from one end to the other, so that the frames do not run out of line. First spray the interior paint, then a very thin sealing coat of the exterior paint and only after that the full color. Remove the masks shortly after drying and put any small overruns right with a brush with a sharp point.

Who the set is for

• Modelers building twin-engined Japanese machines in 1:72 scale
• Those who do not want to cut dozens of small frames by hand
• Builders who require an even width of the cockpit frames
• Anyone who finds masking fluid hard to work with in the small scales

It is an accessory to a model, not a kit. The model itself, paints and glue are not included in the package.