1:72 Mitsubishi A6M2/A6M3/A6M5 Zero Undercarriage Bay Masks

The real subject

The Mitsubishi A6M Zero was a Japanese carrier fighter of the Second World War, famous for its agility and unusually great range. The A6M2, A6M3 and A6M5 versions differ from one another mainly in the shape and span of the wing, so the set covers three forms of the same machine, the ones that turn up most often among modelers.

What the set contains

Painting templates for the landing gear bays of a model in 1:72 scale. Bays are among the places where an otherwise successful coat is most easily spoiled: they have a different shade from the surrounding surfaces and their interior is hard to spray back. A covered bay stays clean while the lower surfaces are sprayed and the edge around the opening comes out crisply.

How the masking is done

• spray the inside of the bay and let it dry thoroughly before the mask is fitted
• place the template before the top colors are sprayed, not onto a finished coat
• press the edges down carefully all the way around the opening, otherwise the paint creeps under
• spray in thin coats and rather dry; a wet coat flows under the most
• take the mask off shortly after the paint has set; it then does not tear at the edge

Who it is for

For the modeler who builds the Zero in a small scale and does not want to cover the bays with paper and adhesive tape. Check which kit the set is cut for: the shapes of the bays differ between makers and a template fits a particular model.

Terms of supply

The kit, the paints and the glue are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.