1:72 Northrop N3PB Canopy airbrush mask

The set

A set of masks for the glazing of the Northrop N-3PB aircraft in 1:72 scale. The masks cover the transparent areas of the canopy while the frames stay exposed and are sprayed together with the rest of the model. That does away with the least pleasant work of the whole build, that is cutting strips of adhesive tape with tweezers and a magnifier.

How to work with the masks

The mask is stuck onto a clean and degreased canopy still before spraying. Press the edges down with a stick or the blunt side of tweezers, so that the paint does not seep under the edge of the frame. Only then is the spraying done, the base first and the top shade last.

• let the canopy dry thoroughly before masking, above all after a dip in gloss varnish
• apply the paint in thin coats, so that no step is left on the edge of the frame
• remove the mask shortly after the paint has dried, not once it has cured
• wipe the remains of the adhesive away with a dry cloth, because solvent would fog the glazing

Who it is for

For the modeler who is building the N-3PB in 1:72 scale and wants the cockpit frames straight and of even width. In this scale masking by hand is especially tricky, because a frame tends to be narrower than the width of commonly available tape.

Worth knowing for the build

Offer the mask up dry before sticking it down and check that it fits the frame. If you build the model with the canopy closed, it pays to mask from the inside as well, but that calls for masks for both sides.

This is an accessory set. The kit, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.