1:72 P-47D-20

Eduard pre-cut P-47D-20 Thunderbolt masks 1:72

A set of self-adhesive pre-cut painting masks from the Czech manufacturer Eduard in 1:72 scale. It is not a model, but an accessory for the build: the masks are used for clean, precise spraying of the canopy glazing frames and for masking the wheel rims. The parts are made of thin masking film and follow the shape of the frames on the canopy exactly, so there is no laborious cutting and no edges to tidy up.

The real subject

The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt was an American single-engine fighter and fighter-bomber of the Second World War. The P-47D-20 version is one of the earlier machines with a raised spine behind the cockpit (the razorback) and a framed canopy, that is, before the switch to the later bubble canopy. It was powered by the strong Pratt & Whitney R-2800 radial engine, carried eight .50 caliber machine guns and became famous for its toughness and its performance as a bomber escort and in attacks on ground targets.

Use and tips

Lift the mask off the backing carefully, lay it on the glazing and press it down. Spray the frames with an airbrush, first in the interior shade and then in the exterior color, and peel the masks off once they are dry. Cover the large transparent areas between the frames with masking fluid or a piece of tape. Degrease the glazing before applying, so that the film holds well.

Who the set is for

• For builders of a P-47D Thunderbolt model in 1:72 scale
• For modelers who want sharp, clean cockpit frames
• For those who want to avoid cutting masks by hand
• As an accessory for a plastic kit, not as a model in its own right

This is not a model of the aircraft, but a set of masks. The kit, paints and glue are not included in the package.