1:72 Pantsir S-1 masks

Pantsir S-1, a masking set in 1:72 (SX-Art)

Pre-cut masking templates from the SX-Art brand for a model of the Pantsir S-1 air defense system in 1:72. In this scale the surfaces are small and broken up, so cutting tape by hand is unpleasant and imprecise. Pre-cut templates make it possible to hold the shape of the pattern even where tape would crumple. It is not a kit; the model itself has to be had.

The real subject

The Pantsir S-1 is a self-propelled air defense system carried on a wheeled chassis. The superstructure is formed by a rotating turret with radar equipment and with the weapon section at the sides. The combination of an angular cab at the front, a long body and a superstructure with a great many protrusions is characteristic, which makes masking a very different job from an airplane.

Where the pattern begins and ends

On equipment the pattern is typically led across the whole vehicle with no regard for where one part ends and another begins. The fields thus pass from the cab onto the body, across the fenders, the tool boxes and the rotating superstructure. It is exactly the continuity across the edges and across the removable parts that tells a convincing model from a stuck-on pattern. A template helps above all where two parts meet and where tape cut by hand would not hold its shape. On vehicles the edge of the pattern tends to be sharp, so press the mask right down to the surface and spray thinly and perpendicular to the edge. If you are building a machine with a softer transition, lift the mask slightly around its edge. Once unmasked, it is good to knock the edges back with a very thinned shade and, where appropriate, to add a few smaller blotches freehand, so that the pattern does not read as printed-on regular.

Tips and who the set is for

• For builders of a Pantsir S-1 system model in 1:72
• For modelers who care about a pattern carrying on across the edges of parts and the superstructure
• Before buying, compare the shapes with the kit you have
• Apply the paint in thin coats and at lower pressure
• Take the mask off while the paint is still flexible

This is a masking add-on, not a kit. The model, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.