1:72 Pilatus PC-9 canopy airbrush mask for Kovozávody Prostějov

Pilatus PC-9 canopy mask, 1:72 scale

According to the name this is a mask for the glazing intended for the kit of a particular manufacturer. It takes care of the most sensitive spot of the build: the long canopy, whose frames cut out badly in the small scale. The aircraft model and the paints are not part of this item.

The real subject

The Pilatus PC-9 is a Swiss trainer with a turboprop engine and tandem seats under a single transparent canopy. It followed on from the older PC-7 and brought a more powerful engine, ejection seats and instrumentation prepared for the step up to jet combat aircraft. A number of air forces around the world fly it and in many countries it also serves with aerobatic teams. It is precisely the long glazed canopy that makes the PC-9 a model in which the quality of the masking decides the final impression. Besides the frames it is worth considering covering the small windows and lights on this type as well, so that the final touch-ups fall away.

A procedure that has proved itself

• Wash the canopy before masking and get the fingerprints off it.
• Seat the mask dry and press it down from the center toward the edges.
• Spray the frame shade first and only then the outer camouflage.
• Take it off carefully; the clear part scratches easily.

Who the item suits

Anyone interested in modern trainers and everyone who builds in 1:72 and wants a crisp canopy. It is worth the effort even when you have two examples on the bench at once and want the frames to come out the same.