1:72 SOC-3 Seagull (Hasegawa) conopy mask

The real subject

The Curtiss SOC Seagull was an American biplane reconnaissance and observation aircraft of the navy, which was launched from the catapults of warships and could be fitted with a float or with wheeled landing gear. The SOC-3 version belongs among the production forms of this type. On a biplane the glazing of the cabin is divided into a row of small areas, so masking by hand takes a lot of time.

What the set contains

Self-adhesive masking parts shaped for the glazing of the cabin of the kit of the Curtiss SOC-3 Seagull in 1:72 scale from the firm Hasegawa. The shapes correspond to the individual areas of the glazing, so measuring and cutting strips is done away with.

Building and painting tips

The masks are stuck onto a clean and degreased transparent part before spraying, not only after the paint has dried. Separate the parts with tweezers or the tip of a blade and press them down with a toothpick, so that the edge seats along its whole length and the paint does not run under. Apply the paint in several thin coats, not in one thick one, otherwise a ridge forms at the edge of the mask. Take the mask off as soon as the paint goes tacky, while the edge has not hardened; later it peels off less easily and there is a risk that it tears a piece of the finish away.

Who it is for

The set suits anyone who is building this kit and wants the frames of the glazing sharp and straight. Even a less experienced modeler will manage the work, because all the shaping is done and it is enough to transfer the parts to the model.

There are masking parts only in the package. A kit and paints are not part of it, unless stated otherwise.