1:72 Supermarin Spitfire Mk.1 mask + decals

The real subject

The Supermarine Spitfire Mk.I is the first production version of the British fighter, and it reached Royal Air Force units shortly before the Second World War. The machine is recognizable by its elliptical wing and by its narrow fuselage, on which sits a small canopy with pronounced framing. That framing is among the most laborious areas on a Spitfire model, because the clear plastic has to be separated from the painted surface during spraying.

What the set contains

The name gives both masking elements and decals in 1:72 scale. Which areas the masks cover and which markings are on the sheet is described in the instructions supplied by the manufacturer. The same name covers further items as well, so the details on the box are what tell them apart.

How to work with it

Masks belong on the model before the paint. The surface under them has to be clean and degreased, the edge has to be pressed down with a blunt tool so that paint cannot seep underneath, and the masks should be lifted off soon after the finish has set, not once it has fully cured. The decals are applied only to a finished, glossy surface: cut the artwork out tightly, soak it in lukewarm water for a few seconds, let it rest and move it into place. Before you wet the sheet, check in the instructions whether it is a self-adhesive version, because a self-adhesive film that has been soaked is ruined for good.

• 1:72 scale, masks and decals for the Spitfire Mk.I
• the masks go on before spraying and come off once the paint has set
• the decals come last, onto a glossy base
• the extent of the set is described in the manufacturer's instructions
• the details on the box are what tell the similarly named items apart

Terms of supply

The aircraft model, the paints and the glue are not included in the delivery, unless stated otherwise.