1:72 Yokosuka D4Y Suisei National Insignia and markings masks

Masks for the national insignia and markings - Yokosuka D4Y Suisei 1:72

This set of precisely die-cut masking templates from the maker Dead Design serves for spraying the Japanese national insignia (hinomaru) and supplementary markings onto a model of the carrier-based bomber Yokosuka D4Y Suisei in 1:72 scale. Spraying through a mask is an elegant replacement for decals: the markings have the same sheen and texture as the camouflage around them, there is no threat of silvering of the surface underneath or of a visible edge of carrier film, and the result takes washes and further weathering without any trouble.

The real subject

The Yokosuka D4Y Suisei, carried by the Allies under the code name Judy, was a carrier-based dive bomber of the Imperial Japanese Navy and the successor to the older Aichi D3A type. Thanks to its slender airframe it was one of the fastest machines of its category; the early versions were powered by the Aichi Atsuta inline engine, the later variants by the Kinsei radial. It was deployed in combat above all in the years 1944 to 1945, among other places in the battles for the Marianas, the Philippines and Okinawa.

Use

• Stick the masks onto a perfectly dried, smooth and degreased surface and press the edges down carefully.
• Apply the paint with an airbrush in several light layers, ideally at right angles to the edge of the mask - that way you keep it from running underneath.
• Lift the templates off shortly after the paint has set, with a slow pull at a sharp angle.
• With multicolored markings work from the light color to the dark one and let the paint cure between the layers.

Who it is for

The set is intended for modelers who want Japanese markings with no compromises - with sharp edges, a uniform surface and no decal carrier film. You will appreciate it especially when building a weathered machine, where decals often look out of place.

These are painting masks, that is an accessory to a kit. The model, paints and glue are not included in the package.