1:48 Stencil for prints of tire treads

What it is for

An empty board under a model gives away that the scene arose all at once. The tracks of wheels are an undemanding way of giving it action: they show where the vehicle drove in from and where it stopped. This stencil in 1:48 scale carries a tire tread pattern, so you can transfer a path even onto a surface into which nothing can be pressed any more.

What the set contains

This is a stencil with a tire tread pattern in 1:48 scale. Check the number of motifs, the size of the sheet and the material against the manufacturer's information on the packaging. The extent of the package and the recommended procedure for applying it should be checked against the illustration on the box and the manufacturer's instructions.

Usage tips

First let the terrain dry completely. Then lay the stencil on and press it down over its whole area, so that the paint does not run under the edge. Apply weakly and in coats, as a saturated track looks printed on. In 1:48 scale a path tends to be shorter and narrower than you expect, so lay it out with a pencil first.

• on an airfield surface only suggest the track, as a pronounced one belongs in dust and mud
• let the track break off in places, as an uneven surface does not draw it continuously
• grade the intensity, as a path should not be equally saturated along its whole length
• lighter dust along the edges of the path will bring out where the wheel went
• press the edges of the stencil down outside the motif as well, or the paint will run under

Who it is for

The stencil is aimed at builders of dioramas and display-case bases in 1:48 scale, that is most often at airfield scenes with vehicles taxiing and driving. The procedure is quick; just try it out as a rehearsal on a piece of cardboard. The model, a base, paints and tools are not included, unless stated otherwise.