1:72 Sikorsky SH3D Sea King Canopy, cabin window and wheel hub masking set (Fujimi, Italeri)

The real subject

The Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King is a twin-engine antisubmarine helicopter of the US Navy. Its distinguishing marks are the boat shape of the bottom of the fuselage and the side floats into which the main landing gear retracts. The SH-3D version made its name outside naval service as well, because machines of this type lifted the astronauts returning from the flights of the Apollo program out of the sea. The glazing of the cockpit and the windows of the cabin are divided and take the most time when a model is painted.

What the set contains

The set brings masking parts for the glazing of the cabin and for the wheel discs of a model in 1:72 scale. The parts are cut to their final shape, so they are only carried into place and the frame of the glazing stays even around its perimeter. The cuts are adapted to the Fujimi and Italeri kits, and with a model of another brand the parts may fit only partly.

Usage tips

• Wash and degrease the glass and the discs before sticking them on, as a mask does not hold on a greasy surface.
• Stick the mask on still before spraying and press the edge down with a toothpick against paint running under it.
• Before fitting the masks, check that the glazing sits in the fuselage without a gap, and fill any seam.
• Apply the paint in thin coats and take the mask off with tweezers with an angled pull.

Who it is for

The set is intended for builders of naval helicopters who want the frames of the glazing sharp and even. It will be appreciated above all by anyone who builds the Sea King in a conspicuous high-visibility finish, where paint run onto the glass is noticed at once. The package contains masks only. The model, paints, glue and decals are not part of it, unless stated otherwise.