1:48 Westland Lysander Mk.I/Mk.III mask (for Airfix)

The real subject

The Westland Lysander was a British army cooperation aircraft with a high-mounted wing and fixed landing gear in aerodynamic fairings. It became famous for something other than combat: thanks to its ability to land in and take off again from a short meadow, it carried agents into occupied Europe and back by night. For the modeler it stands out above all for the glazing of the cabin, which has a great many frames and takes a lot of work to paint without an aid.

What the masking set solves

Exactly that work. The parts are cut to the shape of the individual glazing panels, so the tedious sticking down of tape and cutting of edges with a blade directly on the model is no longer needed. The edge of the frame comes out sharp and the same on both sides of the cabin, which on an aircraft with this many windows shows at first glance. The set is cut for the Airfix kit and covers both the Mk.I and the Mk.III versions. What exactly is on the sheet besides the glazing is stated by the manufacturer.

How to work with the masks

The masks are stuck onto clean and degreased glazing before spraying, not after it. Press from the center toward the edges so that no bubble is left under the mask for the paint to creep under. Apply the paint in thin coats; a heavy coat will build a ridge at the edge of the mask that stays there once the mask is removed. Take the mask off while the coat is freshly dry, and by pulling sideways, not straight up. Wipe off any adhesive residue with a soft cloth.

Who it is for

For anyone building the Airfix Lysander who does not want to spend an evening cutting tape. The masking set is what is supplied. The kit, paints and tools are not included, unless stated otherwise.