Masks

[BarryW]

Given the problems I have had with the dreadful decals on the otherwise excellent Trumpeter Dauntless I have three more Trumpies to build so I am considering the use of masks to paint the main national insignia and larger codes etc.

I want to do the Wildcat as Navy Martlet III of 805 Sqdn and find that three types of roundel will be needed. So the outlay for the Maketar masks looks like being over £40 and while a lot they can be used more than once so the value is not as bad as might appear.

But I am a bit concerned about using them as this is quite a large outlay for something I may not get on with.

1/ Has anyone on here had experience of these masks before and how did you get on with them?

2/ How do you use them? I know there are instructions but one comment I see in reviews is that they are not clear enough. It seems quite a complex process to me.

3/ Are there any tips or suggestions for getting the best out of them?

If I do get on with them then I might stick with them and not bother with decals any more, at least for the main insignia and larger codes.

Any views/ideas/suggestions would be appreciated.

[Guest]

Barry I finished a Wellington Trumpeter recently & found the Decals about the best so far. Seems from your & my experience that they vary in quality.

Just thought it may be worth experimenting with the models you are proposing to build with decals which are optional in the set before setting out on an expensive excercise (for your bank balance that is).

Laurie

[BarryW]

Good point thanks for the suggestion Laurie.

For the Wildcat though I do need an alternative to the kit decals and my searches did not show up appropriate 32 scale aftermarket decals, hence giving rise to my thoughts about the masks.

[Ian M]

Could it not pay you to buy after market decal sheets of Roundels.

The RN Martlet III's I have seen all have black serial and ID codes, Im sure you could knock them up and print them out. In fact if you have a good printer you could print the Roundels as well . . .

The few times I have painted roundel, albeit in 1/48 I have just cut circles in masking tape with a circle cutter.

Ian M

[BarryW]

You may be right Ian but when I did some searches I was unable to find appropriate roundels in 32 scale. The thought of the masks appeals though as the results should be a lot better than you get from decals though, as I say, I am rather concerned about how to use them and the initial outlay in case I don't get on with them.

[stona]

Hi Barry,I've used some of Mal's Miracle masks that were kindly given to me by a mutual friend.

Home - MIRACLE PAINT MASKS

I'm guessing that they would be a very similar thing to the ones you've found. Mal provided very comprehensive instructions and the process is logical enough. You do have to be very careful about placement (and replacement) of the successive masks.

I know they are supposed to be re-usable but I wouldn't have fancied it with mine.

Masks give a good result but forty quid seems a bit steep! It might be worth sending Mal an email. I don't know what he charges but he's a good modeller and a good egg,he certainly won't rip you off. He will also understand what you need.

Cheers

Steve

[Ian M]

Which aircraft is it you had in mind Barry, do you have a serial nummber or profile maybe..

I rather like the Desert camo ones they where flying over Africa.

Ian M

[BarryW]

Thanks Steve, I may do that when I get a chance but it wont be until after this very busy weekend for me....

Ian.... Here is a pic I found

[ATTACH]46787.vB[/ATTACH]

BUT.... There is photographic evidence that it was a two-tone camo with Mid-Stone and Dark Earth and that is what I will do.

[ATTACH]46788.vB[/ATTACH]

One question Ian - in case you know the answer.

The underside would probably have been Azure but there is a suggestion that it might have been left the neutral grey that the aircraft was painted in on delivery. I will opt for the Azure unless anyone can back up the grey theory.

[ATTACH]49777.IPB[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH]49778.IPB[/ATTACH]

[Ian M]

A very good question Barry. There sure has been a lot of discussion on the subject.

Aircraft delivered from US in Neutral grey. That much is known. Then there starts a debate on how they where subsequently painted. One of the theories of top sides being painted in Middle stone is now out of the park, that photo you posted clearly shows it in camouflage.

I would go with Middle stone and Dark Earth, as being the Tropical scheme. The real bug is the under side. It could be that they received azure blue along the way but I hold with the Light Grey.

More evidence is needed before any certain call can be made.

Ian M

[stona]

There wasmuch groaning,gnashing of teeth,sack cloth and ashes on this subject here:

Martlet III camouflage - Britmodeller.com

I've absolutely no idea how the things were painted and when,but it makes an interesting read.

Cheers

Steve

[Ian M]

It is a rather good read isn't it Steve.

Ian M

[BarryW]

Yes, indeed - very interesting Steve.