1:48 F-4E/EJ/G Phantom one-sided fit and self adhesive express mask for Zoukei-Mura

A precut mask for the canopy of the Phantom

The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II was among the most widespread combat aircraft of the Cold War and it served over land as well as from the decks of aircraft carriers. The E version was given a rotary cannon built into a lengthened nose, the Japanese EJ came about under license at the Mitsubishi company and the letter G denotes a specialized machine meant for the suppression of enemy radar. The armament and the internal equipment of these three variants diverge, but the shape of the cockpit transparencies they have in common, and it is precisely for that one that the set is built.

Where a machine-cut film has the upper hand

The framing of a cockpit tends to be the place where work by hand most often fails. A cut mask holds the edge of the paint exactly where the plastic frame ends, even at an enlargement where a trace of a brush would long since have given itself away. The express designation concerns the shaping: the individual pieces are cut out so that after being laid on they follow the curvature of the canopy with no snipping and folding. The fit is one-sided, so the set aims at the outer surfaces; the modeler masks the inner frames in his own way.

A procedure that has proved itself

The transparent part is first rid of grease, the film is lifted off the backing and laid on dry, so that the seating is verified. The paint is sprayed in several thin coats; a single heavy coat likes to run under the edge and the result then looks smeared. It is advisable to uncover while the spray is not yet fully cured, because a hard layer tears at the edge along with the film.

The outlines derive from the dimensions of the particular kit from Zoukei-Mura. On the plastic of another maker the edges will diverge. You will not find the aircraft, paints or glue in the package.