1:48 FJ-3 Fury Advanced kabuki mask

The real subject

The FJ-3 Fury was a carrier-borne fighter of the US Navy of the 1950s. It grew out of the design of the swept-wing Sabre and was adapted for service on aircraft carriers, that is for a catapult launch as well as for arrested recovery. The swept wing and the slender fuselage make the model a rewarding piece, but one on which the quality of the lines between the canopy frame and the glazing shows a great deal.

What the set contains and what it is for

These are masks cut from kabuki tape, that is from a thin paper material that conforms well to rounded shapes and leaves no glue on the surface once removed. The set is listed in the Advanced version; the exact breakdown of the individual masks is given in the manufacturer's instructions. The scale matches a 1:48 model. Cutting tape by hand around the glazing takes a great deal of time on this type of aircraft, and one inaccurate line is visible on the finished model forever.

How to work with the masks

Stick the masks onto a clean and degreased surface, press the edges down properly with a toothpick or a blunt wooden stick and only then spray. On the glazing it pays off to spray the interior shade first and the exterior color over it, so that the transition does not show through anywhere. Apply the paint in thin coats, otherwise it will creep under the edge. Take the masks off as soon as the paint has set, and pull them away at an angle to the rear rather than straight up. Paper tape will take a slight stretch into a curve, so it will go around rounded corners as well.

Who it is for

For modelers who want sharp edges on the canopy framing without the lengthy cutting of tape. The model, the paints and the clear coat are not included, unless stated otherwise.