Art Scale Kit Masks - 1:48

[rverissimo]

Art at scale canopy Masks

1:48 scale several subjects

Introduction

Art Scale Kit (also known as ASK) is a model hobby shop and now it is known in the modelling world all around for their decals, tools and 3D productions.

These are some of the new sets released on a 1:48 scale, all in their typical clear plastic bag. Each mask is numbered and identified on the colour drawn supplied on the plastic frame that carries and protects the mask sheet.

The mask material is like Kabuki tape, with a similar handle, flexibility of other brands. 

1:48 BF-109E-3 one-sided (Hobby Boss)

Code: 200-M48288

Price Tag: 6,60€

This set provides external masks for the canopy of the Emil from Hobby Boss, as well as masks for painting the rims of the front and rear wheels.
Additionally, masks are included for the late versions of the Emil's canopy (parts 20 and 21).

1:48 F-86F sabre double sided (Airfix)

Code: 200-M48291

Price Tag: 7,90€

This set provides both internal and external masks for the canopy (to outline the frames and fill the centre with Maskol) and the windscreen (full masks).
It also includes masks to allow painting of the rims of the front and rear landing gear wheels. Furthermore, the set provides masks for the landing lights located under the air intake, which in the model can be assembled in the retracted or extended position.

1:48 De Havilland Chipmunk T.20 one-sided (Airfix)

Code: 200-M48280

Price Tag: 7,90€

 

This set, designed for the Airfix’s 1:48 Chipmunk, supply the external masks for the complete canopy, Wheels and clear parts like the landing lights. At the assembly draw it’s possible to identify the models part number and for each frame, the correspondent mask number.

 1:48 F-84F Thunderstreak double sided (kinetic)

Code: 200-M48283

Price Tag: 7,90€

This set provides exterior and interior masks for the three parts of the canopy. For the central section, the masks are partial (applied along the frames), and the interior should be filled with Maskol or suitable masking tape. A mask for the gunsight is also included.

1:48 UH-60A Black hawk double sided (ICM)

Code: 200-M48297

Price tag: 11,20€

This set provides internal and external masks for all transparent parts of the ICM Black Hawk (review available here), as well as masks for the wheel rims.

 Conclusion

Nowadays, we have a wide range of options when it comes to painting masks—this is a fact. Some are easier to apply and handle than others.
Focusing my analysis on the presented sets, and having already used them, I can say that the masks are easy to use and handle. The material they are made from has elasticity, allowing for adjustments, sticking and unsticking without losing adhesion properties to plastic.
The double-sided options offer greater detail, as they allow for the painting of the interior frames, thus eliminating the typical shine of this type of plastic, making the model more realistic. The inclusion of masks for the remaining transparent parts and even for painting the wheel rims facilitates and speeds up the process.
I also note that double-sided masks always have a more “economical” alternative in the form of one-sided masks, available at a more competitive price.

VERY Highly recommended

 Our thanks to ASK – Art Scale Kit for the review samples.

Ricardo Veríssimo