1:48 Art Scale Kits Canopy Masks

[rverissimo]

Art Scale Kits 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 at 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 Kabuki tape, with a similar handle, flexibility of other brands. 

So let me present some new sets!

1:48 B-26G Marauder (ICM) Double-Sided

Code: 200-M48305

Price tag: 10,50€

This set supplies all external and internal masks for the newly 1:48 B-26G from ICM, already reviewed here. This will come in handy as the circular profile of the nose can make some issues if regular masking tape is used. This set is a must have for a clean work on the clear parts for this bird! In total 65 masks are provided ( interior and exterior)

1:48 DB-7B Boston III (Hong Kong Models) one sided

Code: 200-M48308

Price Tag: 8,08€

This set provides masks for the exterior of all transparent areas of the new variant in the A-20 family – the DB-7B Boston by HK Models, whose review can be found here. It also includes masks for the navigation light transparencies located at the wingtips.

All masks are numbered, and their placement can be referenced using the diagram provided on the paper leaflet that accompanies the mask set. Additionally, masks are supplied to cover the tyre portions of the landing gear, allowing for accurate painting of the wheel rims.

 

1:48 Jaguar GR.1/GR.1 A (Airfix) one sided

Code: 200-M48312

Price Tag: 6,69€

This set provides internal 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 and for the clear parts on the recon nose.

 

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 peeling off 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.

If you'd like to see how the masks perform when applied to a model, take a look at this short article published on thia forum (here).

VERY Highly recommended

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

 

Ricardo Veríssimo