F-35A Lightning II
Die-Cut Flexible Mask

for the Tamiya kit

Galaxy Model, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by David Couche

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The Galaxy Model set comes in a zip-lock bag, with 2 sheets kabuki-style masking material masks. Masks have printed on numbers where possible which go to 129 but in many cases there a multiple of each mask. A rough count has the total around the 200 range, so be prepared to spend time in placing them.

There is also a sheet of adhesive backed transfer sheet, which I initially presumed to be Frisk masking film but found its correct use after spending much time researching or at least trying to find out something about this product. In a small bag, there are 2 pieces of pre-cut iridescent “holographic” film for the centre front panel of the canopy. An A4 photographic instruction sheet is included. It has no explanations, how to’s or anything else except the photographs and some Chinese text (which wasn’t useful to me).

The mask set is designed for the 1/48 Tamiya F-14A kit. It may fit other kits of other manufacturers, but I had none to test it against.

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Thumbnail panels:

The set gives you options for the canopy and antiglare panels that extend beyond what is supplied in the kit.  Canopy masking is carried out in the normal manner with larger areas covered by liquid masking or more tape you supply. The anti-glare panels allow the various options that appeared with different squadrons which is very useful. The masks are present for the canopy interior as well. What is of interest, is the supplied panels for centre panel of the canopy front which has that unusual iridescent look to it. The 2 supplied pieces should really improve the accuracy of look for you model.

The top panels on the intakes have a complex ladder-style mask applied to each one, with the transfer film coming in handy here, as now explained.  Please note, these images come from the Britmodeller site and for some reason start at No 3.

3. Place the transfer sheet over the complex mask and gently press, but only where the mask is.

4. Locate the mask into the correct position.

5. Rub the masked area and then gently pull the transfer sheet off, leaving behind the mask.

6. The mask is then ready to spray over/around/or in.

Also included in the set are:

• vents against the spine
• base of the twin tails
• rear of the airbrake
• the underside
• wings have panels masked along their length as well as the leading edge
• elevons have leading edge
• exhausts details
• arrestor hook
• exhausts of the AIM-54 Phoenix
• wheels

I have included the photo of a Tamiya Tomcat indicating where some of the masks would be used from this set.

It doesn’t come close to showing them all but does give you an idea of possibilities.

This is a very useful masking set, however Galaxy Models have not made it easy to source on the internet, only found through an extensive and time consuming hunt.

Secondly, the instructions left application methods out and really needed larger layout diagrams to enable accurate placement. Hopefully what has been presented here is of benefit for anyone wishing to use them.

Regardless, the product does look to do the job and I will certainly be using them on my Tamiya Tomcat.

Thanks to Galaxy Model for the sample.

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2018 by David Couche
Page Created 30 March, 2018
Last updated 30 March, 2018

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