1/48 Tamiya P-51 Mustang – insignia masks test, how to get rid of silvering decals and bump into other issues
Being quite lazy I tend to favor Tamiya kits, to eliminate any headaches from the start. Now this one here was an experiment in using Montex masks for the serial numbers and national insignia - something in line with the bad reputation of Tamiya decals.
All in all I would rate this experiment as a success for my skill level. I am pleased that this way the panel lines remain visible, also there is no chance of silvering decals with painting masks, but there are a lot of other things that can go wrong - which is visible on my model. Again, I am happy with how it turned out. Hope you will enjoy it.
10 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Jay Mitchell said on September 22, 2021
Looks like the masks might be worth the extra effort, your Mustang looks great !
George Damian said on September 22, 2021
There is some fussing around with the alignment of the masks and I did not get it right in all cases, but even so, I like to think it adds character to the model, or at least this is what I like to see.
John vd Biggelaar said on September 22, 2021
A beautiful Mustang from the 352nd Fighter Group, George @georgedamian
Those blue nosed Mustangs look great, just like your build.
Tom Cleaver said on September 22, 2021
Looks good, but in all honesty I have never had a problem with Tamiya decals. Yes, they may be thick, but they always respond to Solvaset and look fine in the finished work.
George Damian said on September 23, 2021
Well, my mind plays tricks on me, constantly hearing Youtube voices: Tamiya decals are on the thick side!
Bob Bailey said on September 22, 2021
See no serious clinkers with your well-done model. And adding a bit of character to our models...all good.
DE4EVER said on September 23, 2021
🙂 ... Greetings ... 🙂 :
Great and decent looking Mustang model George.
Nice, clean and sharp work, thanks for sharing these photos.
Spiros Pendedekas said on September 23, 2021
Came out beautifully, George!
I love the Tamiya Mustangs, you made the most out of it.
George Damian said on September 23, 2021
@John, @Bob, @DE4EVER, @Spiros - thank you all for your nice words.
David Mills said on September 23, 2021
Nicely done George - the mask work looks pretty good to me !
Greg Kittinger said on September 23, 2021
Looks good - your mask work came out great!
George Damian said on September 23, 2021
@David, @Greg glad you enjoyed it!