Hello James, again some great information! Thanks for the detailed view of the use of those masks.
Given that there are pictures and eye witness reports of the use of masks made of rubber mats, thin wood, felt and aluminium being used when camo was painted onto some spits (and other planes) it’s a fine line between hard and soft edges!
Some heated debate has raged but I think you are safe! The ‘real’ masks have been said to be unwieldy and to have been used by some painters only as guides for chalk marking prior to freehand spraying. And these were not always available in the field or in all factories. In terms of RAF planes masks have also been said to have been flipped over to get the B scheme done! Some say the same approach - used by Hawker for Hurricanes persisted for Hunters! You can find plenty of pictures of both finishes!
Here is a well known photo from the Curtiss factory of painters using masks.
Tom, as a teacher I was trained to pick 2 elements that are specifically very good about a students work first. ‘What went well’ is a great way of motivating someone to keep doing what has been done to a high standard. Definitely not nebulous praise, like ‘great job’. Praising effort was popular for a while, and makes us feel nice - but praising successful or productive effort is way better. You can clench your fists and give it your best shot over and over - but if you are doing the wrong thing effort is going to waste.
And then we use ‘even better if’ - choosing one key thing that would improve
the work to greatest advantage. A piece of actionable and incisive guidance. Much like your recent feedback on propellor weathering.
Feedback (along with aspiration) has been continually shown to be the most valuable tool in raising standards in education. However, as you say, using these approaches with emotional intelligence, is also key! People tend to take formative assessment better if it is delivered in a kind way!
Finally James, you have inspired Louis to build himself a new plane-shaped Go-Kart, too! I, like many, would pay good money to see him in action in one of those little beauties!
