IPMS/USA Reviews

Mottling the paint scheme on a model by hand can be difficult and rather time consuming. Keeping the paint at a consistent density, avoiding a semblance of a "pattern" in the layout of the mottling, and paying attention to panel lines are all issue that need attention when applying a "mottled" finish.

Masterpiece has addressed these issues with an easy-to-use set of templates. The templates are sturdy pieces of a cardboard-type paper. Each template contains a multitude of holes and openings that are of a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Some of the "knock-out" panels that make up the openings in the template are still in place. Removing them will bring about a diverse pattern each time you use the template. Also, reversing which side of the template you use (top or bottom) as the surface in contact with the model, will provide additional diversity.

Copied from the Masterpiece Models website, About Masterpiece Models, "Masterpiece Models manufactures and sells the highest quality resin assembly kits on the market today. Featuring kits for a variety of interests including WWII, Vietnam, Sci-fi, and aircraft bases. We have acquired the rights to a large selection of the Custom Dioramics line that are now available through us as resin assembly kits. Our kits are manufactured at our Vancouver, Washington, USA fabrication and casting shop."

Among the items that Masterpiece Models offers is a jig, sized for 1/72^nd and 1/4^8th scale models. There are no assembly instructions, per se, but that is not a problem. There is a 3x4 inch piece of paper included in the box and all that is required to assemble the jig is to reference that picture. If, for any reason, that slip of paper is not present then one can visit the Masterpiece website and find an image there. Or, just view the image of that slip of paper that shows the assembled jig that is included with this review.

Some notes on assembly of the jig:

I hate to mask canopies and helicopters, especially transport ones, have plenty. I am a huge fan of pre-cut masks. Building the Kitty Hawk MH-60L was a lot of fun.

The Eduard masking set offers masks for the front windshield, overhead panels, pilot doors, window sliding doors, chin bubbles, cargo doors, and wheels. You also get masks for the landing lights. This is really a complete set which will help in making this kit.

The masking set comes in a typical resealable package with card stock inside, which protects the masks. The masks themselves are precisely cut from Kabuki tape. This is the best material for the compound curves. There are two sheets, the one is for the sliding cargo doors, and the other has masks for all the other pieces. You will have to add masking fluid to cover some areas but that is to be expected with the large expanses and compound curves.

The instructions are very helpful and show exactly how to use what and where.

Masterpiece Models has provided a useful aircraft building jig for 1/32 to 1/24 scale aircraft.

The Jig is designed for use in assembly of models, Painting and transporting.

There is no instructions included but the assembly of the jig is simple and the photograph on the box is enough to allow you to build it with ease. Peeling the protective paper off the acrylic sheet parts was not very easy. I suggest pulling it off very slowly works best. The black plastic vertical mounting parts need slow cleaning up of flash.

It is made from a clear acrylic sheet and comes with four adjustable supports that can be adjusted vertically and in and out.

This is a very useful tool when modelling aircraft and many science fiction subjects also. Although the jig states for 1/32 to 1/24, I did find it is also good for large 1/72 scale aircraft as well as many 1/48 aircraft. I would have like some soft felt like material for mounting on the surfaces that are in contact with the model. I will add some myself to save any potential paint damage.

I highly recommend this jig and will be using it a lot!

Price: RB-T028: EU7 (approximately $9.23) plus S&H; RB-T043: EU9 (approximately $11.87) plus S&H

First off, my apologies to the good folks at RB Productions for a late review. RB were present at this year's Nationals in Chattanooga and were kind enough to provide us with a number of samples including these two delicate p/e stencils. Each is a carefully etched piece of brass material, the smaller measuring 2" by 3" and the larger, about 4" by 3". They are easily bent in either axis which comes in handy for use on contoured surfaces, and I suppose one could cut them into smaller sections for use on cockpits. (Beware of some very sharp and fragile edges, however).