Super Mask

Fokker Dr.I

1/32 scale

Plastic Model Club Montex

Reviewed by Rob Baumgartner

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Roden’s release of the 1/32^nd scale Fokker Dr.I was always going to be popular amongst World War I aircraft modellers. In these bigger scales, the “painted on” look is very important and Montex has helped the builder in this regard with a novel set of masks.

Not only will they go a long way towards the aforementioned goal, but they will also help individualize your model.

A couple of sheets in the familiar “vinyl” type material are supplied and these also cover the National markings, and serial numbers of the subjects.

The first option is the triplane of Ltn August Raben of Jasta 18. As a personal marking he adopted the Raven, which was a play on his name.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

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Unfortunately the bird offered on the mask looks more like a seagull and will therefore need some deft touching up after application. Although not shown in the instructions, photos show a light coloured background to the upper wing crosses. This should also be reflected on the finished model.

Mention must also be made of another anomaly in the painting guide. The profile shows the turquoise “return” on the fuselage side which surely would have been over painted when the Jasta colours were applied.

The subject of option two is Fokker Dr.I 564/17 of Ltn Werner Steinhäuser from Jasta 11. Most of his 10 victories were scored in the triplane and this one bears the red and yellow colours of his former unit 2. Grossherzoglich Hessisches Feldartillerie-Regt. Nr 61.

While the profile shows the turquoise “return” absent beneath the fuselage band, a case can be made for it being painted out due to the modified cross background.

The type of the glue used on the product is a good compromise. It is sticky enough to allow adhesion on the mostly flat exterior, yet not strong enough to lift the paint off a properly prepared surface. The “vinyl is quite thin which adds to its flexibility when positioning the item.

 

 

Conclusion

 

For the ultimate in that “painted on” look, masking will always be the choice in the larger scales. The success of this initiative will depend on the complexity of the design being replicated and the type of surface it will be applied to.

The triplane is an excellent choice as both criteria can normally be met.

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Model, Text and Images Copyright © 2006 by Rob Baumgartner
Page Created 28 February, 2006
Last updated 28 February, 2006

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