I am trying to mask the identification stripe applied to the noses of P-51B Mustangs by the Eighth Air Force during WW II. Getting a straight vertical line for the outer edge has proven extremely difficult due to the compound curves on the Mustang’s nose. I have been using thin strips of Tamiya tape and still have not been able to get satisfactory results. Any suggestions?
Thank you.
Tamiya has just released a new tape made for curves. Its white instead of yellow. 2,3,5,mm. I haven’t tried it yet but I have some on the way.
You might also check auto supply stores for 3M tape used for pin stripping.
I have tried it and it’s not bad, it’s like thin electrical tape. you have to stretch it a fair bit and because of that it will retract, it will come off curves if there tight but that was on matt paint, gloss would probably be better.
I think it will be fine for your masking ACMierzeje.
Mick.
For compound curves, I use this stuff exclusively:
It’s the feline’s behind (cat’s a** in the polite sense). I buy mine at WalMart and it’s relatively cheap. Cut a length and then place it on a smooth surface. I use glass from those cheap clip frames like this that you can but at the dollar store:
Then use a metal straight edge to cut lengthwise strips. Although it is somewhat low tack, I still place the strip on my pant (jeans, cotton sweat pants or nylon / rayon basketball shorts) to reduce the tackiness. It doesn’t hurt the adhesion factor one bit.
Here’s the result of using this tape mask over compound curves on the back end of an RCAF Sabre:
Your milage may vary but I really like this stuff.
Hope this helps.
Mike
Dang, I like new ideas.
Personally I cut my first row at abt 1/32, then add more layers.
Murph,
Thanks for the link, going to get some this weekend!
Glad I could help, brother!
Mike
New toy to try out, ill see if I can find it here in Oz.
