question on plane build

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Techniques
1

Getting ready to start my first plane build in several years.I have built several car and semi kits but I’ve only built 2 1/72 plane kits years back.Anyhow just got an Academy 1/48 F16 a/c with aftermarket decals.I know it is best to assemble fuselage before painting.Once I do this what is the best way to mask off cockpit to keep paint off of it?Should I just mask it off then after airbrushing it brush paint where the mask was?

2

Mask the canopy, then tack it in place with white glue or micro crystal clear, then pop it off when your done painting. Does the canopy fit well in the closed position?

3

I Use expandable ear plugs. Just mash em up with your fingers and stuff down in the cokpit hole.

4

Thanks for the help guys