Review of Top Notch Masks for Models 1/48th Scale
Camouflage Masking Set no. TNM48-M24 for
German Bf-109G WNF
By Ray Mehlberger
MSRP: 9.94 Pounds ($13.10 U.S. dollars)
Copyright of the set is 2017.
Top Notch is based in the UK.
MSRP: 9.94 Pounds ($13.10 U.S. dollars)
Copyright of the set is 2017.
Top Notch is based in the UK.
ABOUT THE SET:
The Bf-109G was manufactured at three different factories in Germany, each with a distinct style of camouflage that can often quite easily be identified with a little help from their distinguishing marks. Identifying which factory an aircraft stems from will help pick the correct camouflage pattern for the wings.
Model companies and decal companies often get this wrong. There were many more subtile differences beween different batches. This mask offers a starting point and the modeller may need to trim or add a mask piece to represent the aircraft that they are modelling only. Alway check your reference photos.
WNF aircraft are closest to the official specifications for the camouflage pattern. The demarcation line on the spine is more straight, with an even, often soft, mottle. Most noticeable on WNF aircraft is the pattern on the spine with the RLM 74 (grungrau - grey green) further back leaving the canopy in RLM 75 (grunviolett- grey-violet).
The wing pattern is sometimes very angular and sometimes a little softer. Notice, both ailerons were in RLM 75, breaking the pattern.
Note - later RLM 81 (braunviolett - brown-violet) and RLM 82 (lichtgrun - light green) was used instead of RLM 74 and RLM 75. The undercarraige was usually RLM 65 (hellblau - light blue).
The masking set comes in a clear zip-locked cello bag. It contains the instructions, a grey vinyl die-cut sheet of self-adhering masks, with a stiff sheet and an announcement of future releases in celebration of the RAF's 100th Anniversary:
A Harrier GR-1 & GR-3
A Jaguar GR-1 & GR-3
A Harrier T2
A Electric Lightning
A Buccaneer
A Hunter
A Phantom FG.2
The Bf-109G was manufactured at three different factories in Germany, each with a distinct style of camouflage that can often quite easily be identified with a little help from their distinguishing marks. Identifying which factory an aircraft stems from will help pick the correct camouflage pattern for the wings.
Model companies and decal companies often get this wrong. There were many more subtile differences beween different batches. This mask offers a starting point and the modeller may need to trim or add a mask piece to represent the aircraft that they are modelling only. Alway check your reference photos.
WNF aircraft are closest to the official specifications for the camouflage pattern. The demarcation line on the spine is more straight, with an even, often soft, mottle. Most noticeable on WNF aircraft is the pattern on the spine with the RLM 74 (grungrau - grey green) further back leaving the canopy in RLM 75 (grunviolett- grey-violet).
The wing pattern is sometimes very angular and sometimes a little softer. Notice, both ailerons were in RLM 75, breaking the pattern.
Note - later RLM 81 (braunviolett - brown-violet) and RLM 82 (lichtgrun - light green) was used instead of RLM 74 and RLM 75. The undercarraige was usually RLM 65 (hellblau - light blue).
The masking set comes in a clear zip-locked cello bag. It contains the instructions, a grey vinyl die-cut sheet of self-adhering masks, with a stiff sheet and an announcement of future releases in celebration of the RAF's 100th Anniversary:
A Harrier GR-1 & GR-3
A Jaguar GR-1 & GR-3
A Harrier T2
A Electric Lightning
A Buccaneer
A Hunter
A Phantom FG.2
The bottom of the sheet invites customers to join Top Notch on their Facebook group for news and discounts.
The instructions consists of a single sheet that is printed on one side and folded to fit the envelope.
On the right side at the top is a color illustration of half of a British roundel welded to half of a German cross, a corner says the set is NEW.
Top Notch's logo is also at the top. It is a circle with 'Top Notch masks for models" and a gray illustration of a Spitfire or Hurricane.
On the right side at the top is a color illustration of half of a British roundel welded to half of a German cross, a corner says the set is NEW.
Top Notch's logo is also at the top. It is a circle with 'Top Notch masks for models" and a gray illustration of a Spitfire or Hurricane.
Below this is a illustration of the parts in the masking set.
There are 11 sections for the splinter camouflage, 4 sections for the wing leading edges, 2 sections for exhaust stains, 2 sections for wing walks and 4 circles for wheel rims.
Logo was designed by Lyle Schuller and the copyright date of the set is 2017.
There are 11 sections for the splinter camouflage, 4 sections for the wing leading edges, 2 sections for exhaust stains, 2 sections for wing walks and 4 circles for wheel rims.
Logo was designed by Lyle Schuller and the copyright date of the set is 2017.
On the left side of the instructions is a 2-view of a Bf-109G WNF showing its side and top. Captions tell where to apply the masks.
At the bottom free manual with step-by-step instructions and photos on how to use the masks can be downloaded from Top Notch's web site.
A small illustration of a WWII propaganda poster appears. It shows a woman flexing her biceps and WE CAN DO IT!
I want to sincerely thank the folks at Top Notch for this review sample. All their masking sets can be seen on their web site at:
A small illustration of a WWII propaganda poster appears. It shows a woman flexing her biceps and WE CAN DO IT!
I want to sincerely thank the folks at Top Notch for this review sample. All their masking sets can be seen on their web site at: