Review of Top Notch Masks for Models 1/48th Scale
Camouflage Set no. TNM48-M29 for German ME-163B
By Ray Mehlberger
MSRP: 9.94 £ ($13.10 U.S. dollars)
Copyright of the set is 2017.
Top Notch is based in the UK.
MSRP: 9.94 £ ($13.10 U.S. dollars)
Copyright of the set is 2017.
Top Notch is based in the UK.
ABOUT THE SET:
The factory camouflage scheme was evolved to the 162B using the late period RLM 81 braunviolett (brown-violet), RLM 82 lichtgrun (light-green) and RLM 76 lichtblau (light-blue) .
The fuselage and vertical tail plane were usually mottled with RLM 81 and RLM 82. However, some examples were delivered with solid colors.
The fuselage could also be painted in one solid color or alternatively be mottled. National markings for the wings were often of the older style while fuselage and wing insignia were the simplified outline variety.
This set includes only the camouflage pattern. Serial numbers, code letters and other markings are not included.
See Top Notch's website for more.
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 a small sheet announcing the release of masking sets for the Avro Lancaster and the Defiant. In celebration of the RAF's 100th Anniversary, Top Notch is developing masking sets for: the Harrier GR1 & GR3, the Jaguar GR1 & GR3, the Harrier T2, the Electric Lightning, the Buccaneer, the Hunter and the Phantom FG.2.
Modelers are invited to Join Top Notch's Facebook group for news and discounts.
The factory camouflage scheme was evolved to the 162B using the late period RLM 81 braunviolett (brown-violet), RLM 82 lichtgrun (light-green) and RLM 76 lichtblau (light-blue) .
The fuselage and vertical tail plane were usually mottled with RLM 81 and RLM 82. However, some examples were delivered with solid colors.
The fuselage could also be painted in one solid color or alternatively be mottled. National markings for the wings were often of the older style while fuselage and wing insignia were the simplified outline variety.
This set includes only the camouflage pattern. Serial numbers, code letters and other markings are not included.
See Top Notch's website for more.
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 a small sheet announcing the release of masking sets for the Avro Lancaster and the Defiant. In celebration of the RAF's 100th Anniversary, Top Notch is developing masking sets for: the Harrier GR1 & GR3, the Jaguar GR1 & GR3, the Harrier T2, the Electric Lightning, the Buccaneer, the Hunter and the Phantom FG.2.
Modelers are invited to Join Top Notch's 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.
Below this is a illustration of the parts in the masking set.
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.
Logo was designed by Lyle Schuller and the copyright date of the set is 2017.
Logo was designed by Lyle Schuller and the copyright date of the set is 2017.
On the left side of the instructions is a 3-view of a ME-163B showing its sides and top. Captions tell where to apply the masks.
At the bottom a 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 bicep and WE CAN DO IT!
A small illustration of a WWII propaganda poster appears. It shows a woman flexing her bicep and WE CAN DO IT!
I wish to thank the folks at Top Notch for this review sample. All their mask sets can be seen on their web site at: