Tank s Hangar Aircraft Modeling

Stars N Bars, aka SNB here, is a symbol recognized all around the world. You might find though that models have different shaped, centered, or proportioned SNBs because the plastic kit the copied them from was actually wrong. These spray masks are all to spec and color registered to suite your size.

On the real planes, the D value started at 20 in. minimum and went up in 5 in. increments. To help you determine your models marking size from the full scale pictures, determine placement on the plane via rivet lines, panel lines, and surfaces. 

If you know there was a 40 ft wingspan on a F4U-1 Corsair, you can take a top view of a 3-view, using calipers and a scale determine, the length of the wing and by breaking it into increments, approximate the SNB to the nearest 5 in. increment. 

A drawing I have shows to be between 11-12 ft. length SNB on the upper wing and from that I am hip shooting with a ruler and eyeballing it.   From there, 12 ft x 12 in/ft  = 144 in.. Divide by the scale(5th) and you will have your overall estimated length needed.

In 5th scale the plane based on my picture would have an SNB approximately 28.8 in. long on the model. Now checking it to the 5 in. increment rule, I would have a D value of 13.87 in. x 5  = 69.3 in. on the full scale, so it is a hair small for an even 5 in. increment.

Round up to  70 in. = 5 X leads to a even 14 in. D value on the model, having a 29.064 in. length on the model s SNB. This needs to be tested to the model and compared to the photos in your documentation.  You might want to go to 75 in. Full scale or down to 65 in. because these marking might have varied from plane to plane or service to service.  Make it match your documentation and you will always be on top with points.

When ordering SNBs, determine the style based on the chart to above and right. Most are 2 color.  If you are making a modern airplane, you might only need Style D in 1 color for the Black Gray over the existing paint job. The more colors, the the more masks and costs.  Media comes in transparent blue or opaque white removable vinyl. These are designed to register with one another and lay down a nice tight (color trapped) paint job. Not intended for acrylic paint unless you make sure it (The Paint) is holding on to the model very well!  Masks will peel paint that is not applied well or on a properly prepared or primed surface. If you use acrylics, we may not be able to help you.  You may ask for a sample to test at no cost to you.

Price varies by the inch of media and number of separations. Will round up and add at least 1 inch all the way around for applying masking tape and paper for over spray prevention. 4.5 inch overall length will make a 7 inch wide spray mask. This in one color would cost $3.50, 2 color, $7, and three color, $9. Bigger markings will cost more pending on the amount of media used.

Ask for details.