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DN Models latest release is a set of Insignia & Numbers Paint masks for the 1/32nd Messerschmitt Me-262 B-1/U-1.

Messerschmitt Me-262 B-1/U-1 Insignia & Numbers Paint Mask Set
Suggested scale - 1/32nd
Suggested kits - Trumpeter #02237, Revell #04995
Price - $19-99
SKU - 32/827-018

Messerschmitt Me-262 B-1/U-1 Insignia & Numbers Paint Mask Set 1/32nd
Re-usable die-cut camo mask set
The set includes two sheets of masks (shown in the picture). The masks are made from thin masking tape, which is easy to be peeled off and doesn’t leave any stains. The tape is tested on clear and painted model too. If carefully removed after painting, they can be used over and over again. Material is flexible and easily applied over curved surfaces. Semi-transparent for easy and accurate placing.

The Paint Mask Set features stencils – numbers and insignia – and include all the popular options of Messerschmitt Me-262 B1/U1 Nightfighter. Due to the lack of enough photographs, Luftwaffe’s Nightfighter is still an obscured subject. There are few photos, which feature the numbers included in this mask set. Probably there were many others available, but they eventually didn’t survived during the years. For proper appearance, is best to use the pictures available as a reference material. Of course, you can use kit’s instructions, but we advise to stick to the picture reference materials.

Me-262 Nightfighter was painted in attractive camouflage and the numbers were bright and visible. However, there are two known options of those. First one is with large numbers, which is the one that kit manufacturers use on their boxarts. The second one is with smaller number, which you can find in this set. Of course, larger insignia makes the kit most attractive. However, smaller numbers are more logical solution for a Nightfighter.
Werk Nummer (W.Nr.) or serial numbers of the Me-262 included in this set are all based on reference photos only. There is some misalignment visible on the pictures. Of course, that is most likely a style of application rather than mistake. The Werk Nummer is divided into pairs. First and last pair are aligned while the middle /third pair/ is slightly up from the others. You can cut the mask and align the Werk Numbers as you feel fit for your model.
Proper placement of the insignia should be done according to reference pictures. Sometimes manufacturers provide instructions with misaligned insignia and/or misplaced or missing elements. However, the instructions can be skipped or combined with proper reference materials in order to get maximum realism.
Because of the very sparse information about Night Fighter Me-262 proper application of insignia presents a challenge to the modeler. Nevertheless, it can be done on the basis of what is available on the web. Of course, it is up to the modeler how the project should be approached and executed.

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