Contents:

This release is part of the expanding list of the Insignia Series. The contents provide masks to create just the national markings. Also available from Maketar is Vinyl versions of these masks that work out a little cheaper.
1/48 24˝ US 45 Degree Letters and Numbers
Inside the resealable bag there are 156 masks pre-cut on the four Kubaki self-adhesive sheets, which seems to be the most popular media for mask making these days. It is very difficult to make out the individual masks on each sheet and impossible to photograph. Each mask can be used as a positive or negative mask, so you are doubly the usefulness of this release.
The instructions are printed on the back of the label and to be honest take a bit of figuring out at first, but once understood seem pretty logical. It is claimed that the masks can be used several times and if so really makes good economic sense. Maketar idea of placing a strip of Kubaki tape along the centre line of the letter or number seems a very good one. This also keeps all the parts of the mask together and if placed correctly the tape will help to line the letters and numbers up correctly. Perhaps a tutorial on the Maketar website might be an idea, although they do offer help via email.
Note: If Kubaki masks are not favoured medium, then Maketar also produce Vinyl masks to. The masks are also produced in 1/32 scale.

Price
Vinyl: £7.86
Kabuki: £9.15

Conclusions:

This will be an interesting method of achieving sympathetic looking marking for your models particularly if you like to weather your aircraft. The bright coloured decals always look at odds with heavily weathered paintwork. Just think no more decal solutions, silvering, annoying specks of dust and air bubbles under the decals spoiling your pride and joy. It may not be quite so instant, but the little extra effort involved using these masks could create that award winning model you have been dreaming about.