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  1. Hello all. Firstly, thanks to Kev for resetting my password. This getting old(er) isn't what it's cracked up to be! ๐Ÿ˜ Secondly, a huge thanks to @Mozart for the custom serial and codes for this one. I supplied Max with a single dimension and he did the rest. Max, you're a star. ๐Ÿ™ The remainder of the stencils are the 1ManArmy set designed to replace the Airfix decals. They aren't entirely accurate and had to be modified on occasion to get closer to those on MK356. Built to honour the memory of Squadron Leader Mark Long who perished at the controls on 25th May, 2025. I recognize some of the membership from LSP so I apologize to you since you may have already seen this one. Cheers, Guy
  2. If you're reading this, then I'm sure you will have noticed that I've started to customise some of the forum "header card" images that now adorn each section of the forums. Let me know what you think! I've mainly used images of my own models, just to avoid any copyright issues with "found" images. There are few for which I haven't been able to come up with anything, however, so I'd welcome any suggestions or contributions. We could feasibly swap them out on an occasional or even regular basis, though I suspect that may dilute their usefulness as a recognition tool. Kev
  3. Indeed a superb Spitfire in all its detail and authenticity. If I may add a little to Guyโ€™s post? He asked me about the โ€œdo not walkโ€ markings over the wing bulges, even in 1/24 scale these were going to be a challenge for the Silhouette cutter, so I prepared a range based on Guyโ€™s estimates and measurements of the length of the dashed markings: I had to fiddle the length of the dashed lines for the optimum effect, the letters from memory are 1.5mm tall. The โ€œBโ€ inevitably was the least successful, but overall a good result: Max
  4. Hi all, I have been making models for just over a year now and I am really enjoying it, although being an ex-mechanic and having fingers more suited to undoing bolts and handling spanners, I find them a bit fiddly sometimes. I have made mostly 1/72 so far but my last model was a 1/48 scale Tiger Moth and hoping to do something bigger in the near future. Recently discovered the beauty of after-sales extras (think that is the term), so having seen the advantages of not struggling to mask canopies, etc I decided to 'buy my wife' a Cricut Maker 4, for her crafting hobbies ๐Ÿ˜‰. Looking forward to sharing ideas and tips in this brilliant hobby on here and I hope everyone is well and having a good day/week/month/year. ๐Ÿ˜ Thankyou for reading. Jamie.
  5. As you can probably tell, I've been able to successfully run the v5 forum upgrade. So here we are! It's as fresh to me as it is to you guys, so we'll have to figure it out together. Kev
  6. View File Belly Strap for 1/72 Hasegawa F-4 E/G/S Kits Tailored for Hasegawa early F-4E, G, and S kits. Using the straps on other kits like FineMolds or Fujimi will require alteration since panel lines differ. Screenshot shows the cut settings for .005" plastic. To use -- assemble reinforcements to strap using Tamiya Extra Thin Quick Setting Cement - used VERY sparingly. Attach to wing by positioning top "ears" and carefully tack top of strap into place. Then adjust arms into position and affix. The rivets are color coded to allow cutting or eliminating via cutting by color option. Gene K Submitter GeneK Submitted 05/15/2025 Category Non-Mask Cutting Files  
  7. P-47D Thunderbolt - Francis Stanley "Gabby" Gabreski Hallo, 1/48 P-47D Thunderbolt - Francis Stanley โ€žGabbyโ€œ Gabreski Keine Abschussmarkierungen, da diese zu klein sind um sie vernรผftig zu plotten. Leider ohne Camouflage, da ich noch keinen guten Weg gefunden habe, um diese spezielle Tarnung zu plotten. GruรŸ Harry File Information Submitter Timbacat Submitted 06/06/2025 Category U.S. - WW2 View File
  8. 2 points
    Hi all! Recently I got myself a Silhouette Portait 3, and I'm still learning to get along with it. I stumbled upon this forum, and from the first reads I thought registrating myself could be very useful! Recognised @Kevin Futter from his work on Instagram, maybe more of you guys are active there? I mainly build 72nd and 48th scale WWII aircraft, but I make some sidesteps now and then. I am using masks a lot in my builds to paint markings and insignia, but never was able to make them myself. Hopefully I'll find some help and interesting reads here, and maybe also inspiration, who knows! Greets Davy
  9. I tend to just stick with Silhouette Studio, which is pretty clunky, but also enormously capableโ€”especially if you pay the small upgrade fee to the Business Edition. Of course, this assumes you're in the Silhouette universe, rather than Cricut, Brother, or some other alternative. Another option is Affinity Designer, which is a highly cost-effective alternative to Adobe Illustrator. Kev
  10. I started this build back in 2020, and then it got stalled by whole bunch of major life changes. I resumed it again last year, and was able to finally finish it this year. It's the Revell boxing of the old Matchbox 1/32 Tiger Moth kit, combined with the 1/32 air ambulance conversion set from Uncle Les. This consisted of some resin spine pieces and a vacform windscreen/canopy, along with some home-printed decals. I used the decals as the basis for creating my own paint masks on the Silhouette Portrait, and here is the result! And its final resting place: This is the first aircraft model I've rigged since I was a kid, and I'm not particularly happy with my process, or the results it produced, but I'm certainly glad to have finished it! Full build thread can be found on LSP: https://forum.largescaleplanes.com/index.php?/topic/86475-matchbox-tiger-moth-raaf-air-ambulance/ Kev
  11. Looks good Kev, thanks for all your efforts in keeping the site up & healthy
  12. Works fine for me Kev, well done, and please donโ€™t retire! ๐Ÿ˜‚ Max
  13. Thanks, Mike. I think it'll take some time for all of us to adjust, and figure out what's what! Kev
  14. View File F/A18-F VF41 1/48, ver.1.0 Good morning everyone, Iโ€™d like to share with you some useful masks for the F/A-18F of VF-41, Meng, 1/48 scale. Submitter Zaphod Submitted 04/21/2025 Category U.S. - Post-WW2  
  15. View File HurricaneIIc-LE336.studio3 Main markings for a Hurricane IIc of 34 Sqn, Palel, India, 1943-44. It had an interesting colour scheme according to the reference I found: a variant of Azure Blue underneath, with Dark Earth/Dark Green in a modified pattern above. The Azure is there as many aircraft in this theatre at this time were diverted from their original destination of the Middle East, so carried a desert scheme originally. The code letter is white as far as I can tell, and the spinner is said to be "India White", the very pale blue used in the centre of SEAC roundels. Here's the original courtesy of "tomthounaojam" on Britmodeller. Sized for the Arma Hobby 1/48 Kit, but no doubt adaptable to other scales. The tropical filter and underwing racks are not used in the kit markjing options, but are included on the sprues, so if you have the boxing with the Night Intruder on the front you're good to go: that's the one I used. Includes spares of each marking. Submitter MikeC Submitted 04/20/2025 Category Specific Aircraft
  16. View File Airscale Pro BP Defiant Mk I Marking and squadron code masks for the new Airscale Pro Boulton Paul Defiant Mk I day fighter. Submitter Mozart Submitted 03/13/2025 Category Aircraft - Military  
  17. I can do that. I didn't know it was required. ๐Ÿ˜‰ Harry
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    • Version 1.0.0
    Hallo, 1/48 P-47D Thunderbolt - Francis Stanley โ€žGabbyโ€œ Gabreski Keine Abschussmarkierungen, da diese zu klein sind um sie vernรผftig zu plotten. Leider ohne Camouflage, da ich noch keinen guten Weg gefunden habe, um diese spezielle Tarnung zu plotten. GruรŸ Harry
  18. I'm a retired comics, concept and storyboard artist living with my lovely wife and irascible dog on beautiful Whidbey Island, Washington. I build mostly 1/48 aircraft and vehicles, but also have a few subs, ships and military vehicles in my stash. I have a Silhouette Cameo 4 that I have yet to fire up. I wanted to learn how to use and make files for cutting both masks and plastic parts. You may know me for my build threads and sassy mascots- cheers!
  19. Welcome aboard, Chuck! Great to have you here. Kev
  20. 1 point
    Hi Davy, welcome aboard. We're a small but friendly bunch, with plenty of knowledge between us. I use a Portrait 3 too - it's a useful machine, and dooes everything I need it to.
  21. Hello folk. I've just pulled the trigger on a Creality Laser Falcon laser engraver. This was a bit of a spur of the moment "looks like a bargain" knee jerk buy. ๐Ÿซฃ I have used 1ManArmy laser cut masks and enjoyed their fidelity. I am hoping that I will be able to create my own masks using this tool. I have zero experience with this sort of thing so I have to expect failures. There is also no guarantee that this device, which is aimed at the crafting hobbyist, will give me anything close to the fidelity I hope for. Experimentation will be the name of the game. It comes well packaged in a stout cardboard box. Rudimentary instructions and assembly guide on the top with some fun stickers. I made sure everything was present. Creality include a pair of tinted glasses to use during operation but no base plate in this kit. The user must source and provide a suitable flat metal plate to protect the workspace from damage. The working area is 400mm x 415mm once everything is assembled. The machine operates either by USB-USBC cable directly from your PC/other interface or by using a TF card straight into the engraver. Creality supply a square of thin plywood and a pre-loaded test piece to give the machine a whirl. I'll report back with more in due course. Cheers, Guy
  22. Fascinating, Guy! I've always wondered if these consumer-level units were any good. Looking forward to your report! Kev
  23. Thanks for the suggestions guys. I've since discovered that the machine I've bought recommends a programme called "Lightburn". I believe I can create files elsewhere and then import them to Lightburn. I foresee much learning in my future ๐Ÿ˜„
  24. 1 point
    Hello Davy, welcome to the world of mask making! If you donโ€™t find an answer here to any questions, just ask. Max
  25. I agree with Kev on both accounts. I used to have a notebook that had AutoCAD on it from where I used to work, but that's now gone. And I got away from using that because of the hassle of transferring files and importing different file types, etc.
  26. Thanks @talbot . I appreciate your kind words. Glad you enjoyed the model. Cheers, Guy
  27. 1 point
    Welcome aboard, Davy! ๐Ÿซก I get around, so I'm known in many places! Kev
  28. excellent work! the masking and painting look exceptional
  29. Excellent work, Guy! Kev
  30. Agreed, I use that too, although when you cut a bit the right size, removing the backing can be "entertaining"
    • 3 downloads
    • Version 1.0.0
    Main markings for a Hurricane IIc of 34 Sqn, Palel, India, 1943-44. It had an interesting colour scheme according to the reference I found: a variant of Azure Blue underneath, with Dark Earth/Dark Green in a modified pattern above. The Azure is there as many aircraft in this theatre at this time were diverted from their original destination of the Middle East, so carried a desert scheme originally. Here's the original courtesy of "tomthounaojam" on Britmodeller. Sized for the Arma Hobby 1/48 Kit, but no doubt adaptable to other scales. Includes spares of each marking.
  31. I have been working with Peter Castle of Airscale fame to produce masks for his new and ground-breaking venture, a fully 3D printed, highly detailed and accurate 1/32 kit of the Boulton Paul Defiant. His kit, due for release in the near future, has markings for a day and night fighter variant. The kit will feature decals for those who like to go down that route, but paint masks will be available from Peter for a small extra cost in โ€œhard copyโ€ form and also here as a downloadable file on this site. The kitโ€™s box will have a QR code on it which will link directly to these files. Max
  32. Thanks for posting these, Max. Here are the links to the two files involved: Kev
  33. View File Kotare Spitfire 1 (mid) Masks for the Kotare Spitfire, these are particularly for a 41 Squadron aircraft which operated over the Dunkirk beaches in early June 1940. Submitter Mozart Submitted 01/03/2025 Category Aircraft - Military  
    • 75 downloads
    • Version 1.0.0
    Made this file for stars and bars mask for a P-51. Scaled for the different sizes. Printed them on Tamiya sheet paper on a silhouette portrait 3, blade depth 1, force 6, speed 1, pass 1. There was very minimal lifting on a couple star points but using a rubber cuticle pusher, was able to return the points to their correct position.
  34. Funnily enough I haven't built that many WW2 RAF fighters in standard camouflage, and those few I have "free-handed" with the airbrush. But with the sublime Tamiya Spitfire kit I decided to explore making camouflage masks. I scanned the colour A3 sheet provided with the kit then imported the image onto the Silhouette screen, starting with the wings: I measured the distance from leading to trailing edge on the kit where the wing walk stripe goes, then scaled the image onscreen to match that distance (just draw a straight line the measured distance, rotate and move it over the wing image and drag that out to match the line size). Once that was established it was very easy selecting the line "figure of eight" draw tool to (manually) trace the outline of the camouflage lines: I had already put down a base coat of Ocean Grey so the masks for those areas were pulled off and carefully laid in place on the wings. It took no time at all to spray the Dark Green resulting in crisp lines when the masks were removed: That was the easy bit done, then "3D fuselage would be a different matter. But first I decided to finish the upper and lower wings. Slight problem, unaccountable problem, with one roundel on which the blue lifted when the mask was removed, no idea why: but the other was fine: There was a potential problem with the under wings; the centre of the roundel coincides with a large fairing....."lump" to me, that no mask or decal for that matter is going to willingly conform to. I sliced around it carefully once the roundel mask was in place then used masking fluid to fill the gaps. Worked well enough: Adventures with the fuselage: I wasn't sure of the best way to go about these masks - separate port and starboard ones or a one piece "wrap-over" one. Well after a few experiments the latter wasn't that practical. So I used the same technique as the wings - scanning, importing (and flipping one image), scaling, tracing: which ended up something like: (but this has now been revised and uploaded to this site.) Screenshots showing mask positions: and after applying to the model, spraying and removing: Drawing the fuselage masks involved a certain amount of trial and error, and there is still a little touch up to do but generally speaking it's been a successful exercise. Please feel free to download the masks but please read the caveat with the masks. When I do the fuselage and tail markings I'll add them to this thread. Max
  35. 1 point
    View File Codes-RAF I saw a thread on LSP recently, in which the OP described the difficulties with installing certain fonts, which are recognised by MS Word and other software, but not picked up by the Silhouette Studio software. The process the poster described was basically the one I used: Type up the lettering you want in MS Word, scan it in, and manipulate it until you have your codes in your studio 3 file. What a bother! But there is no way round it. However, the thread reminded me that I had created this file, but not uploaded it here. So better late than never, here it is. It contains all the letters and numerals in two of the most common font styles used by RAF aircraft. You can use them for squadron codes, serial numbers, or whatever you choose. Just copy and paste the characters you require into your own Studio 3 file, size them and arrange them to suit your subject, and off you go. Applicable to all scales - although the smallest I've managed to cut are the 4" characters that the RN use for serials in 1/32 scale. Hope this is useful. Submitter MikeC Submitted 11/24/2023 Category Aircraft - Military
  36. 73 Sqn Hurri-e.studio3 View File Colourful Hurricane for the new Revell 1/32 kit. based on a profile in the Airframe and miniatures monograph. 73 Sqn RAF BD930 "R". Tested on paint mule and squadron insignia worked well. Enjoy! John Submitter Mostly 48th Submitted 05/23/2023 Category Specific Aircraft  
    • 33 downloads
    • Version 1.0.0
    Colourful Hurricane for the new Revell 1/32 kit. based on a profile in the Airframe and miniatures monograph. 73 Sqn RAF BD930 "R". Tested on paint mule and squadron insignia worked well. Enjoy! John
  37. So here's the answer Guy and Mike, these circles (slightly distorted by the camera angle) cut in paper ranging from 1mm to 7mm:
  38. This was supposed to be a quick little side project to give me an excuse to print something on my Elegoo Saturn 3D printer, but like most of my projects, dragged on and got more complicated. I decided to try to recreate the metallic effects and overall weathering as close to what we see on screen as possible, and late in the piece, I decided it needed a base for stability purposes. The lettering on the base was cut with my Silhouette Portrait and applied over a white base, and SMS Jet Black applied over the top. Took me 3 goes to get this right! So what was supposed to take a few days has ended up taking a few months, but here it is. Thanks for looking! Now I need to get back to one of my many unfinished aircraft projects! Kev
  39. Hello, Here the Tarangus 1/72 SAAB JA37 Viggen, using my paint-masks. I used a Silhouette Portrait for the canopy, wheels and landing gear wheels. The splinter cammo was made using Maestro Models masking set. Painted using MRP paints.
  40. Hey Everyone, I have a Cricut and was wondering how to convert the .Studio or .Studio3 files to something the Cricut software could recognize. I found a link to a site that supposedly converts them to .SVG. I just wanted to share the file converter on http://www.ideas-r-us-software.uk in case anyone else was needing their files to be Cricut compatible. If there's another way to convert the files, please let us know. Thanks, MicroMiGMan
  41. Welcome! Scale Model Paint Masks is a site dedicated to providing a repository of downloadable paint mask files for scale modellers, driven by and for the scale modelling community. We cater for any genre of scale modelling, in any scale and of any era. Members are free to upload their designs, download other members' designs, and contribute to discussions in our forums. Scale Model Paint Masks is brand new, and we hope to grow and evolve it over time. We plan to expand the forums to include tutorials, reviews, and anything else our members would like to see that fits our scope. Note: only members are allowed to upload and download content or participate in the forums.
  42. View File Camouflage and insignia masks for Mk IX Spitfire These masks were drawn from the Tamiya instructions for their Mk IX Spitfire but are probably useable on many types as a generic scheme. Please note, I drew these for my own use, they are not perfect and not professionally produced so will probably need "tweaking" if you decide to use them. The screenshots show location of the camouflage sections, it presumes that a base coat of Ocean Grey has been applied so these allow for Dark Green only. UPDATE 26/3/21 I've amended the file for the fuselage; on fitting the masks to my model I found that I had omitted to provide a mask for the port side above the tailplane, this is now included and positioned on the sheet in the bottom right hand corner. Also amended are the engine panels, the original versions were too high. Max Submitter Mozart Submitted 03/24/2021 Category Specific Aircraft  
    • 88 downloads
    • Version 1.0.0
    At Kev's request, I'm re-posting this content from Large Scale Planes. It shows in some detail how I used the attached cutter file to paint a simple insignia on my 1:32 P-51D. I started by making a cutter file in the software that comes with the Silhouette Cameo machine. I did this by scanning the decal sheet and tracing over it, although for something as common as the US fighter plane insignia you could find a vector art file or pre-existing cutter file many places on line. I made my own because I wanted to tweak them a touch for my planned painting process. I made the outside shape (only, not the stars and bars themselves) for the inner mask (top left, the mask that covers the blue when I spray the white) very slightly smaller than the shape in the mask below it (middle left, the mask that defines the overall blue shape) so that it will be easy to lay down inside the outer mask without the edges overlapping and making it hard to stick the vinyl down. By slightly smaller I mean 0.3 mm per side. I will tape over the junctions between inner and outer masks before spraying the white paint so that none can get through the small gap between them. I then cut a piece of Oramask 813 about 9x5 inches in size and stuck it down on the tacky support mat that allows it to feed into the cutter. The cutter can take 12x12 (or even bigger with a roll attachment) but that's overkill for my uses. This is about as big a piece as I ever use. It's quick - less than 60 seconds to cut this pattern. It makes very crisp clean cuts. This is a very simple pattern because all the shapes are large. For sheets with very small details (like the federal serial number on the vertical stabilizer of this plane) I run the cutter at its minimum speed to reduce the tendency of the blade to pick tiny pieces of masking film up off of the backing. To get ready to spray the blue area I simply remove the inside part of the mask while it's still on the backing paper... Then lay a small piece of frisket paper (a standard airbrush artist's supply you can get anywhere that sells airbrushes) over the top to hold it in place as I lift it off the backing. This is important to do even for a very simple shape like this because the vinyl is flexible and the frisket is not (at least it does not stretch in length/width). If you just peel the vinyl off and try to stick it down to the model, it's easy to stretch it subtly and distort the shape. This is doubly true if you stick it down and then decide (as I did twice) that you want to move it a bit. The frisket allows you to do this without damaging the mask itself. Here it is stuck in its final spot with frisket still on it. Remove the frisket and mask around the vinyl to control overspray. I've gotten into the habit of doing this with scrap paper from the printer and very narrow pieces of tape. It takes a little extra time, but minimizes the amount of tape you are putting on already-finished painted surfaces. Risk management and all that. Same thing on the wings. And just like the squadron colors, I'll need to paint a little corner of the insignia on the disassembled gun bay covers as well). And we're ready to paint. Right before starting to paint I try to always remember to double check the edges of the vinyl and burnish them down with a fingernail if they are lifting anywhere. It's important to check that between coats of paint too. I will be painting with my GSI Creos 0.2mm double-action airbrush. This is my go-to airbrush and the one I use 95% of the time. I have a 0.5 mm version of the same brush that I use when I need to cover large areas quickly (for example I used it to paint the gloss black undercoat on this model). My old 0.5 mm Iwata is reserved for those rare occasions that I want to shoot something water-based. The GSI airbrushes I use for lacquer only. This is the blue I'm using And after it this white. This model is the first time I've used MRP paints, and I have to say I like them a lot. The convenience of not having to dilute them is very attractive, and they are very easy to get a good result with. I still have a place in my heart for Mr Color, though, and will probably continue to use both brands. I started with a light "tack coat" - painting slowly and building up a very thin layer, just enough to initiate a strong bond with the layer underneath (it was thinner than this picture suggests). Painting with masks like this you want to avoid ever getting a "wet" surface - if you do it will form a meniscus against the edge of the mask and that will dry to an obnoxious ridge at the edge of the painted shape. I'm spraying here at 10 psi (2/3 bar), which is what I almost always use. I did all four insignia with the tack coat, and by the time that was done the first one was dry to the touch and ready for coat two (this is the #1 thing I love about Mr Color lacquers - superfast drying). The second coat got the blue all the way to opacity. I could probably get away with a couple hours' curing time and move on to the second mask and the white layer, but I'm feeling extra paranoid so I'm going to leave this until tomorrow before doing the white. Why take chances when it's *this close* to done? After I do the white I'll pull the inner mask and hit the whole insignia with a light pass of clear matte to kill and shine and unify the surface appearance. Phase 2 today. Started by removing the vinyl from around the part of the mask that I want to use. As before, lay a piece of frisket paper over it to pick it up with. Carefully lay that down inside the mask that defined the blue area... And peel the frisket off, making sure to buff down the edges of the new mask. Cover the junction between outer and inner masks with tape The first of five coats of MRP white I was able to do this continuously - paint a coat on all four insignia and the first one was ready for the next coat. Took maybe 20 minutes all told to get to this. Gave it a couple hours curing time and removed the second-stage masks Nice and sharp, but the blue is too shiny. I will give it a quick shot of MRP clear matte before removing the outer mask. The final result, after matte varnish.
    • 694 downloads
    • Version 1.0.0
    From: Color & Markings of USAAF Fighters in WWII: American Fighters Over Europe (pg.95) Silhouette Studio 4.4.247 (Business Edition)
    • 77 downloads
    • Version 1.0.0
    USAAF - 100mm diam - Star 43-07 to 43-09.dxf