Tinman wrote:I remember someone describing the Mask spray stations. The mask was unique to each model and the operator held the model up to the mask by hand and operated a foot pedal to activate the spray. The duration of the spray application was controlled by the operator as was the positioning of the model in the contoured mask. Clogged spray nozzles could effect the spray as well as the operators alignment and duration of paint application. Unknown is how often the masks were cleaned and/or replaced as paint build-up had to be an ongoing problem. We know the masks were redesigned multiple times on some models and that may have had more to do with efficacy and ease/simplicity of use than anything else. There would be little reason to change the amount or areas of the silver spray detailing for cost reasons as more paint ended up on the inside of the mask that ever ended up on a model. The only reason to change the shape or areas detailed would be to make the mask easier or simpler to use with regard to getting the casting quickly aligned.
The other question is was the model fully assembled or had the base yet to be installed. Which (if any) models have parts of the base with mask spray on them? Such as front or rear bumpers that are a part of the base not the body.
Joe, hope all is good in Florida.
You are right in saying that there were more than one type of mask spray method and I am also aware of some trials of mask spraying that did not go ahead.
From at least the early sixties the following applies.
With respect to many models in my collection the mask spraying was done on fully assembled models including decals and I have many models where the overspray is on the base plate and wheels.
Although I am aware the foot pedal was used in areas like riveting machines, pressing on spare wheels and hook pins and rivets I had not heard about it being used for mask spray booths.
The mask spray booth actually had a sensor on it for a timed release of spray paint and the purpose of this was to prevent the operator applying too much paint. They could however present the model to the mask a second time or multiple times but each time it would still only give a preset burst.
Quote” This machine has a semi-electronic mechanism that ensures that only a specific amount of paint is deposited whether the operator holds the model against the orifice for one second or one minute”
They would take a completed model out of a tray, place it against the mask, it would be sprayed for a preset time and they would place it on the conveyor ready for boxing.
This was all done in seconds
Incidentally if the lady presenting the model to the mask did not have it sitting on the flat surface in front of the mask this could also account for misalignment.
One such trial in an attempt to improve efficiency was they produced a small curbed roadway and if the model was pushed one way it would trigger a spray of silver paint through two apertures in a photo slide then if pushed the other way the model would receive red paint. However it could become paint bound and there is no evidence it was actually used for true production runs.
On the subject of mask spraying
Corgi at one point used a different method where the lady would hold the model behind the mask and using a hand held spray gun, she would spray toward the mask and the exposed parts of the model would be painted. This method would account for different levels of trim with fatigue and distractions creeping into the equation.
Joe wrote
Which (if any) models have parts of the base with mask spray on them? Such as front or rear bumpers that are a part of the base not the body.
In answer to your question above some models that come to mind.
65a Jaguar is a nice early one with mask spray bumper to black base plate
3b Bedford tipper can have mask silver to tongue of black base plate.
9c fire engine can also have silver tongue on black base plate
Other examples of the tongue on black base plates getting a coat of mask silver are 34a VW, 47b Icecream, 26b Foden cement and 45a Vauxhall with glazing.
All the best
Bert
If Jason or admin think this should be in its own thread can admin attend to this please.
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