Eduard EX003 - 1:48 F-18A/C masks

Eduard EX003 mask set – canopy painting masks for the F-18A/C Hornet model (Hasegawa) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX003 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the F-18A/C Hornet model from Hasegawa. The masks are die-cut from yellow Kabuki masking paper, giving sharp edges without hand masking with tape. The base kit is not included.

What's in the box:

• Sheet of self-adhesive masks made of yellow Kabuki masking paper, die-cut for the canopy and other glazing and for the wheel hubs
• Mask placement instructions

Set specifications:

• Scale: 1:48
• Catalogue number: EX003
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: F-18A/C Hornet from Hasegawa
• Accessory type: canopy painting masks
• Material: yellow Kabuki masking paper, machine-cut

Self-adhesive painting masks – crisp canopy frame edges

Eduard masks are self-adhesive stencils die-cut from low-tack yellow Kabuki masking paper suited to delicate model surfaces. They cover the clear areas of the glazing and leave only the canopy framing exposed, so that after airbrushing you get sharp, even frame edges – hard to achieve when masking by hand with tape.

The recommended method is to apply the masks to clean, degreased glazing, press the edges down firmly and then airbrush the paint. Once the paint has dried, the masks are removed. The masks are intended for single use and should not be left on the model for a long time.

About the aircraft – McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A/C Hornet:

The F/A-18 Hornet is an American twin-engine carrier-based multirole aircraft, combining the roles of fighter and attack aircraft in a single machine. It is characterised by wing leading-edge extensions at the root, two canted vertical stabilisers and a strong structure suited to catapult launches and carrier landings. Its avionics and fly-by-wire flight controls ease switching between fighter and strike tasks.

The Hornet entered service in the early 1980s with the Navy and Marine Corps of the United States and with several other nations. The single-seat F/A-18A was the first production variant, while the F/A-18C introduced improved avionics and wider precision armament. The machine was used in combat in Middle East and Balkan conflicts.

Original specifications (McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A/C Hornet):

• Length: 17.1 m
• Wingspan: 12.3 m
• Height: 4.7 m
• Empty weight: 10,400 kg
• Take-off weight: 23,500 kg
• Crew: 1
• Powerplant: 2x General Electric F404 turbofan, approx. 79 kN each
• Max speed: 1915 km/h
• Ceiling: 15,000 m
• Range: approx. 2000 km
• Armament: 1x 20 mm cannon, air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles; production from 1978

About the manufacturer – Eduard:

Eduard is a Czech manufacturer of scale model kits and modelling accessories, established in 1989 and based in Obrnice. The company is widely recognised among aircraft modellers for its own 1:48 and 1:72 kits and for an extensive range of upgrade accessories: photo-etched parts, Brassin resin components, decals and painting masks. Eduard masks are die-cut from yellow Kabuki masking paper and designed for specific plastic kits, ensuring an accurate fit to the shape of the canopy and other details. The EX mask series covers hundreds of items dedicated both to Eduard kits and to kits from other manufacturers.