Eduard EX027 - 1:48 F-117 masks

Eduard EX027 mask set – canopy painting masks for the F-117 Nighthawk model (Tamiya) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX027 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-117 Nighthawk model from Tamiya. 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: EX027
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: F-117 Nighthawk from Tamiya
• 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 – F-117 Nighthawk:

The Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk is a single-seat attack aircraft developed in a classified Lockheed (Skunk Works) program in the late 1970s. It was the first operational aircraft designed entirely around low-observable technology. Its angular fuselage, built from flat facets that scatter radar waves, together with radar-absorbent coatings, was intended to minimise its radar signature. Ordnance was carried in an internal weapons bay.

The aircraft entered service in 1983 and its existence was publicly revealed in 1988. The F-117 saw combat during the invasion of Panama (1989) and then in the Gulf War (1991), where it struck heavily defended targets. One example was shot down over Yugoslavia in 1999. Sixty-four aircraft were built; the type was officially retired in 2008, though some airframes were kept in flyable condition.

Original specifications (F-117 Nighthawk):

• Crew: 1
• Length: 20.1 m
• Wingspan: 13.2 m
• Height: 3.8 m
• Empty weight: 13,380 kg
• Take-off weight: 23,800 kg
• Powerplant: 2 x General Electric F404 turbofans, 48.0 kN thrust each
• Max speed: approx. 990 km/h
• Ceiling: 13,700 m
• Range: approx. 1,720 km
• Armament: up to 2,268 kg of ordnance in internal bay (incl. GBU-10/GBU-27 guided bombs)
• Production: 64 aircraft (1981-1990)

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.