Eduard EX052 - 1:48 Spitfire Mk.I/V masks

Eduard EX052 mask set – canopy painting masks for the Spitfire Mk.I/V model (Tamiya) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX052 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the Spitfire Mk.I/V 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: EX052
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: Spitfire Mk.I/V 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 – United Kingdom:

The Supermarine Spitfire was a British single-seat fighter with a distinctive elliptical wing, designed by Reginald Mitchell. An all-metal low-wing aircraft with retractable landing gear, it was powered by the inline Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. The early Mk.I and Mk.V versions combined good maneuverability with high-altitude performance, becoming one of the symbols of British aviation.

The Mk.I played a decisive role in the Battle of Britain in 1940, while the developed Mk.V became the most numerous variant of the early war period. Differences between them included the more powerful engine and heavier armament of the Mk.V, available in machine-gun and cannon-armed variants. Both versions served across many theaters.

Original specifications (United Kingdom):

• Length: 9.1 m
• Wingspan: 11.2 m
• Height: 3.0 m
• Max. takeoff weight: approx. 3000 kg (Mk.V)
• Crew: 1
• Powerplant: Rolls-Royce Merlin 45 inline, approx. 1470 hp (Mk.V)
• Max. speed: approx. 600 km/h (Mk.V)
• Ceiling: approx. 11,300 m
• Range: approx. 750 km
• Armament: 8 x 7.7 mm machine guns (Mk.I) or 2 x 20 mm cannon and 4 x 7.7 mm (Mk.Vb)
• Production: Mk.I and Mk.V together over 7000 built

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.