Eduard EX078 - 1:48 RF-4B/E masks

Eduard EX078 mask set – canopy painting masks for the RF-4B/E Phantom model (Hasegawa) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX078 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the RF-4B/E Phantom 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: EX078
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: RF-4B/E Phantom 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 – USA:

The RF-4 is an unarmed reconnaissance version of the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II fighter. The nose was lengthened and reshaped to house a suite of optical cameras, side-looking radar and infrared sensors, while retaining the twin-engine layout and performance of the base Phantom. The RF-4B was built for the Marine Corps, while the RF-4E was an export variant for the air forces of many nations.

Reconnaissance Phantoms served intensively from the 1960s, flying tactical reconnaissance over Vietnam and later with the air forces of Germany, Japan, Greece, Turkey and others. Their high speed and low-level cruise made them difficult targets, though being unarmed they relied on performance. The last examples were retired in the 2010s.

Original specifications (USA):

• Length: 19.2 m
• Wingspan: 11.7 m
• Height: 5.0 m
• Max. takeoff weight: approx. 26,300 kg
• Crew: 2
• Powerplant: 2 x General Electric J79-GE-17 turbojets, approx. 79 kN each with afterburner
• Max. speed: approx. 2370 km/h (Mach 2.2)
• Ceiling: approx. 18,000 m
• Range: approx. 2800 km with underwing drop tanks
• Armament: none; reconnaissance equipment in nose
• Production: RF-4B/E from 1965

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.