Eduard EX1003 - 1:48 F6F-3 US national insignia w/ red outline masks

Eduard EX1003 mask set – marking masks for the F6F-3 Hellcat model (Eduard) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX1003 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting national insignia, tailored to the F6F-3 Hellcat model from Eduard. 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 for painting national insignia
• Mask placement instructions

Set specifications:

• Scale: 1:48
• Catalogue number: EX1003
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: F6F-3 Hellcat from Eduard
• Accessory type: marking masks
• Material: yellow Kabuki masking paper, machine-cut

Marking masks – an alternative to decals

This set contains masks for reproducing national insignia by painting them instead of applying decals. Painted markings sit directly on the paint layer, so there is no visible carrier film edge and no risk of decal silvering, which can be an issue when applying decals over matt surfaces.

The masks are die-cut from yellow Kabuki masking paper. The recommended method is to transfer the mask onto the model, press the edges down, apply a thin coat of paint with an airbrush and remove the mask once dry. The surface should be clean, dry and fully cured.

About the aircraft – Grumman F6F Hellcat:

The Grumman F6F Hellcat was an American carrier-based fighter monoplane of the Second World War. Designed as a successor to the Wildcat and shaped by Pacific combat experience, it had a rugged all-metal airframe, folding wings, good pilot protection and generous internal fuel. The prototype flew in 1942, powered by the Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp radial engine.

The Hellcat entered US Navy service in 1943 and became the fleet's principal carrier fighter. It was credited with a large share of Japanese aircraft shot down in the later war years. The main variants were the F6F-3 and F6F-5, including night-fighter and fighter-bomber configurations. More than 12,000 examples were built.

Original specifications (Grumman F6F Hellcat):

• Length: 10.24 m
• Wingspan: 13.06 m
• Height: 3.99 m
• Take-off weight: approx. 5700 kg
• Crew: 1
• Powerplant: Pratt & Whitney R-2800-10W radial, approx. 2000 hp
• Max speed: approx. 610 km/h
• Ceiling: approx. 11,400 m
• Range: approx. 1500 km
• Armament: 6 x 12.7 mm machine guns, up to approx. 900 kg external stores
• Production: over 12,000 built, 1942-1945

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.