Eduard EX1018 - 1:48 Gannet AS.1/AS.4 national & a/c marking masks

Eduard EX1018 mask set – marking masks for the Gannet AS.1/AS.4 model (Airfix) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX1018 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting national insignia, tailored to the Gannet AS.1/AS.4 model from Airfix. 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: EX1018
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: Gannet AS.1/AS.4 from Airfix
• 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 – Fairey Gannet AS.1/AS.4:

The Fairey Gannet was a British carrier-based anti-submarine aircraft from the early 1950s. It was a low-wing monoplane with a double-cranked wing, housing a three-man crew and a large weapons bay. Its distinctive feature was the Armstrong Siddeley Double Mamba twin turboprop, driving two coaxial contra-rotating propellers; one power section could be shut down to save fuel on long patrols.

The Gannet entered Fleet Air Arm service in 1955. The AS.1 and AS.4 versions were used to search for and attack submarines, carrying torpedoes, depth charges and electronic equipment. Later airborne early-warning and training variants were developed. The type was also operated by other nations.

Original specifications (Fairey Gannet AS.1/AS.4):

• Length: 13.10 m
• Wingspan: 16.56 m
• Height: 4.18 m
• Take-off weight: approx. 10,200 kg
• Crew: 3
• Powerplant: Armstrong Siddeley Double Mamba turboprop, approx. 3000 hp
• Max speed: approx. 500 km/h
• Ceiling: approx. 7600 m
• Range: approx. 1500 km
• Armament: torpedoes, depth charges and bombs in the weapons bay, rockets on wing pylons
• Production: approx. 350 built, from 1953

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.