Eduard EX1158 - 1:48 S-199 bubble canopy TFace masks

Eduard EX1158 mask set – canopy painting masks for the Avia S-199 bubble canopy model (Eduard) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX1158 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the Avia S-199 bubble canopy 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. The TFace version includes masks for both the exterior and interior of the glazing.

What's in the box:

• Sheet of self-adhesive masks made of yellow Kabuki masking paper in the TFace version – separate masks for the exterior and interior of the glazing, plus wheel hub masks
• Mask placement instructions

Set specifications:

• Scale: 1:48
• Catalogue number: EX1158
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: Avia S-199 bubble canopy from Eduard
• Accessory type: canopy painting masks (TFace version)
• 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 – Czechoslovakia:

The Avia S-199 was a post-war Czechoslovak low-wing fighter, based on the German Messerschmitt Bf 109G airframe previously produced in that country. Lacking original inline engines, it used the available Junkers Jumo 211 radial engine from a bomber, coupled to a high-torque propeller, which worsened handling, especially during takeoff and landing.

The combination of heavy engine and propeller gave the aircraft a difficult character, and pilots gave it unofficial nicknames underlining its temperament. Despite its faults the S-199 was the first fighter of the reborn Israeli forces in 1948, bought in urgent need. Fewer than six hundred were built in single-seat and two-seat trainer versions, retired in the 1950s.

Original specifications (Czechoslovakia):

• Length: 8.8 m
• Wingspan: 9.9 m
• Height: 2.6 m
• Max. takeoff weight: approx. 3400 kg
• Crew: 1
• Powerplant: Junkers Jumo 211F inline engine, approx. 1350 hp
• Max. speed: approx. 540 km/h
• Ceiling: approx. 9000 m
• Range: approx. 600 km
• Armament: 2 x 13 mm machine guns and 2 x 20 mm cannons (typical configuration)
• Production: 1947-1949, approx. 550-600 built (all variants)

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.