Eduard EX1176 - 1:48 Hampden TB Mk.I torpedo bomber TFace masks

Eduard EX1176 mask set – canopy painting masks for the Hampden TB Mk.I torpedo bomber model (ICM) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX1176 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the Hampden TB Mk.I torpedo bomber model from ICM. 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: EX1176
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: Hampden TB Mk.I torpedo bomber from ICM
• 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 – Handley Page Hampden:

The Handley Page Hampden was a British twin-engine medium bomber introduced into Royal Air Force service shortly before the Second World War. It featured a slender, deep forward fuselage and a narrow rear fuselage leading to twin fins, which earned the aircraft a nickname referring to a tadpole shape. It was powered by two radial engines, with a four-man crew housed in the cramped fuselage.

The Hampden took part in early raids over Europe and in laying sea mines. Its weak defensive armament made it vulnerable to fighters, which limited its use to night operations. Some aircraft were adapted to carry torpedoes as torpedo bombers for coastal service. The type was withdrawn from front-line use in mid-war in favour of newer four-engine bombers.

Original specifications (Handley Page Hampden):

• Crew: 4
• Length: 16.3 m
• Wingspan: 21.1 m
• Height: 4.6 m
• Empty weight: 5,340 kg
• Take-off weight: 8,500 kg
• Powerplant: 2 x Bristol Pegasus XVIII radials, 1,000 hp each
• Max speed: approx. 410 km/h
• Ceiling: 5,800 m
• Range: approx. 1,900 km
• Armament: 4-6 x 7.7 mm machine guns in gun positions, up to 1,800 kg of bombs or one torpedo
• Production: approx. 1,430 aircraft (1938-1942)

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.