Eduard EX1181 - 1:48 P-47M Tface

Eduard TFace two-sided mask set for painting the Republic P-47M Thunderbolt (Tamiya) model in 1:48 scale

The Eduard EX1181 is a TFace mask set tailored to the Tamiya Republic P-47M Thunderbolt fighter model in 1:48 scale. TFace masks make it possible to mask the canopy both outside and inside, allowing the inner glazing frames to be painted separately in the cockpit interior colour and the outer frames in the aircraft's finish colours.

The pieces are cut from yellow Kabuki masking tape suited to delicate modelling surfaces. The set is designed for airbrush painting.

What's in the box:

• A complete set of self-adhesive canopy masks – outer and inner (TFace)
• Masks for the landing-gear wheels
• Mask placement instructions indicating the side of application

Set specifications:

• Scale: 1:48
• Catalogue number: EX1181
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: Republic P-47M Thunderbolt by Tamiya
• Accessory type: two-sided TFace masks for the canopy glazing and wheels
• Material: yellow Kabuki masking tape

Two-sided TFace masks – painting the glazing from outside and inside

TFace is the variant of Eduard masks designed to mask the canopy from both sides – outside as well as inside. This allows the inner frames of the glazing to be painted independently in the cockpit interior colour and the outer frames in the camouflage colours, giving a realistic effect of the cabin colour visible through the glass.

The set contains a complete set of outer and inner masks together with instructions showing which pieces go on which side, as well as masks for the landing-gear wheels. The masks are cut from low-tack yellow Kabuki masking tape. The recommended method is to apply the masks to clean, dry and degreased glazing and to airbrush; the masks are intended for single use.

About the aircraft – Republic P-47M Thunderbolt:

The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt was one of the largest and heaviest single-engined fighters of the Second World War. The P-47M version was created late in the war in response to the need to intercept German V-1 flying bombs and Me 262 jets – it received a more powerful Pratt & Whitney R-2800 "C" series engine, which made it the fastest production Thunderbolt.

The P-47M was built in small numbers (approx. 130 examples) and assigned mainly to the 56th Fighter Group operating from England. Based on the D-version airframe with a bubble canopy, these aircraft combined enormous airframe ruggedness with a very high maximum speed.

Despite initial problems with refining the engines, the P-47M took part in the final battles over Europe. Today it remains one of the more interesting Thunderbolt variants for aircraft modellers.

Original aircraft specifications (Republic P-47M Thunderbolt):

• Length: approx. 11.0 m
• Wingspan: approx. 12.4 m
• Height: approx. 4.47 m
• Powerplant: Pratt & Whitney R-2800-57 radial engine, approx. 2,800 hp (with water injection)
• Maximum speed: approx. 760 km/h
• Service ceiling: approx. 12,800 m
• Crew: 1 pilot
• Armament: 8 × Browning M2 12.7 mm machine guns
• Production: approx. 130 examples (1944–1945)

About the manufacturer – Eduard:

Eduard is a Czech model company founded in 1989, based in Obrnice near Most. The brand began with photo-etched parts and is today one of the most recognisable manufacturers of modelling accessories in the world. Eduard's range includes photo-etched sets, Brassin resin parts, painting masks and its own plastic kits in the ProfiPACK and Weekend Edition lines. Eduard masks, cut from yellow Kabuki masking tape, are valued for their precise fit to specific kits and clear placement instructions. The company continually expands its mask catalogue with sets dedicated to the latest kits from various manufacturers.