Eduard EX135 - 1:48 D3A Val masks

Eduard EX135 mask set – canopy painting masks for the D3A Val model (Hasegawa) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX135 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the D3A Val model from Hasegawa. 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, die-cut for the canopy and other glazing and for the wheel hubs
• Mask placement instructions

Set specifications:

• Scale: 1:48
• Catalogue number: EX135
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: D3A Val from Hasegawa
• Accessory type: canopy painting masks
• 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 – Aichi D3A Val:

The Aichi D3A (Allied reporting name Val) is a Japanese carrier-based dive bomber of the Second World War. It was an all-metal low-wing monoplane, characterised by fixed spatted landing gear and an elliptical wing clearly inspired by German designs of the 1930s. It was powered by a single radial engine, and its crew of two comprised a pilot and a gunner-observer.

The D3A was the principal Japanese dive bomber in the early period of the Pacific War. It took part in the attack on Pearl Harbor and in the carrier battles, where it contributed to the sinking of numerous Allied ships. As the war progressed the aircraft became obsolete and was replaced by newer designs, and towards the end it was also used for suicide attacks. More than 1,400 examples were built in Model 11 and Model 22 versions.

Original specifications (Aichi D3A Val):

• Crew: 2
• Length: 10.2 m
• Wingspan: 14.4 m
• Height: 3.8 m
• Empty/take-off weight: 2,570 kg / 3,800 kg
• Powerplant: 1 x Mitsubishi Kinsei 54 radial, approx. 1,300 hp (Model 22)
• Max speed: approx. 430 km/h
• Ceiling: 10,500 m
• Range: approx. 1,350 km
• Armament: 2 x 7.7 mm machine guns (forward) and 1 (defensive, rear); up to approx. 370 kg of bombs
• Production: over 1,400 (1938-1945)

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.