Eduard EX168 - 1:48 M6A Seiran masks

Eduard EX168 mask set – canopy painting masks for the M6A Seiran model (Tamiya) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX168 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the M6A Seiran model from Tamiya. 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: EX168
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: M6A Seiran from Tamiya
• 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 M6A Seiran:

The Aichi M6A Seiran was a Japanese submarine-borne floatplane bomber designed to be carried by the large I-400 class submarines. The concept called for surprise attacks on targets beyond the reach of land-based aviation, including the Panama Canal. The aircraft had folding wings and tail to fit inside a cylindrical hangar on the submarine; a small crew could ready it for launch in a few minutes, after which it was catapulted from the deck.

A small number entered service in 1945, but the war ended before any combat use; a planned attack on Ulithi atoll was cancelled after the surrender. A trainer version, the M6A1-K Nanzan, was built with wheeled undercarriage. The floats could be jettisoned in flight to improve performance when a return to the submarine was not planned. A surviving example is held in the Smithsonian collection.

Original specifications (Aichi M6A Seiran):

• Length: 11.64 m (with floats)
• Wingspan: 12.26 m
• Height: 4.58 m
• Empty weight: approx. 3,300 kg
• Loaded weight: approx. 4,040 kg
• Crew: 2 (pilot and observer/gunner)
• Powerplant: 1 x Aichi Atsuta 32 inline (licence-built DB 601), approx. 1,400 hp
• Max speed: approx. 475 km/h
• Ceiling: approx. 9,900 m
• Range: approx. 1,200 km
• Armament: 1 flexible 13 mm mg in rear position, 1 x 800 kg bomb or one approx. 850 kg torpedo
• Production: 28 (1943-1945)

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.