Eduard EX304 - 1:48 Ar 196 masks

Eduard EX304 mask set – canopy painting masks for the Ar 196 model (Italeri) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX304 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the Ar 196 model from Italeri. 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: EX304
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: Ar 196 from Italeri
• 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 – Arado Ar 196:

The Arado Ar 196 was a German shipborne reconnaissance floatplane, first flown in 1937. It was designed as a catapult aircraft for German warships, including battleships and cruisers, replacing older biplanes. A low-wing metal design, it rested on two large floats, with a two-man crew and a radial piston engine. It was launched from a shipboard catapult and, after landing on water, hoisted back aboard by crane.

The Ar 196 performed maritime reconnaissance, patrol and naval gunnery spotting, as well as anti-submarine work in coastal waters. The main production version was the Ar 196 A-3. Beyond shipboard service, these aircraft also operated from coastal squadrons. Armament comprised fixed wing cannon and a machine gun plus a rear gunner, supplemented by the ability to carry light bombs under the wings.

Original specifications (Arado Ar 196):

• Length: 11.0 m
• Wingspan: 12.4 m
• Height: 4.45 m
• Max takeoff weight: approx. 3730 kg
• Crew: 2 (pilot and observer/gunner)
• Powerplant: 1 x BMW 132K radial, approx. 960 hp
• Max speed: approx. 310 km/h
• Ceiling: approx. 7000 m
• Range: approx. 1070 km
• Armament: 2 x 20 mm MG FF cannon, 1 x 7.92 mm fixed MG, 1 x 7.92 mm flexible MG, 2 x 50 kg bombs
• Production: 1938-1944, approx. 540 built

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.