Eduard EX345 - 1:48 F8F masks

Eduard EX345 mask set – canopy painting masks for the F8F Bearcat model (Hobby Boss) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX345 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the F8F Bearcat model from Hobby Boss. 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: EX345
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: F8F Bearcat from Hobby Boss
• 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 – Grumman F8F Bearcat:

The Grumman F8F Bearcat is an American carrier-based fighter of the late Second World War, a single-engine low-wing aircraft designed as a light and agile machine with high climb performance. It combined the powerful Pratt & Whitney R-2800 radial engine with a relatively small and light airframe. It first flew in 1944.

The Bearcat entered US Navy service too late to see combat in the Second World War. In the postwar period it saw action with the French air force in Indochina, among others, and served with other nations. It later gained popularity as an air racer, setting speed records. About 1265 were built.

Original specifications (Grumman F8F Bearcat):

• Length: 8.61 m
• Wingspan: 10.92 m
• Height: 4.22 m
• Empty weight: 3207 kg
• Maximum weight: 5873 kg
• Crew: 1
• Powerplant: Pratt & Whitney R-2800-34W radial, approx. 1678 kW
• Maximum speed: 730 km/h
• Service ceiling: 11,800 m
• Range: approx. 1780 km
• Armament: 4 x 20 mm cannons, up to 900 kg of external stores
• Production: 1945-1949, approx. 1265 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.