Eduard EX452 - 1:48 Gnat T.1 masks

Eduard EX452 mask set – canopy painting masks for the Gnat T.1 model (Airfix) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX452 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the Gnat T.1 model from Airfix. 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: EX452
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: Gnat T.1 from Airfix
• 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 – Folland Gnat T.1:

The Folland Gnat is a British light jet aircraft designed as a cheap, simple and small design. The fighter variant was not adopted by the RAF, but the two-seat Gnat T.1 trainer entered service as an advanced training aircraft. It first flew in 1959.

The Gnat T.1 became famous as the aircraft of the Red Arrows aerobatic team, which used it for over a decade. A developed fighter variant was produced under licence and used in combat by India as the HAL Ajeet and Gnat. The aircraft was valued for its agility and low operating costs.

Original specifications (Folland Gnat T.1):

• Length: 9.68 m
• Wingspan: 7.32 m
• Height: 2.93 m
• Empty weight: 2404 kg
• Maximum weight: 4030 kg
• Crew: 2
• Powerplant: Bristol Siddeley Orpheus 101, approx. 20 kN thrust
• Maximum speed: 1120 km/h
• Service ceiling: 14,630 m
• Range: approx. 1900 km
• Armament: none (trainer version)
• Production: 1959-1965, approx. 105 T.1 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.