Eduard EX498 - 1:48 Meteor F.8 masks

Eduard EX498 mask set – canopy painting masks for the Meteor F.8 model (Airfix) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX498 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the Meteor F.8 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: EX498
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: Meteor F.8 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 – Gloster Meteor F.8:

The Meteor was the first British jet fighter and the only Allied jet to see combat service during World War II, from July 1944 engaging targets including V-1 flying bombs. The F.8 variant of 1950 was the most numerous fighter version, receiving a lengthened fuselage, revised tail, an ejection seat and increased fuel capacity.

The F.8 formed the backbone of RAF air defence in the early 1950s before being replaced by the Hunter and Swift. F.8s of Australia's No. 77 Squadron RAAF served in the Korean War, where against the MiG-15 they were used mainly for ground attack. Around 3,900 Meteors were built in total, including about 1,090 F.8 aircraft.

Original specifications (Gloster Meteor F.8):

• Length: 13.59 m
• Wingspan: 11.33 m
• Height: 3.96 m
• Empty weight: approx. 4,820 kg
• Max takeoff weight: approx. 7,120 kg
• Crew: 1
• Powerplant: 2 x Rolls-Royce Derwent 8 turbojets, approx. 16 kN thrust each
• Max speed: approx. 965 km/h
• Ceiling: approx. 13,100 m
• Range: approx. 965-1,110 km
• Armament: 4 x Hispano Mk V 20 mm cannon; underwing rockets and bombs
• Production: approx. 1949-1954

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.