Eduard EX530 - 1:48 P-40B masks

Eduard EX530 mask set – canopy painting masks for the P-40B model (Airfix) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX530 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the P-40B 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: EX530
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: P-40B 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 – Curtiss P-40 (B/C and E Warhawk):

The Curtiss P-40 was an American single-seat fighter, first flown in 1938, developed from the earlier P-36 by fitting an Allison V-1710 inline engine. It was an all-metal low-wing aircraft with retractable landing gear and a solid, durable structure. The lack of a turbo-supercharger limited its high-altitude performance, but it performed well at low and medium altitudes and in the fighter-bomber role.

The P-40 was used on many fronts, including North Africa, the Pacific and China, where it became famous in the markings of the volunteer Flying Tigers. Early B/C variants (Tomahawk) had rifle-caliber and heavy machine gun armament and a lighter structure, while the later E variant (Warhawk) received six 12.7 mm wing machine guns and the ability to carry bombs. Nearly 14,000 examples were built.

Original specifications (Curtiss P-40 (B/C and E Warhawk)):

• Length: 9.66 m (E)
• Wingspan: 11.38 m
• Height: 3.76 m
• Takeoff weight: approx. 3,760 kg (E)
• Crew: 1
• Powerplant: 1 Allison V-1710 inline engine, approx. 1,150 hp (E)
• Max speed: approx. 580 km/h
• Ceiling: approx. 8,800 m
• Range: approx. 1,100 km
• Armament: B/C 2 x 12.7 mm and 4 x 7.62 mm guns; E 6 x 12.7 mm guns, bombs on hardpoints
• Production: 1939-1944, nearly 14,000 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.