Eduard EX559 - 1:48 P-51D masks

Eduard EX559 mask set – canopy painting masks for the P-51D Mustang model (Meng) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX559 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-51D Mustang model from Meng. 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: EX559
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: P-51D Mustang from Meng
• 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 – North American P-51D Mustang:

The P-51D Mustang was the most numerously produced variant of the American fighter, powered by a Packard V-1650 Merlin inline engine. Its main distinguishing feature was the bubble canopy and cut-down rear fuselage, which significantly improved rearward visibility compared with the earlier B/C version. Wing armament was increased to six 12.7 mm machine guns, improving firepower.

Thanks to its long range with underwing fuel tanks, the P-51D was used mainly as a long-range escort fighter accompanying bomber formations over enemy territory. It was also used for fighter-bomber tasks and attacking ground targets. The D version became the emblem of the type and remained in service with many nations long after the war. Thousands of examples of this variant were built.

Original specifications (North American P-51D Mustang):

• Length: 9.83 m
• Wingspan: 11.28 m
• Height: 4.17 m
• Takeoff weight: approx. 5,490 kg
• Crew: 1
• Powerplant: 1 Packard V-1650 Merlin inline engine, approx. 1,490 hp
• Max speed: approx. 700 km/h
• Ceiling: approx. 12,700 m
• Range: approx. 2,400 km (with drop tanks)
• Armament: 6 x 12.7 mm machine guns, bombs or rockets on hardpoints
• Production: 1944-1945, thousands 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.