Eduard EX804 - 1:48 Ar 234B TFace masks

Eduard EX804 mask set – canopy painting masks for the Ar 234B Blitz model (Hasegawa / Hobby 2000) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX804 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the Ar 234B Blitz model from Hasegawa / Hobby 2000. The masks are die-cut from yellow Kabuki masking paper, giving sharp edges without hand masking with tape. The base kit is not included. The TFace version includes masks for both the exterior and interior of the glazing.

What's in the box:

• Sheet of self-adhesive masks made of yellow Kabuki masking paper in the TFace version – separate masks for the exterior and interior of the glazing, plus wheel hub masks
• Mask placement instructions

Set specifications:

• Scale: 1:48
• Catalogue number: EX804
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: Ar 234B Blitz from Hasegawa / Hobby 2000
• Accessory type: canopy painting masks (TFace version)
• 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 – Arado Ar 234B Blitz:

The Arado Ar 234 Blitz was a German single-seat aircraft, the world's first operational jet bomber. Designed during the Second World War, it was a high-wing aircraft with two jet engines in underwing nacelles. The production Ar 234B had conventional retractable landing gear with a nose wheel; the pilot sat in a heavily glazed nose cockpit providing good visibility for aiming.

The aircraft entered service in late 1944 and was used mainly for reconnaissance and bombing, including attacks on bridges. Its high speed made interception difficult, but engine unreliability and fuel shortages limited its operations. It was powered by two Junkers Jumo 004 engines. About 210 were built, too few to affect the course of the war.

Original specifications (Arado Ar 234B Blitz):

• Crew: 1
• Length: 12.6 m
• Wingspan: 14.4 m
• Height: 4.3 m
• Empty weight: approx. 5,200 kg
• Take-off weight: approx. 9,800 kg
• Powerplant: 2 x Junkers Jumo 004B turbojets, approx. 8.8 kN thrust each
• Max speed: approx. 740 km/h
• Ceiling: 10,000 m
• Range: approx. 1,550 km
• Armament: up to 1,500 kg of bombs; sometimes 2 x 20 mm rearward-firing cannon
• Production: approx. 210 aircraft (1944-1945)

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.