Eduard EX808 - 1:48 Spitfire Mk.XVI TFace masks

Eduard EX808 mask set – canopy painting masks for the Spitfire Mk.XVI model (Eduard) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX808 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the Spitfire Mk.XVI model from Eduard. 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: EX808
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: Spitfire Mk.XVI from Eduard
• 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 – United Kingdom:

The Mk.VIII and Mk.IX versions of the Spitfire were developed in response to the German Focke-Wulf Fw 190 fighter. They retained the elliptical wing and general layout of earlier versions but were powered by the two-stage, two-speed Rolls-Royce Merlin 60 engine, which significantly improved high-altitude performance. The Mk.IX was an adaptation of the Mk.V airframe, while the Mk.VIII was a more thoroughly redesigned structure.

The Mk.IX became one of the most numerously produced and versatile Spitfire variants, restoring the advantage over the Fw 190. The Mk.VIII, with a strengthened structure and retractable tailwheel, was often sent to overseas theaters. Both variants appeared with different wing and armament layouts and in low- and high-altitude versions.

Original specifications (United Kingdom):

• Length: 9.5 m
• Wingspan: 11.2 m
• Height: 3.9 m
• Max. takeoff weight: approx. 3400 kg
• Crew: 1
• Powerplant: Rolls-Royce Merlin 61/63/70 inline, approx. 1560-1720 hp
• Max. speed: approx. 660 km/h
• Ceiling: approx. 13,100 m
• Range: approx. 700 km (more with underwing drop tanks)
• Armament: 2 x 20 mm cannon and 4 x 7.7 mm, or 2 x 20 mm cannon and 2 x 12.7 mm
• Production: Mk.IX approx. 5600 built, Mk.VIII approx. 1650 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.