Eduard EX866 - 1:48 F6F-5 TFace masks

Eduard EX866 mask set – canopy painting masks for the F6F-5 Hellcat model (Eduard) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX866 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the F6F-5 Hellcat 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: EX866
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: F6F-5 Hellcat 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 – Grumman F6F Hellcat:

The Grumman F6F Hellcat was an American carrier-based fighter monoplane of the Second World War. Designed as a successor to the Wildcat and shaped by Pacific combat experience, it had a rugged all-metal airframe, folding wings, good pilot protection and generous internal fuel. The prototype flew in 1942, powered by the Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp radial engine.

The Hellcat entered US Navy service in 1943 and became the fleet's principal carrier fighter. It was credited with a large share of Japanese aircraft shot down in the later war years. The main variants were the F6F-3 and F6F-5, including night-fighter and fighter-bomber configurations. More than 12,000 examples were built.

Original specifications (Grumman F6F Hellcat):

• Length: 10.24 m
• Wingspan: 13.06 m
• Height: 3.99 m
• Take-off weight: approx. 5700 kg
• Crew: 1
• Powerplant: Pratt & Whitney R-2800-10W radial, approx. 2000 hp
• Max speed: approx. 610 km/h
• Ceiling: approx. 11,400 m
• Range: approx. 1500 km
• Armament: 6 x 12.7 mm machine guns, up to approx. 900 kg external stores
• Production: over 12,000 built, 1942-1945

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.