Eduard EX871 - 1:48 A-1J TFace masks

Eduard EX871 mask set – canopy painting masks for the A-1J Skyraider model (Tamiya) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX871 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the A-1J Skyraider model from Tamiya. 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: EX871
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: A-1J Skyraider from Tamiya
• 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 – Douglas A-1H Skyraider:

The Douglas A-1 Skyraider (originally AD) is a single-seat piston-engined attack aircraft designed at the end of the Second World War by Ed Heinemann's team for US Navy carrier aviation. A low-wing monoplane with retractable landing gear and a powerful radial engine, it could carry an exceptionally large ordnance load for a single-engined machine on numerous underwing pylons. The design entered production too late to see wartime service.

The Skyraider played a notable role in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, where its long loiter time over the battlefield and resistance to damage were valued. The A-1H (AD-6) variant was one of the more numerous attack versions. Many variants were produced: strike, reconnaissance, early-warning and electronic-warfare types. In total more than 3,000 examples were built, also operated by France and South Vietnam.

Original specifications (Douglas A-1H Skyraider):

• Crew: 1
• Length: 11.8 m
• Wingspan: 15.2 m
• Height: 4.8 m
• Empty/take-off weight: 5,430 kg / 11,340 kg
• Powerplant: 1 x Wright R-3350-26WA radial, approx. 2,700 hp
• Max speed: approx. 520 km/h
• Ceiling: 8,700 m
• Range: approx. 2,100 km
• Armament: 4 x 20 mm cannon; up to approx. 3,600 kg of bombs, rockets and other ordnance on 15 hardpoints
• Production: over 3,000 of all versions (1945-1957)

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.