Eduard EX892 - 1:48 F3F-2 TFace masks

Eduard EX892 mask set – canopy painting masks for the F3F-2 model (Academy) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX892 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the F3F-2 model from Academy. 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: EX892
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: F3F-2 from Academy
• 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 F3F (carrier biplane fighter):

The F3F is a single-seat carrier fighter of biplane layout, built by Grumman for the U.S. Navy in the mid-1930s. It was a development of the earlier F2F and the last biplane fighter accepted into service by American military aviation. A distinctive feature was the deep, barrel-shaped forward fuselage that housed the retractable landing gear.

The F3F-1 version was powered by a Pratt & Whitney radial engine, while the F3F-2 and F3F-3 versions received a more powerful Wright engine. Armament consisted of two machine guns in the engine cowling, plus the ability to carry light bombs. The aircraft was withdrawn from front-line service before the U.S. entered World War II and replaced by monoplane designs.

Original specifications (Grumman F3F (carrier biplane fighter)):

• Length: 7.09 m
• Wingspan: 9.75 m
• Height: 2.84 m
• Empty weight: approx. 1,490 kg
• Maximum weight: approx. 2,180 kg
• Crew: 1
• Powerplant: 1 x Wright R-1820 radial (F3F-2/-3), 950 hp
• Maximum speed: approx. 425 km/h (F3F-3)
• Ceiling: approx. 10,120 m
• Range: approx. 1,580 km
• Armament: 1 x 7.62 mm and 1 x 12.7 mm machine gun in the cowling; up to 2 bombs of approx. 53 kg
• Production: 1936-1939, 162 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.