Eduard EX955 - 1:48 A6M2 Model 21 national insignia masks

Eduard EX955 mask set – marking masks for the A6M2 Model 21 model (Eduard) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX955 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting national insignia, tailored to the A6M2 Model 21 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.

What's in the box:

• Sheet of self-adhesive masks made of yellow Kabuki masking paper for painting national insignia
• Mask placement instructions

Set specifications:

• Scale: 1:48
• Catalogue number: EX955
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: A6M2 Model 21 from Eduard
• Accessory type: marking masks
• Material: yellow Kabuki masking paper, machine-cut

Marking masks – an alternative to decals

This set contains masks for reproducing national insignia by painting them instead of applying decals. Painted markings sit directly on the paint layer, so there is no visible carrier film edge and no risk of decal silvering, which can be an issue when applying decals over matt surfaces.

The masks are die-cut from yellow Kabuki masking paper. The recommended method is to transfer the mask onto the model, press the edges down, apply a thin coat of paint with an airbrush and remove the mask once dry. The surface should be clean, dry and fully cured.

About the aircraft – Mitsubishi A6M Zero:

The Mitsubishi A6M, known as the Zero, was a Japanese single-seat carrier fighter designed by Jiro Horikoshi in the late 1930s. The designers chose an extremely light structure and large fuel capacity, giving very good manoeuvrability and exceptional range. The price was weak pilot armour and the absence of self-sealing fuel tanks, which made the aircraft vulnerable to combat damage.

The Zero entered service in 1940 and dominated air combat in the early Pacific War. The A6M2 variant was powered by the Sakae 12 engine, while the later A6M5 used the more powerful Sakae 21, with shorter, strengthened wings that improved dive speed. The fixed armament was two 20 mm cannon and two 7.7 mm machine guns. More than 10,000 aircraft were built in total.

Original specifications (Mitsubishi A6M Zero):

• Crew: 1
• Length: 9.1 m
• Wingspan: 11.0 m (A6M2); 11.0 m with rounded tips (A6M5)
• Height: 3.1 m
• Empty weight: approx. 1,680 kg
• Take-off weight: approx. 2,740 kg (A6M5)
• Powerplant: 1 x Nakajima Sakae 21 radial, approx. 1,130 hp (A6M5); A6M2: Sakae 12, approx. 940 hp
• Max speed: approx. 565 km/h (A6M5)
• Ceiling: 11,700 m
• Range: approx. 1,900 km (with drop tank)
• Armament: 2 x 20 mm Type 99 cannon, 2 x 7.7 mm machine guns; up to 120 kg of bombs
• Production: approx. 10,900 aircraft of all versions (1940-1945)

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.