Eduard EX969 - 1:48 A6M2-N Rufe national insignia masks

Eduard EX969 mask set – marking masks for the A6M2-N Rufe model (Eduard) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX969 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting national insignia, tailored to the A6M2-N Rufe 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: EX969
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: A6M2-N Rufe 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 – Nakajima A6M2-N Rufe:

The Nakajima A6M2-N, Allied code name Rufe, is a Japanese floatplane fighter of the Second World War, a float-equipped adaptation of the Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero fighter. Instead of conventional landing gear it had a large central float under the fuselage and two smaller stabilising floats under the wings. Power came from a radial engine.

The Rufe was developed to provide fighter cover for areas lacking airfields, especially Pacific islands and seaplane bases. The floats reduced performance compared with the land-based Zero, but the aircraft kept its agility. It was used in defence and escort roles, including in the Aleutians and the Solomon Islands area.

Original specifications (Nakajima A6M2-N Rufe):

• Length: 10.1 m
• Wingspan: 12.0 m
• Height: 4.3 m
• Empty weight: approx. 1910 kg
• Take-off weight: approx. 2460 kg
• Crew: 1
• Powerplant: 1 Nakajima Sakae 12 radial, approx. 940 hp
• Max speed: approx. 435 km/h
• Ceiling: approx. 10,000 m
• Range: approx. 1780 km
• Armament: 2x 20 mm cannons, 2x 7.7 mm machine guns

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.