Eduard EX981 - 1:48 Vampire FB.5/9 masks

Eduard EX981 mask set – canopy painting masks for the Vampire FB.5/9 model (Airfix) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX981 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the Vampire FB.5/9 model from Airfix. 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, die-cut for the canopy and other glazing and for the wheel hubs
• Mask placement instructions

Set specifications:

• Scale: 1:48
• Catalogue number: EX981
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: Vampire FB.5/9 from Airfix
• Accessory type: canopy painting masks
• 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 – de Havilland Vampire:

The de Havilland Vampire is a first-generation British jet fighter, first flown in 1943 and entering service shortly after the Second World War. It stood out with its twin-boom layout and a short fuselage pod housing the cockpit and a single jet engine. Part of the forward section structure was made of wood.

The Vampire served as a fighter, fighter-bomber and trainer in many countries. Single- and two-seat versions were produced, including trainer and night-fighter variants. Thanks to its simple design and low operating costs it was widely exported, and its two-seat trainer variants remained in use long after the combat versions were retired.

Original specifications (de Havilland Vampire):

• Length: approx. 9.4 m
• Wingspan: approx. 11.6 m
• Height: approx. 2.7 m
• Empty weight: approx. 3300 kg
• Max take-off weight: approx. 5600 kg
• Crew: 1 (trainer versions 2)
• Powerplant: 1 de Havilland Goblin turbojet, approx. 14-15 kN
• Max speed: approx. 880 km/h
• Ceiling: approx. 12,000 m
• Range: approx. 1900 km
• Armament: 4x 20 mm cannons, external stores (bombs, rockets)

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.