Eduard EX985 - 1:48 Bf 109K national insignia masks

Eduard EX985 mask set – marking masks for the Bf 109K model (Eduard) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX985 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting national insignia, tailored to the Bf 109K 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: EX985
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: Bf 109K 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 – Messerschmitt Bf 109K-4:

The Messerschmitt Bf 109K, known as the Kurfurst, is the last series-produced version of the German fighter, introduced in late 1944. It was an attempt to standardise and rationalise the many Gustav sub-versions. The K-4 was powered by the Daimler-Benz DB 605D engine with the ability to briefly boost power through mixture injection, improving performance at low and medium altitudes.

The Bf 109K-4 was used in the final period of the war for the air defence of Germany, under conditions of fuel and experienced-pilot shortages. Its standard armament was a 30 mm MK 108 cannon firing through the propeller hub and two 13 mm machine guns above the engine. Despite good performance, aircraft produced at this stage of the war could no longer reverse the strategic situation.

Original specifications (Messerschmitt Bf 109K-4):

• Crew: 1
• Length: 8.9 m
• Wingspan: 9.9 m
• Height: 2.6 m
• Empty weight: approx. 2,700 kg
• Take-off weight: approx. 3,400 kg
• Powerplant: 1 x Daimler-Benz DB 605D inline engine, up to approx. 1,800 hp (boosted)
• Max speed: approx. 710 km/h (at optimal altitude)
• Ceiling: 12,500 m
• Range: approx. 580 km
• Armament: 1 x 30 mm MK 108 cannon through the propeller hub, 2 x 13 mm machine guns above the engine
• Production: approx. 1,700 aircraft of the K series (mainly K-4, 1944-1945)

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.