Eduard EX997 - 1:48 P-47D-25 masks

Eduard EX997 mask set – canopy painting masks for the P-47D-25 Thunderbolt model (MiniArt) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX997 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the P-47D-25 Thunderbolt model from MiniArt. 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: EX997
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: P-47D-25 Thunderbolt from MiniArt
• 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 – Republic P-47D Thunderbolt (D-20/25/30):

The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt was an American single-seat fighter, first flown in 1941, one of the largest and heaviest single-engine piston fighters of the war. It was powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-2800 radial engine with a turbo-supercharger housed in the rear fuselage, giving good high-altitude performance. Its rugged structure and heavy armament made it a durable combat platform.

The P-47D was the most numerously produced variant of the type. Early D blocks had a razorback canopy, while later D-25 and subsequent blocks received a bubble canopy improving rearward visibility; the D-20/25/30 blocks also differed in powerplant, fuel capacity and hardpoint details. The Thunderbolt served as a bomber escort and as a fighter-bomber for attacking ground targets. Over 15,000 examples of all versions were built.

Original specifications (Republic P-47D Thunderbolt (D-20/25/30)):

• Length: 11.0 m
• Wingspan: 12.42 m
• Height: 4.44 m
• Takeoff weight: approx. 7,900 kg
• Crew: 1
• Powerplant: 1 Pratt & Whitney R-2800 radial engine, approx. 2,000 hp
• Max speed: approx. 690 km/h
• Ceiling: approx. 12,800 m
• Range: approx. 1,400 km (more with drop tanks)
• Armament: 8 x 12.7 mm machine guns, up to approx. 1,100 kg of bombs or rockets
• Production: 1942-1945, over 15,000 built (all versions)

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.