Eduard JX349 - 1:32 Spitfire Mk.Vb early US national insignia masks

Eduard JX349 mask set – marking masks for the Spitfire Mk.Vb early model (Kotare) in 1:32 scale

Eduard JX349 is a set of self-adhesive 1:32 masks for painting national insignia, tailored to the Spitfire Mk.Vb early model from Kotare. 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 markings
• Mask placement instructions

Set specifications:

• Scale: 1:32
• Catalogue number: JX349
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: Spitfire Mk.Vb early from Kotare
• 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 – United Kingdom:

The Supermarine Spitfire was a British single-seat fighter with a distinctive elliptical wing, designed by Reginald Mitchell. An all-metal low-wing aircraft with retractable landing gear, it was powered by the inline Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. The early Mk.I and Mk.V versions combined good maneuverability with high-altitude performance, becoming one of the symbols of British aviation.

The Mk.I played a decisive role in the Battle of Britain in 1940, while the developed Mk.V became the most numerous variant of the early war period. Differences between them included the more powerful engine and heavier armament of the Mk.V, available in machine-gun and cannon-armed variants. Both versions served across many theaters.

Original specifications (United Kingdom):

• Length: 9.1 m
• Wingspan: 11.2 m
• Height: 3.0 m
• Max. takeoff weight: approx. 3000 kg (Mk.V)
• Crew: 1
• Powerplant: Rolls-Royce Merlin 45 inline, approx. 1470 hp (Mk.V)
• Max. speed: approx. 600 km/h (Mk.V)
• Ceiling: approx. 11,300 m
• Range: approx. 750 km
• Armament: 8 x 7.7 mm machine guns (Mk.I) or 2 x 20 mm cannon and 4 x 7.7 mm (Mk.Vb)
• Production: Mk.I and Mk.V together over 7000 built

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.