Eduard XT178 - 1:35 Pz.Kpfw.38(t) Ausf.E/F wheels masks

Eduard XT178 mask set – road wheel masks for the Pz.Kpfw.38(t) Ausf.E/F model (Trumpeter) in 1:35 scale

Eduard XT178 is a set of self-adhesive 1:35 masks for masking the rubber tyres of the road wheels during painting, tailored to the Pz.Kpfw.38(t) Ausf.E/F model from Trumpeter. The masks are die-cut from yellow Kabuki masking paper, giving sharp edges without hand masking with tape. The kit is not included.

What's in the box:

• Sheet of self-adhesive masks made of yellow Kabuki masking paper shaped to the model road wheels
• Mask placement instructions

Set specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Catalogue number: XT178
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: Pz.Kpfw.38(t) Ausf.E/F from Trumpeter
• Accessory type: road wheel masks
• Material: yellow Kabuki masking paper, machine-cut

Road wheel masks – even edges on the rubber tyres

This set contains self-adhesive masks shaped to the model road wheels, letting you paint the rubber tyres separately from the hubs. The masks are die-cut from yellow Kabuki masking paper, giving a sharp, even boundary between the metal hub and the rubber without freehand painting.

The masks are applied to the wheels, the tyre or hub colour is airbrushed, and the masks are removed once dry. The set greatly speeds up one of the more tedious steps in painting a vehicle.

About the vehicle – PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf.E/F (light tank of Czechoslovak design):

The PzKpfw 38(t) was the German designation of the Czechoslovak LT vz. 38 light tank, developed by the CKD/BMM works. After the occupation of the Czech lands in 1939 the German army took the vehicles over, regarding them as reliable and effective light tanks of the period for their reliability and good handling. The armament was a 37 mm Skoda gun supported by two machine guns, and the conventional layout with a rear drive sprocket and four large road wheels gave a smooth ride.

The Ausf.E and Ausf.F variants received reinforced frontal armour, brought up to 50 mm with additional plates, improving protection in the light of the French campaign. The tanks fought in the attack on France and in the opening phase of the war with the USSR, where their gun proved too weak against the T-34 and KV tanks. The sound chassis was then used to build the Marder and Hetzer tank destroyers and self-propelled guns.

Original specifications (PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf.E/F (light tank of Czechoslovak design)):

• Length: approx. 4.61 m
• Width: approx. 2.14 m
• Height: approx. 2.25 m
• Combat weight: approx. 9.85 t
• Crew: 4
• Armament: 37 mm KwK 38(t) L/48 gun, 2 x 7.92 mm machine guns
• Armour (max.): 50 mm (front with add-on plates)
• Engine: Praga EPA petrol, 125 hp
• Max speed: approx. 42 km/h
• Range: approx. 250 km
• Production: Ausf.E/F 1940-1941

About the manufacturer – Eduard:

Eduard is a Czech manufacturer of scale model kits and modelling accessories, established in 1989 and based in Obrnice. Besides plastic kits, the company offers an extensive range of upgrade accessories: photo-etched parts, resin components, decals and painting masks. Eduard masks are die-cut from yellow Kabuki masking paper and designed either for specific models or as universal marking sheets, making painting easier and shortening finishing work.