Eduard mask for Tamiya A6M5 Zero 1/48

The die-cut mask for accurate canopy frame painting of the A6M5 Zero in 1/48 scale set No EX 258 is one of the newest October editions of famous Eduard. This set solves one of the toughest jobs while finishing model kit painting the canopy with sharp and clear edges. OK you can mask the canopy with some kind of modeler’s tape but, it is very difficult to be that precise as computer cut mask.

Inside of a recognizable Eduard plastic bag is one mask sheet and instruction sheet.  Eduard’set EX 258 includes all the necessary mask’s to paint canopy and wheel hub’s. Masks are perfectly cut and material doesn’t leave any trace on canopy. Glue traces are often great trouble when using some other form of masking. Please note that you should use the toothpick to peel off the mask in order to prevent possible color leak under the protective mask. Modeler can chose weather he want to cement the canopy and then to apply mask and paint and finish the model or to apply mask and paint the canopy and then to cement a pre-painted canopy on the model. For mask removing you can use wooden toothpick which is very good because it doesn’t scratch plastic canopy, or something else but be extra careful not to damage canopy. Masks for wheel hubs are also great edition provided in Eduard EX 258 set because you can finally easily paint the wheel hub’s. The final result of using this set is clear and clean surface with sharp edges, which is of most importance for the canopy.

Eduard mask set EX 258 is great addition and assistance to any modeler no meter how experienced he is. This set provides easy and time saving solution for painting canopy and wheel hub’s on your A6M5 kit. Set like this really comes in handy for birdcage canopies like Zero. I can highly recommend this Eduard’s mask for all modelers.

Darko Mladenovic

Text and photos- Darko Mladenovic, Archive photo- National Archives, Digital art- Srecko Bradic

Sample provided by Jana Sulcova from Eduard