If there is one thing I hate about modeling aircraft it is masking canopies. To me it is just a chore. I can mask an entire model multiple times but something as mundane as a canopy is a pain and time-consuming. That is why I really enjoy Eduard’s canopy masks.

Printed on Kabuki tape, similar to Tamiya tape, these masks are precisely cut for the Eduard Bf-109G-2 kit. They should fit the G-5/6 as well. The thing about these masks that is different from other masks is that the aft canopy has the internal framework. Eduard gives you both the interior and exterior framework for the aft canopy. The other canopy parts are just the outside. The single page of instructions shows you which masks goes where.

Everything fit perfectly which is what you would expect from a manufacturer who produces both the kit and the masks. Apply the masks, then paint the interior color, in this case, Tamiya German Grey, and then the exterior camouflage color. Simple easy and efficient.

Recently I was given the opportunity by IPMS USA to review Eduard’s canopy masks for the new 1/32 Revell Me262B-1 kit. One of the first things to notice with this product is the excellent presentation of the packaging with the easy to open flap. Package includes a single sheet of kabuki paper masks for the canopy panels and also the wheel hubs.

Upon removal of the masks from the package I was able to easily remove the masks from the paper and apply to appropriate section of the canopy. The instructions included with the masks gives you a good feel for which panel you are working with compared to how canopy is actually sectioned off. The masks lay down well and no trimming had to be done to center up the masks with the canopy framing.

All the way from the Emil to the early versions of the Gustav, Bf-109 wheel hubs had support spokes in the hub. These are very deep and are very difficult to replicate in plastic form. Eduard has done a superb job of capturing this feature in their Brassin line.

Contained in a plastic blister pack are two main wheels of the proper size, 660 x 160, the tail wheel strut, and two spoke assemblies which are protected by foam backing. Also included in the kit are a set of masks to use on all the tires. The instructions are easy enough to use and show the proper orientation of the finished tire.