m4 sherman,eduard PE parts. eduard instr include; “grind”,"remove"and “apply express mask”
what tools do i need to perform the 1st two and what is the express mask?
That means the parts are designed to replace the part that is molded on the kit, like a tool clasp or a square fitting that might be hollow in profile. You’re suposed to gring away the molded-on tool clasp, or remove the little molded on box and replace it with the PE part.
The express mask? Dunno. I’m sure someone else has the answer?
An express mask is a pre-cut mask made from the yellow tamiya tape. Very handy and popular for an aircraft canopy. Didn’t know they made them for armor too.
eduard makes express masks for rims. I’ve seen some for tigers and kingtigers.
their grind = sand/file
Often when they say grind you can trim the part to be replaced with a sharp knife then sand the contact surface smooth for the PE part. Express masks are precut masks usually for the road wheels. I’ve never used them, but the principle is easy enough. Paint the wheels your base color, apply the mask and paint the rubber tire.
WARNING WITH EDUARD PE SETS:
Before grinding or removing any plastic on the kit, take a look at the PE piece carefully. Sometimes the original plastic is better than the Eduard (or any brand) PE part. Other times the construction of the PE piece may be so complicated or fragile that it’s just not worth the hassle. Just because they include a PE piece, doesn’t mean you have to use it.
Been there, done that!!! Some of Eduard’s PE sets don’t include the express mask that is mentioned in the instructions. Some of the express masks that are in the the PE sets includes masks for road wheels, periscopes and ID markings.
Another warning is to be careful not to confuse “grind” versus “remove”. The instructions show these steps in two different shades of red. I have “removed” when I should of “ground” a few times. Double check before proceding.
Finally, Eduards sometimes included PE that are inappropiate. For example, in their Abrams PE sets, they always include the retaining ring for the idler wheel. Most Abrams don’t use the retaining ring. I’m working on an Italeri’s M1a2 and the Eduard detail set instructions say to add the retaining ring. Wrong, wrong, wrong…
Jesse
So true. I’m in the process of using an Eduard PE kit for an A/C build. The instructions kept taking about this “mask”. It took me about an hour, and two trips to the garbage can to look for the “mask” in the PE packaging, to realize that they were not included with the kit.
exactly!
this is why I don’t like eduard PE in general.