Eduard EX1030 - 1:48 FM-1 TFace masks

Eduard EX1030 mask set – canopy painting masks for the FM-1 Wildcat model (Eduard) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX1030 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the FM-1 Wildcat model from Eduard. The masks are die-cut from yellow Kabuki masking paper, giving sharp edges without hand masking with tape. The base kit is not included. The TFace version includes masks for both the exterior and interior of the glazing.

What's in the box:

• Sheet of self-adhesive masks made of yellow Kabuki masking paper in the TFace version – separate masks for the exterior and interior of the glazing, plus wheel hub masks
• Mask placement instructions

Set specifications:

• Scale: 1:48
• Catalogue number: EX1030
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: FM-1 Wildcat from Eduard
• Accessory type: canopy painting masks (TFace version)
• Material: yellow Kabuki masking paper, machine-cut

Self-adhesive painting masks – crisp canopy frame edges

Eduard masks are self-adhesive stencils die-cut from low-tack yellow Kabuki masking paper suited to delicate model surfaces. They cover the clear areas of the glazing and leave only the canopy framing exposed, so that after airbrushing you get sharp, even frame edges – hard to achieve when masking by hand with tape.

The recommended method is to apply the masks to clean, degreased glazing, press the edges down firmly and then airbrush the paint. Once the paint has dried, the masks are removed. The masks are intended for single use and should not be left on the model for a long time.

About the aircraft – FM-1 Wildcat (General Motors):

The FM-1 Wildcat was a licence-built version of the Grumman F4F Wildcat fighter, produced by the Eastern Aircraft division of General Motors. It was a single-seat carrier-based monoplane of all-metal construction, with the type's characteristic hand-cranked landing gear and barrel-shaped fuselage. The FM-1 corresponded to the F4F-4 but had its armament reduced to four machine guns instead of six.

Shifting production to Eastern Aircraft let Grumman concentrate on the Hellcat, while the Wildcat remained in service aboard smaller escort carriers. The FM-1 served with the US Navy and the British Fleet Air Arm. It was developed into the FM-2 with a more powerful engine and a taller tail fin. These aircraft operated mainly in anti-submarine work and convoy protection.

Original specifications (FM-1 Wildcat (General Motors)):

• Length: 8.76 m
• Wingspan: 11.58 m
• Height: 2.81 m
• Take-off weight: approx. 3600 kg
• Crew: 1
• Powerplant: Pratt & Whitney R-1830-86 radial, approx. 1200 hp
• Max speed: approx. 515 km/h
• Ceiling: approx. 10,300 m
• Range: approx. 1200 km
• Armament: 4 x 12.7 mm machine guns, provision for bombs
• Production: FM-1 approx. 1150 built, from 1942

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.