Eduard EX1031 - 1:48 FM-1 US national insignia masks

Eduard EX1031 mask set – marking masks for the FM-1 Wildcat model (Eduard) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX1031 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting national insignia, 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.

What's in the box:

• Sheet of self-adhesive masks made of yellow Kabuki masking paper for painting national insignia
• Mask placement instructions

Set specifications:

• Scale: 1:48
• Catalogue number: EX1031
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: FM-1 Wildcat from Eduard
• Accessory type: marking masks
• Material: yellow Kabuki masking paper, machine-cut

Marking masks – an alternative to decals

This set contains masks for reproducing national insignia by painting them instead of applying decals. Painted markings sit directly on the paint layer, so there is no visible carrier film edge and no risk of decal silvering, which can be an issue when applying decals over matt surfaces.

The masks are die-cut from yellow Kabuki masking paper. The recommended method is to transfer the mask onto the model, press the edges down, apply a thin coat of paint with an airbrush and remove the mask once dry. The surface should be clean, dry and fully cured.

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.