Eduard EX164 - 1:48 N1K Kyofu/Rex masks

Eduard EX164 mask set – canopy painting masks for the N1K1 Kyofu (Rex) model (Tamiya) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX164 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the N1K1 Kyofu (Rex) model from Tamiya. 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, die-cut for the canopy and other glazing and for the wheel hubs
• Mask placement instructions

Set specifications:

• Scale: 1:48
• Catalogue number: EX164
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: N1K1 Kyofu (Rex) from Tamiya
• Accessory type: canopy painting masks
• 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 – Kawanishi N1K1 Kyofu (Rex) floatplane:

The Kawanishi N1K1 Kyofu (Allied code name Rex) was a Japanese single-seat fighter floatplane of the Imperial Navy in the Second World War. It was a low-wing aircraft of all-metal construction, fitted with a large main float under the fuselage and two auxiliary floats under the wings. Power came from a Mitsubishi radial engine, driving contra-rotating propellers in the early trials phase.

The Kyofu was developed to support landing operations in areas lacking land airfields. In practice its use was limited, as the initiative shifted towards land bases. The design became the basis for the land-based N1K1-J Shiden fighter. A small number of the floatplane were built.

Original specifications (Kawanishi N1K1 Kyofu (Rex) floatplane):

• Length: 10.59 m
• Wingspan: 12.00 m
• Height: 4.75 m
• Take-off weight: approx. 3500 kg
• Crew: 1
• Powerplant: Mitsubishi Kasei 13 radial, approx. 1460 hp
• Max speed: approx. 490 km/h
• Ceiling: approx. 10,000 m
• Range: approx. 1700 km
• Armament: 2 x 20 mm cannon and 2 x 7.7 mm machine guns
• Production: approx. 100 built, 1942-1944

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.