Eduard EX540 - 1:48 F-14A masks

Eduard EX540 mask set – canopy painting masks for the F-14A Tomcat model (Tamiya) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX540 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the F-14A Tomcat 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: EX540
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: F-14A Tomcat 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 – Grumman F-14A Tomcat:

The Grumman F-14 Tomcat was an American twin-engine, two-seat carrier-based air-superiority fighter with variable-geometry wings. The wings, swept in flight, allowed it to combine good behaviour at low speeds and during carrier landings with performance at supersonic speeds. It was designed to defend naval task forces against enemy aircraft and missiles.

The Tomcat entered service with the United States Navy in the mid-1970s and for decades was the standard carrier fighter, known for carrying the long-range AIM-54 Phoenix missiles. The F-14A version was the original production variant with TF30 engines. It later also took on a strike role. About 700 examples were built.

Original specifications (Grumman F-14A Tomcat):

• Length: 19.1 m
• Wingspan: 19.5 m (11.6 m with wings swept)
• Height: 4.9 m
• Empty weight: 18,190 kg
• Take-off weight: 33,720 kg
• Crew: 2
• Powerplant: 2x Pratt & Whitney TF30 turbofan, approx. 93 kN each
• Max speed: 2485 km/h
• Ceiling: 16,200 m
• Range: approx. 2960 km
• Armament: 1x 20 mm cannon, AIM-54, AIM-7, AIM-9 missiles; production from 1969, approx. 700 units

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.