Eduard EX548 - 1:48 Ki-61-Id masks

Eduard EX548 mask set – canopy painting masks for the Ki-61-Id model (Tamiya) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX548 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the Ki-61-Id 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: EX548
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: Ki-61-Id 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 – Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien (Tony, fighter):

The Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien is a Japanese single-seat fighter of the Second World War, notable for its liquid-cooled inline engine, licence-developed from the German Daimler-Benz DB 601. Its slim shape initially led the Allies to mistake it for an Italian or German aircraft, hence the reporting code Tony.

The Ki-61 was used in the defence of Japan and over the Pacific, valued for its high-altitude performance and cockpit armour. Engine production problems led to the radial-engined Ki-100 variant. Successive versions differed in armament and engine variant.

Original specifications (Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien (Tony, fighter)):

• Length: 8.94 m
• Wingspan: 12.0 m
• Height: 3.70 m
• Empty weight: approx. 2630 kg
• Max take-off weight: approx. 3470 kg
• Crew: 1
• Powerplant: 1 x Kawasaki Ha-40 inline, approx. 1175 hp
• Max speed: approx. 590 km/h
• Ceiling: approx. 11,600 m
• Range: approx. 1100 km
• Armament: 2 x 20 mm cannon, 2 x 12.7 mm machine guns
• Production: 1942-1945, approx. 3080 built

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.