Eduard EX654 - 1:48 Spitfire FR Mk.XIV Tface masks

Eduard EX654 mask set – canopy painting masks for the Spitfire FR Mk.XIV model (Airfix) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX654 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the Spitfire FR Mk.XIV model from Airfix. 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: EX654
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: Spitfire FR Mk.XIV from Airfix
• 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 – United Kingdom:

The Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XIV was a developed version of the British low-wing fighter, powered by the more powerful Rolls-Royce Griffon inline engine in place of the earlier Merlin. The greater power and five-blade propeller required strengthening of the airframe and a larger fin area. The distinctive elliptical wing was retained, though some machines later received clipped tips.

The Mk.XIV entered service in 1944 and stood out for its high rate of climb and performance at medium altitudes. It was used to intercept fast targets, including V-1 flying bombs, and for photo-reconnaissance in the FR variant. Variants differed mainly in canopy shape, bubble or earlier razorback, and equipment. Production covered about a thousand examples of this version.

Original specifications (United Kingdom):

• Length: 9.96 m
• Wingspan: 11.2 m
• Height: 3.9 m
• Max. takeoff weight: approx. 3900 kg
• Crew: 1
• Powerplant: Rolls-Royce Griffon 65 inline engine, approx. 2050 hp
• Max. speed: approx. 720 km/h
• Ceiling: approx. 13,100 m
• Range: approx. 740 km on internal fuel
• Armament: 2 x 20 mm cannons and 4 x 7.7 mm machine guns, or 2 x 20 mm cannons and 2 x 12.7 mm machine guns
• Production: 1943-1945, approx. 950-960 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.