Eduard EX965 - 1:48 FM-2 TFace masks

Eduard EX965 mask set – canopy painting masks for the FM-2 Wildcat model (Eduard) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX965 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the FM-2 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. 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: EX965
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: FM-2 Wildcat from Eduard
• 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 – Grumman F4F Wildcat:

The Grumman F4F Wildcat is an American single-engine carrier-based fighter of the Second World War, characterised by a stocky, sturdy structure and manually retracted landing gear drawn into the fuselage. It was a mid-wing aircraft with a radial engine and an enclosed cockpit. It featured great resistance to damage, although it was outperformed by more agile opponents.

The Wildcat was the standard carrier fighter of the Navy and Marine Corps of the United States in the early period of the Pacific war, including the Battle of Midway and the fighting for Guadalcanal. It was also used by the British Navy under the name Martlet. Later examples were built by General Motors. More than 7000 examples were built.

Original specifications (Grumman F4F Wildcat):

• Length: 8.8 m
• Wingspan: 11.6 m
• Height: 2.8 m
• Empty weight: 2610 kg
• Take-off weight: 3600 kg
• Crew: 1
• Powerplant: Pratt & Whitney R-1830 radial, approx. 1200 hp
• Max speed: 515 km/h
• Ceiling: 12,000 m
• Range: approx. 1360 km
• Armament: 4-6x 12.7 mm machine guns; production from 1940, over 7000 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.