Eduard EX971 - 1:48 FM-2 US national insignia masks

Eduard EX971 mask set – marking masks for the FM-2 Wildcat model (Eduard) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX971 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting national insignia, 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.

What's in the box:

• Sheet of self-adhesive masks made of yellow Kabuki masking paper for painting national insignia
• Mask placement instructions

Set specifications:

• Scale: 1:48
• Catalogue number: EX971
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: FM-2 Wildcat from Eduard
• Accessory type: marking masks
• Material: yellow Kabuki masking paper, machine-cut

Marking masks – an alternative to decals

This set contains masks for reproducing national insignia by painting them instead of applying decals. Painted markings sit directly on the paint layer, so there is no visible carrier film edge and no risk of decal silvering, which can be an issue when applying decals over matt surfaces.

The masks are die-cut from yellow Kabuki masking paper. The recommended method is to transfer the mask onto the model, press the edges down, apply a thin coat of paint with an airbrush and remove the mask once dry. The surface should be clean, dry and fully cured.

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.