Eduard EX988 - 1:48 F-14B windshield TFace masks

Eduard EX988 mask set – canopy painting masks for the F-14B Tomcat model (Great Wall Hobby) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX988 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-14B Tomcat model from Great Wall Hobby. 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: EX988
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: F-14B Tomcat from Great Wall Hobby
• 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 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.