Eduard JX164 - 1:32 N1K2-J Shiden Kai masks

Eduard JX164 mask set – canopy painting masks for the N1K2-J Shiden Kai model (Hasegawa) in 1:32 scale

Eduard JX164 is a set of self-adhesive 1:32 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the N1K2-J Shiden Kai model from Hasegawa. 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: 1:32
• Catalogue number: JX164
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: N1K2-J Shiden Kai from Hasegawa
• 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 – Kawanishi N1K2-J Shiden Kai (George):

The Kawanishi N1K2-J Shiden Kai (Allied code name George) was a Japanese single-seat land-based fighter of the Imperial Navy, developed from the N1K floatplane fighter. The N1K2-J variant was a thoroughly redesigned low-wing aircraft with a low-mounted wing and simplified, shorter landing gear compared with the earlier mid-wing version. It was powered by a Nakajima Homare radial engine and carried heavy cannon armament.

The Shiden Kai entered service late in the war and was valued for its good maneuverability and effectiveness against Allied aircraft. It was fitted with automatic combat flaps that aided maneuvering. Like other late Japanese designs, it suffered from engine quality problems and limited production. A relatively small number of this variant was built.

Original specifications (Kawanishi N1K2-J Shiden Kai (George)):

• Length: 9.35 m
• Wingspan: 11.99 m
• Height: 3.96 m
• Takeoff weight: approx. 4,000 kg
• Crew: 1
• Powerplant: 1 Nakajima Homare 21 radial engine, approx. 1,990 hp
• Max speed: approx. 595 km/h
• Ceiling: approx. 10,700 m
• Range: approx. 1,700 km
• Armament: 4 x 20 mm cannon, provision for bombs
• Production: 1944-1945, several hundred (N1K2 variant)

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.