Eduard CX097 - 1:72 Ki-49 Helen masks

Eduard CX097 mask set – canopy painting masks for the Ki-49 Helen model (Hasegawa) in 1:72 scale

Eduard CX097 is a set of self-adhesive 1:72 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the Ki-49 Helen 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: 1:72
• Catalogue number: CX097
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: Ki-49 Helen 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 – Nakajima Ki-49 Donryu (Helen):

The Nakajima Ki-49 Donryu (Allied reporting name Helen) was a Japanese twin-engine bomber of Imperial Army aviation, entering service in 1941 as a successor to the Ki-21. The all-metal mid-wing aircraft was powered by two radial engines; the Ki-49-II variant used more powerful Nakajima Ha-109 units. From the outset the design had armour, self-sealing tanks and strong defensive armament including a 20 mm cannon.

Despite its modern features the aircraft suffered from insufficient engine power and a modest bomb load, so it failed to fully replace its predecessor. It was used over China, New Guinea and the Philippines, and some airframes were converted for patrol duties or kamikaze attacks. About 820 examples of all versions were built.

Original specifications (Nakajima Ki-49 Donryu (Helen)):

• Length: 16.50 m
• Wingspan: 20.42 m
• Height: 4.25 m
• Takeoff weight: approx. 11,400 kg
• Crew: 8
• Powerplant: 2 × Nakajima Ha-109, 1,500 hp each (Ki-49-II)
• Max speed: approx. 490 km/h
• Ceiling: approx. 9,300 m
• Range: approx. 2,950 km
• Armament: 1 × 20 mm cannon, 5 × 7.7 mm machine guns; up to 1,000 kg of bombs
• Production: approx. 819 (1941–1944)

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.