Eduard CX129 - 1:72 MH-53 masks

Eduard CX129 mask set – canopy painting masks for the MH-53 model (Italeri) in 1:72 scale

Eduard CX129 is a set of self-adhesive 1:72 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the MH-53 model from Italeri. 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: CX129
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: MH-53 from Italeri
• 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 – Sikorsky MH-53 Pave Low (heavy special operations helicopter):

The MH-53 stems from the Sikorsky H-53 family of heavy helicopters developed in the 1960s. The Pave Low variant was created for the United States Air Force as a special operations aircraft intended to insert and recover special forces in all weather, including at night and at low level. It was fitted with terrain-following radar, night-vision systems and armour, making it one of the more heavily equipped helicopters of its era.

The helicopter was powered by two turboshaft engines driving a six-blade main rotor. Defensive armament consisted of multi-barrel machine guns. The Pave Low was used in numerous operations from the 1980s until its retirement in 2008. The related naval MH-53E Sea Dragon, distinguished by three engines and larger fuel tanks, served in airborne mine countermeasures and heavy cargo transport.

Original specifications (Sikorsky MH-53 Pave Low (heavy special operations helicopter)):

• Main rotor diameter: approx. 21.9 m (6 blades)
• Payload: up to 38 troops; external load of several tonnes
• Overall length: approx. 28 m (rotor turning)
• Height: approx. 7.6 m
• Max take-off weight: approx. 20,900 kg (up to 22,700 kg in emergency)
• Crew: 6
• Powerplant: 2 x General Electric T64 turboshafts (approx. 4,330 hp each)
• Max speed: approx. 280 km/h
• Range: approx. 1,000 km (greater with aerial refuelling)
• Armament: 3 x 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm multi-barrel machine guns
• Service: Pave Low from the 1980s to 2008

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.