Eduard CX229 - 1:72 Mi-26 Halo masks

Eduard CX229 mask set – canopy painting masks for the Mi-26 Halo model (Zvezda) in 1:72 scale

Eduard CX229 is a set of self-adhesive 1:72 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the Mi-26 Halo model from Zvezda. 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: CX229
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: Mi-26 Halo from Zvezda
• 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 – Mil Mi-26 (Halo) (heaviest production transport helicopter):

The Mi-26 is a Soviet and later Russian heavy transport helicopter, first flown in 1977. It was created to carry oversized and heavy loads beyond the capacity of earlier designs. It is powered by two turboshaft engines driving a large-diameter eight-blade main rotor. Its spacious cargo hold accommodates vehicles, containers and supplies, and the helicopter can also carry loads on an external sling.

The helicopter remains the heaviest production helicopter in the world, with the greatest payload, able to lift a load of around twenty tonnes. It has been used in both military and civil roles, including equipment transport, rescue operations and disaster relief. It has served in many countries, and production and modernisation of variants continued over subsequent decades, keeping the type in active service.

Original specifications (Mil Mi-26 (Halo) (heaviest production transport helicopter)):

• Main rotor diameter: 32.0 m (8 blades)
• Payload: up to 20,000 kg (in the hold or on external sling)
• Fuselage length: 33.7 m (approx. 40 m with rotor)
• Height: 8.1 m
• Max take-off weight: approx. 56,000 kg
• Crew: 5
• Powerplant: 2 x Lotarev D-136 turboshafts (approx. 11,400 hp each)
• Max speed: approx. 295 km/h
• Range: approx. 800 km (greater with auxiliary tanks)
• Production: from 1980

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.