Eduard CX303 - 1:72 T-33 masks

Eduard CX303 mask set – canopy painting masks for the T-33 Shooting Star model (Platz) in 1:72 scale

Eduard CX303 is a set of self-adhesive 1:72 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the T-33 Shooting Star model from Platz. 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: CX303
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: T-33 Shooting Star from Platz
• 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 – Lockheed P-80/RF-80 Shooting Star and T-33 (family):

The P-80 was the first operational jet fighter of the US air arm, designed by Clarence Johnson's team at Lockheed Skunk Works; the XP-80 prototype first flew in January 1944. Too late for real combat in World War II, it played a key role in the Korean War, where on 8 November 1950 it took part in one of the first jet-versus-jet engagements. Against the superior MiG-15 it quickly shifted to ground-attack duties.

The T-33 was created as a two-seat trainer version of the P-80 with a fuselage lengthened by about a metre to house a second cockpit. It became a widely used jet trainer around the world, used by dozens of countries for decades. About 1,715 P-80/F-80s were built and about 5,691 T-33s (with licensed production in Japan and Canada the family exceeds 6,500). The RF-80 was a photo-reconnaissance version with cameras in place of guns.

Original specifications (Lockheed P-80/RF-80 Shooting Star and T-33 (family)):

• Length: approx. 10.49 m (P-80C) / approx. 11.51 m (T-33A)
• Wingspan: approx. 11.81 m (P-80) / approx. 11.85 m (T-33)
• Height: approx. 3.43 m (P-80) / approx. 3.55 m (T-33)
• Empty weight: approx. 3,819 kg (P-80C) / approx. 3,794 kg (T-33A)
• Max takeoff weight: approx. 7,646 kg (P-80C) / approx. 6,832 kg (T-33A)
• Crew: 1 (P-80/RF-80) / 2 (T-33)
• Powerplant: 1 x Allison J33-A-35 turbojet, approx. 24 kN thrust
• Max speed: approx. 965 km/h
• Ceiling: approx. 14,265 m (P-80C) / approx. 14,630 m (T-33A)
• Range: approx. 1,930 km (P-80C) / approx. 2,050 km (T-33A)
• Armament: 6 x 12.7 mm machine guns (P-80); RF-80 cameras instead of guns; T-33 usually none
• Production: approx. 1945-1959 (P-80 approx. 1,715, T-33 approx. 5,691)

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.