Eduard CX343 - 1:72 Sunderland masks

Eduard CX343 mask set – canopy painting masks for the Sunderland model (Italeri) in 1:72 scale

Eduard CX343 is a set of self-adhesive 1:72 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the Sunderland 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: CX343
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: Sunderland 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 – Short Sunderland:

The Short Sunderland was a British four-engine flying boat used mainly for maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare. It was developed from the civil Short Empire boat and entered Coastal Command service just before the Second World War. Its heavy defensive armament of numerous machine guns led German aircrews to nickname it the porcupine (Fliegendes Stachelschwein).

The Sunderland escorted Atlantic convoys, flew long patrols and took part in air-sea rescue. Successive versions differed in powerplant: the Mk III used Bristol Pegasus engines, while the Mk V adopted American Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp engines for improved performance. It served long after the war, including during the Berlin Airlift and the Korean War, until the late 1950s.

Original specifications (Short Sunderland):

• Wingspan: 34.38 m
• Length: 26.00 m
• Height: 10.01 m
• Max takeoff weight: approx. 27,200 kg
• Crew: 11
• Powerplant: 4 x Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp radial (Mk V), 1,200 hp each
• Max speed: 336 km/h
• Ceiling: 4,880 m
• Range: approx. 4,700 km
• Armament: up to 16 x 7.7 mm machine guns, bombs/depth charges up to 907 kg
• Production: 749 built (1938-1946)

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.