Eduard CX383 - 1:72 English Electric Lightning F.2A masks

Eduard CX383 mask set – canopy painting masks for the English Electric Lightning F.2A model (Airfix) in 1:72 scale

Eduard CX383 is a set of self-adhesive 1:72 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the English Electric Lightning F.2A model from Airfix. 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: CX383
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: English Electric Lightning F.2A from Airfix
• 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 – English Electric Lightning:

The English Electric Lightning is a British single-seat interceptor developed in the 1950s from the experimental P.1 research aircraft. It is notable for its two turbojet engines mounted one above the other and its sharply swept wing. Entering RAF service in 1960, it was the first British aircraft able to fly at more than twice the speed of sound.

The Lightning served in the air-defence role, intercepting aircraft over the British Isles and later in West Germany, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. It offered a high rate of climb but had a limited range. Successive variants from the F.1 to the F.6 differed in engines, equipment and fuel capacity. The type was retired from RAF service in 1988.

Original specifications (English Electric Lightning):

• Length: 16.84 m
• Wingspan: 10.62 m
• Height: 5.97 m
• Maximum weight: approx. 20,752 kg
• Crew: 1
• Powerplant: 2 × Rolls-Royce Avon 301R turbojets, approx. 72.8 kN each with afterburner
• Maximum speed: approx. 2,100 km/h (Mach 2.0)
• Service ceiling: approx. 18,000 m
• Range: approx. 1,370 km
• Armament: 2 × 30 mm ADEN cannon, 2 × Firestreak or Red Top missiles
• Production: 1959–1967, approx. 337 built

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.