Eduard CX508 - 1:72 Shackleton AEW.2 masks

Eduard CX508 mask set – canopy painting masks for the Shackleton AEW.2 model (Airfix) in 1:72 scale

Eduard CX508 is a set of self-adhesive 1:72 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the Shackleton AEW.2 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: CX508
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: Shackleton AEW.2 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 – Avro Shackleton:

The Avro Shackleton was a British maritime patrol aircraft derived structurally from the Lancaster and Lincoln bomber line. It was powered by four Rolls-Royce Griffon engines with contra-rotating propellers, providing the long endurance needed for ocean patrols. Its primary tasks were anti-submarine warfare, maritime reconnaissance and search and rescue.

Successive MR.1, MR.2 and MR.3 versions changed the equipment, armament and undercarriage. Late in service some aircraft were rebuilt as the AEW.2 airborne early warning version, flying in that role with the RAF until the early 1990s as a stopgap. The Shackleton was the last operational piston-engine combat aircraft in British service.

Original specifications (Avro Shackleton):

• Length: 26.62 m
• Wingspan: 36.58 m
• Height: 7.11 m
• Max takeoff weight: approx. 44,450 kg
• Crew: 10
• Powerplant: 4 x Rolls-Royce Griffon 57 inline (contra-rotating props), 1,960 hp each
• Max speed: 480 km/h
• Ceiling: 6,400 m
• Range: approx. 6,780 km
• Armament: 2 x 20 mm cannon, bombs, depth charges and sonobuoys up to approx. 4,500 kg
• Production: 185 built (1951-1958)

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.