Eduard CX554 - 1:72 Tu-22 masks

Eduard CX554 mask set – canopy painting masks for the Tu-22 Blinder model (Trumpeter) in 1:72 scale

Eduard CX554 is a set of self-adhesive 1:72 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the Tu-22 Blinder model from Trumpeter. 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: CX554
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: Tu-22 Blinder from Trumpeter
• 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 – Tupolev Tu-22 (Blinder):

The Tupolev Tu-22, NATO reporting name Blinder, was a Soviet supersonic medium-range bomber introduced into service in the early 1960s. It was powered by two jet engines mounted unusually at the base of the vertical fin, above the rear fuselage. The wing was swept at a large angle. The aircraft had a reputation for being difficult to fly, especially during take-off and landing.

The Tu-22 was produced in many variants: bomber, reconnaissance, electronic warfare and missile-carrier. The Tu-22K version carried the supersonic Kh-22 missile, intended mainly for use against naval task groups. Aircraft of this type were exported to Iraq and Libya, where they saw combat. The crew numbered three. The type is not directly related in design to the later variable-geometry Tu-22M.

Original specifications (Tupolev Tu-22 (Blinder)):

• Length: 41.6 m
• Wingspan: 23.17 m
• Height: 10.13 m
• Max takeoff weight: approx. 92,000 kg
• Crew: 3
• Powerplant: 2 x Dobrynin RD-7M2 turbojet, approx. 161 kN each with afterburner
• Max speed: approx. 1,510 km/h (Mach 1.4)
• Ceiling: approx. 13,300 m
• Range: approx. 4,900 km
• Armament: up to 9,000 kg of bombs or Kh-22 missile (Tu-22K), 23 mm tail cannon
• Production: approx. 311 built (1960-1969)

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.