Eduard CX574 - 1:72 U-2/Po-2VS masks

Eduard CX574 mask set – canopy painting masks for the Polikarpov Po-2 (U-2VS) model (ICM) in 1:72 scale

Eduard CX574 is a set of self-adhesive 1:72 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the Polikarpov Po-2 (U-2VS) model from ICM. 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: CX574
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: Polikarpov Po-2 (U-2VS) from ICM
• 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 – Polikarpov Po-2 (U-2) — Soviet multi-purpose biplane (Kukuruznik):

The Polikarpov Po-2, designated U-2 until 1944, was a Soviet biplane developed in the late 1920s as a trainer. Its simple, rugged fabric-covered airframe made it one of the most-produced aircraft in aviation history. It was widely nicknamed Kukuruznik because of its agricultural use.

During the Second World War it served as a liaison, ambulance, reconnaissance and light night-bomber aircraft, harassing German forces. Its low speed made it difficult to intercept. Production continued into the 1950s, and more than 30,000 were built and used across many Eastern Bloc countries.

Original specifications (Polikarpov Po-2 (U-2) — Soviet multi-purpose biplane (Kukuruznik)):

• Length: 8.2 m
• Wingspan: 11.4 m
• Height: 3.1 m
• Takeoff weight: 1,350 kg
• Crew: 2
• Powerplant: Shvetsov M-11 radial, 125 hp
• Design: biplane, fabric-covered fuselage, radial engine
• Max speed: 152 km/h
• Ceiling: 3,000 m
• Range: 630 km
• Armament/load: 1 machine gun, up to 350 kg of bombs
• Production: over 30,000 built, 1928-1959

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.