Eduard CX588 - 1:72 Beaufort Mk.I masks

Eduard CX588 mask set – canopy painting masks for the Beaufort Mk.I model (Airfix) in 1:72 scale

Eduard CX588 is a set of self-adhesive 1:72 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the Beaufort Mk.I 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: CX588
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: Beaufort Mk.I 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 – Bristol Beaufort (torpedo bomber):

The Beaufort is a twin-engine torpedo bomber built by Bristol and used by British and Allied air forces from 1940. It was developed from the Blenheim bomber, gaining a lengthened fuselage that housed a four-man crew and a bay able to carry an aerial torpedo. Coastal Command units used it for anti-shipping strikes and minelaying off the coasts of Europe.

The Mk I version was powered by sleeve-valve Bristol Taurus radial engines. Because of supply problems with these, the Mk II received American Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp engines. Defensive armament consisted of machine guns in a dorsal turret and a wing position. Substantial production was also carried out in Australia for use over the Pacific.

Original specifications (Bristol Beaufort (torpedo bomber)):

• Length: 13.46 m
• Wingspan: 17.63 m
• Height: 4.34 m
• Empty weight: 5,945 kg
• Maximum weight: 9,629 kg
• Crew: 4
• Powerplant: 2 x Bristol Taurus radial, approx. 1,130 hp each (Mk I)
• Maximum speed: 460 km/h
• Ceiling: 5,030 m
• Range: approx. 2,570 km
• Armament: 7.7 mm machine guns (dorsal turret and wing); 1 x 18-inch torpedo (approx. 728 kg) or up to 900 kg of bombs
• Production: 1939-1944, approx. 1,180 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.