Eduard CX653 - 1:72 AC-130J masks

Eduard CX653 mask set – canopy painting masks for the AC-130J Ghostrider model (Zvezda) in 1:72 scale

Eduard CX653 is a set of self-adhesive 1:72 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the AC-130J Ghostrider model from Zvezda. 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: CX653
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: AC-130J Ghostrider from Zvezda
• 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 – Lockheed Martin AC-130J Ghostrider:

The AC-130J Ghostrider is a heavily armed gunship built on the C-130J Super Hercules transport. Instead of cargo it carries a side-firing weapons suite: an automatic cannon and a large-calibre gun, supplemented by precision-guided munitions and standoff weapons. The aircraft orbits over the battlefield, engaging ground targets from a sustained bank.

It is fitted with an extensive suite of electro-optical and radar sensors that allow it to operate day and night and in poor weather. The Ghostrider replaced earlier AC-130 versions in US special operations aviation, providing long-endurance, precise fire support for troops on the ground.

Original specifications (Lockheed Martin AC-130J Ghostrider):

• Crew: approx. 7–9
• Length: approx. 29.8 m
• Wingspan: approx. 40.4 m
• Powerplant: 4 × Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 turboprops
• Armament: 30 mm automatic cannon, 105 mm gun, precision-guided munitions
• Maximum speed: approx. 660 km/h
• Range: approx. 3,300 km
• In service: since 2017

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.