Eduard EX053 - 1:48 SB2C masks

Eduard EX053 mask set – canopy painting masks for the SB2C Helldiver model (Revell/ProModeler) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX053 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the SB2C Helldiver model from Revell/ProModeler. 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: 1:48
• Catalogue number: EX053
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: SB2C Helldiver from Revell/ProModeler
• 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 – USA:

The Curtiss SB2C Helldiver was a carrier-based dive bomber of the US Navy, designed as a successor to the Douglas SBD Dauntless. It was a single-engine low-wing aircraft with folding wings and an internal bomb bay, with retractable landing gear and large dive brakes. The program was burdened by numerous development problems, delays and concerns over handling in the early production batches.

Despite its difficult beginnings, the Helldiver became the fleet's standard dive bomber in the second half of the Pacific war, taking part in strikes against Japanese ships, including the battles of the Philippine Sea and Leyte Gulf. Also license-built in Canada, it served postwar in several nations. Over seven thousand were built.

Original specifications (USA):

• Length: 11.2 m
• Wingspan: 15.2 m
• Height: 4.0 m
• Max. takeoff weight: approx. 7550 kg
• Crew: 2
• Powerplant: Wright R-2600 Cyclone radial, approx. 1900 hp
• Max. speed: approx. 470 km/h
• Ceiling: approx. 7400 m
• Range: approx. 1800 km
• Armament: 2 x 20 mm cannon in wings, 2 x 7.62 mm in rear position, up to approx. 900 kg of bombs
• Production: 1943-1945, approx. 7140 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.