Eduard EX1021 - 1:48 U-2R masks

Eduard EX1021 mask set – canopy painting masks for the U-2R Dragon Lady model (Hobby Boss) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX1021 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the U-2R Dragon Lady model from Hobby Boss. 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: EX1021
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: U-2R Dragon Lady from Hobby Boss
• 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 Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady is an American single-engine long-range reconnaissance aircraft, designed for flight at very high altitudes beyond the reach of contemporary air defenses. It has very long, narrow, high-aspect-ratio wings resembling a glider, and a lightweight fuselage structure. Its bicycle landing gear and jettisonable auxiliary wing supports released at takeoff are among its characteristic features.

The U-2 has served in strategic reconnaissance since the mid-1950s, flying photographic and electronic missions over areas of high military significance. The shooting down of one of the aircraft over the USSR in 1960 caused a serious political crisis. The upgraded R and S versions, larger and with new avionics, remain in service as multi-sensor reconnaissance platforms.

Original specifications (USA):

• Length: 19.2 m (U-2S)
• Wingspan: 31.4 m
• Height: 4.9 m
• Max. takeoff weight: approx. 18,100 kg
• Crew: 1
• Powerplant: General Electric F118 turbofan, approx. 84 kN (U-2S)
• Max. speed: approx. 800 km/h
• Ceiling: over 21,300 m
• Range: approx. 10,000 km
• Armament: none; reconnaissance pods and sensors
• Production: from 1955, approx. 100 built (all versions)

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.