Eduard EX185 - 1:48 CH-53E masks

Eduard EX185 mask set – canopy painting masks for the CH-53E Super Stallion model (Academy) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX185 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the CH-53E Super Stallion model from Academy. 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: EX185
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: CH-53E Super Stallion from Academy
• 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 – Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion:

The Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion is an American heavy-lift transport helicopter, developed from the earlier CH-53 family for the US Marine Corps and Navy. Unlike its twin-engined predecessors it received a third turboshaft engine and a seven-blade main rotor, greatly increasing its lifting capacity and performance. The design allows in-flight refuelling and folding of the rotor and tail boom for storage aboard ships.

The CH-53E entered service in 1981 and became one of the heaviest Western-built transport helicopters. It was used to move heavy equipment, artillery and vehicles, to recover damaged aircraft and to supply amphibious units. The MH-53E Sea Dragon mine-countermeasures variant was derived from it. The successor to this family is the newer CH-53K King Stallion.

Original specifications (Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion):

• Crew: 3-5
• Length (fuselage): 22.3 m
• Rotor diameter: 24.1 m
• Height: 8.5 m
• Empty/take-off weight: 15,070 kg / 33,340 kg
• Powerplant: 3 x General Electric T64-GE-416 turboshafts, approx. 4,380 hp each
• Max speed: approx. 315 km/h
• Ceiling: 5,640 m
• Range: approx. 1,000 km
• Armament: provision for defensive machine guns; external payload up to approx. 13,600 kg on underslung hook
• Production: approx. 170 CH-53E (from 1980)

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.