Eduard EX287 - 1:48 E-2C masks

Eduard EX287 mask set – canopy painting masks for the E-2C Hawkeye model (Kinetic/Italeri) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX287 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the E-2C Hawkeye model from Kinetic/Italeri. 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: EX287
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: E-2C Hawkeye from Kinetic/Italeri
• 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 – Grumman E-2C Hawkeye:

The Grumman E-2 Hawkeye is an American carrier-based airborne early-warning and control aircraft, recognisable by the large rotating antenna dome (rotodome) mounted above the fuselage. It is a high-wing monoplane powered by two turboprop engines, with a quadruple vertical tail allowing the aircraft to fit inside carrier hangars. Within the fuselage a team of radar and communications systems operators works.

The E-2 entered service in the mid-1960s and remains the principal radar-surveillance aircraft of US carrier aviation, and is also operated by several other countries. The E-2C version received an improved radar and avionics, enabling detection of air and surface targets and direction of friendly forces over a large area. Further, deeply modernised versions are being developed, including the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye.

Original specifications (Grumman E-2C Hawkeye):

• Crew: 5 (2 pilots + 3 operators)
• Length: 17.6 m
• Wingspan: 24.6 m
• Height: 5.6 m
• Empty/take-off weight: 18,090 kg / 26,080 kg
• Powerplant: 2 x Allison T56-A-427 turboprops, approx. 5,100 hp each
• Max speed: approx. 600 km/h
• Ceiling: 10,600 m
• Range: approx. 2,700 km
• Equipment: air and surface surveillance radar (rotodome), communications and command systems; no armament
• Production: over 200 E-2C (from 1971)

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.