Eduard EX326 - 1:48 S-2E/F masks

Eduard EX326 mask set – canopy painting masks for the S-2E/F Tracker model (Kinetic) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX326 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the S-2E/F Tracker model from Kinetic. 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: EX326
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: S-2E/F Tracker from Kinetic
• 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 S-2 Tracker (anti-submarine warfare):

The Grumman S-2 Tracker, designated S2F until 1962, is a carrier-based anti-submarine aircraft, the first in the US Navy to combine target-search and attack functions in a single airframe, which previously required two separate aircraft. It first flew in 1952 and entered service in 1954. Powered by two piston radial engines, it carried radar, a magnetic anomaly detector, sonobuoys and a weapons bay.

Production ran from 1952 to 1968 and totalled about 1,280-1,300 aircraft, including licensed production in Canada. The Tracker was exported to many countries, and after military service some were converted into Firecat firefighting aircraft. In the US Navy it was replaced by the jet S-3 Viking. It also spawned the E-1 Tracer early-warning and C-1 Trader transport variants.

Original specifications (Grumman S-2 Tracker (anti-submarine warfare)):

• Length: approx. 13.26 m
• Wingspan: approx. 22.12 m (folding wings)
• Height: approx. 5.05 m
• Empty weight: approx. 8,500 kg
• Max takeoff weight: approx. 13,200 kg
• Crew: 4
• Powerplant: 2 x Wright R-1820-82 Cyclone radials, approx. 1,525 hp each
• Max speed: approx. 450 km/h
• Ceiling: approx. 6,400 m
• Range: approx. 2,100 km (patrol)
• Armament: torpedoes, depth charges, rockets; bomb bay and underwing hardpoints (up to approx. 2,180 kg)
• Production: 1952-1968 (approx. 1,280-1,300 aircraft)

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.