Eduard EX332 - 1:48 S-3 masks

Eduard EX332 mask set – canopy painting masks for the S-3 Viking model (Italeri) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX332 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-3 Viking model from 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: EX332
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: S-3 Viking from 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 – Lockheed S-3 Viking:

The Lockheed S-3 Viking is a carrier-based jet anti-submarine aircraft, successor to the piston-engine S-2 Tracker. Designed by Lockheed with Vought and Univac, it first flew in 1972 and entered service in 1974. It was fitted with advanced avionics, an onboard computer, a magnetic anomaly detector on a retractable boom, sonobuoys and a weapons bay; early versions had a crew of four.

A total of 187 examples were built between 1974 and 1978. As the Soviet submarine threat faded after the Cold War, the S-3 was reassigned to strike, aerial refuelling and reconnaissance duties, including the ES-3A Shadow ELINT version. It was retired from front-line US Navy service in 2009; NASA operated a few examples.

Original specifications (Lockheed S-3 Viking):

• Length: approx. 16.26 m
• Wingspan: approx. 20.93 m (folding wings)
• Height: approx. 6.93 m
• Empty weight: approx. 12,088 kg
• Max takeoff weight: approx. 23,831 kg
• Crew: 4
• Powerplant: 2 x General Electric TF34-GE-2 turbofans, approx. 41.3 kN each
• Max speed: approx. 830 km/h
• Ceiling: approx. 12,000 m
• Range: approx. 5,500 km (ferry)
• Armament: bomb bay and underwing hardpoints; torpedoes, depth charges, mines, AGM-84 Harpoon missiles, bombs
• Production: 1974-1978 (187 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.