Eduard EX370 - 1:48 Wessex HU-5 masks

Eduard EX370 mask set – canopy painting masks for the Wessex HU.5 model (Italeri) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX370 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the Wessex HU.5 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: EX370
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: Wessex HU.5 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 – Westland Wessex HU.5 (helicopter):

The Westland Wessex is a British multi-purpose single-main-rotor helicopter, built under licence from the American Sikorsky H-34 but redesigned for turboshaft power. It entered service in the late 1950s. The HU.5 version was a Royal Marines troop transport and assault aircraft introduced in the mid-1960s.

The Wessex HU.5 was powered by two coupled de Havilland Gnome turboshaft engines, improving safety and performance over the earlier single-engine HAS.1. The helicopter carried troops, underslung loads and stretcher casualties. The Wessex family served in British aviation for several decades.

Original specifications (Westland Wessex HU.5 (helicopter)):

• Fuselage length: 14.74 m (20.07 m with rotors turning)
• Rotor diameter: 17.07 m
• Height: 4.83 m
• Empty weight: approx. 3,927 kg
• Crew: 2-3 (up to 16 troops)
• Powerplant: 2 x coupled de Havilland Gnome turboshafts, approx. 1,550 hp total
• Maximum speed: approx. 212 km/h
• Service ceiling: approx. 3,660 m
• Range: approx. 480 km
• Armament: optional door-mounted machine guns or rockets on armed variants
• Production: Wessex family 1958-1970, approx. 380 built

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.