Eduard EX385 - 1:48 Yak-3 masks

Eduard EX385 mask set – canopy painting masks for the Yak-3 model (Zvezda) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX385 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the Yak-3 model from Zvezda. 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: EX385
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: Yak-3 from Zvezda
• 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 – USSR:

The Yakovlev Yak-3 was a Soviet low-wing fighter, one of the lightest and smallest front-line fighters of the Second World War. Of mixed construction, with a wooden wing and a metal-and-fabric fuselage, it was lightened and simplified to obtain good manoeuvrability and performance at low and medium altitudes. Power came from a liquid-cooled inline engine.

The Yak-3 entered service in 1944 and was valued for its light controls and advantage in low-level dogfighting. Among others, pilots of the French Normandie-Niemen regiment flew it. Later variants received more powerful engines and differed in armament. Production continued to the end of the war and after it, in a total exceeding four thousand examples.

Original specifications (USSR):

• Length: 8.5 m
• Wingspan: 9.2 m
• Height: 2.4 m
• Max. takeoff weight: approx. 2700 kg
• Crew: 1
• Powerplant: Klimov VK-105PF-2 inline engine, approx. 1300 hp
• Max. speed: approx. 655 km/h
• Ceiling: approx. 10,700 m
• Range: approx. 650 km
• Armament: 20 mm cannon and 2 x 12.7 mm machine guns
• Production: 1944-1946, over 4800 built (all variants)

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.