Eduard EX391 - 1:48 Merlin HC.3 masks

Eduard EX391 mask set – canopy painting masks for the Merlin HC.3 model (Airfix) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX391 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the Merlin HC.3 model from Airfix. 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: EX391
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: Merlin HC.3 from Airfix
• 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 – AgustaWestland Merlin HC.3 (AW101, transport helicopter):

The AgustaWestland Merlin HC.3 is a British transport variant of the three-engine AW101 (formerly EH101) helicopter, with a five-blade main rotor and a spacious cargo cabin. Built jointly by Westland and Agusta, it entered RAF service around the turn of the century as a medium support and special-forces transport helicopter.

The HC.3 was adapted for moving troops and cargo, including operations in demanding conditions and with a rear loading ramp. Some aircraft were later transferred to naval aviation. The AW101 exists in numerous anti-submarine, rescue and VIP variants; versions differ mainly in mission equipment and avionics.

Original specifications (AgustaWestland Merlin HC.3 (AW101, transport helicopter)):

• Fuselage length: approx. 22.8 m
• Rotor diameter: 18.59 m
• Height: 6.65 m
• Empty weight: approx. 10,500 kg
• Max take-off weight: approx. 15,600 kg
• Crew: 3-4 (up to approx. 24 troops)
• Powerplant: 3 x Rolls-Royce/Turbomeca RTM322 turboshaft, approx. 2100 hp each
• Max speed: approx. 278 km/h
• Ceiling: approx. 4575 m
• Range: approx. 1000 km
• Production: from the 1990s, HC.3 version approx. 22 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.