Eduard EX429 - 1:48 Alpha Jet masks

Eduard EX429 mask set – canopy painting masks for the Alpha Jet model (Kinetic) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX429 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the Alpha Jet 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: EX429
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: Alpha Jet 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 – Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet:

The Alpha Jet emerged from Franco-German cooperation between Dassault and Dornier, answering a joint requirement for a trainer and light strike aircraft. First flown in 1973, it is a high-wing, swept-wing design with two turbofan engines in nacelles on the fuselage sides. The two-man crew sits in tandem, with a raised instructor position for good visibility.

Two main variants emerged: the French Alpha Jet E trainer and the German Alpha Jet A ground-attack version, optimized for light battlefield support and configured to carry weapons. The aircraft was exported to many countries, including in Africa and the Middle East. The trainer version usually carries no fixed armament, while combat versions use an under-fuselage gun pod plus external stores. The French Patrouille de France display team still flies Alpha Jets today.

Original specifications (Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet):

• Length: 11.75 m
• Wingspan: 9.11 m
• Height: 4.19 m
• Max takeoff weight: approx. 8000 kg
• Crew: 2 (student and instructor)
• Powerplant: 2 x SNECMA/Turbomeca Larzac 04 turbofans, approx. 13.2 kN each
• Max speed: approx. 1000 km/h
• Ceiling: approx. 14,000 m
• Range: approx. 1200 km (ferry), combat radius approx. 580 km
• Armament: optional 27 mm (A) or 30 mm (E) gun pod, up to approx. 2500 kg external stores (combat versions)
• Production: 1973-1991, approx. 480 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.