Eduard EX461 - 1:48 AH-1Z masks

Eduard EX461 mask set – canopy painting masks for the AH-1Z Viper model (Kitty Hawk) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX461 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the AH-1Z Viper model from Kitty Hawk. 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: EX461
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: AH-1Z Viper from Kitty Hawk
• 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 – Bell AH-1Z Viper:

The Bell AH-1Z Viper is an attack helicopter representing the latest development of the AH-1 Cobra family. It emerged from the US Marine Corps H-1 program, a deep modernization of the AH-1W SuperCobra fleet. The key change is a new four-blade main rotor with composite blades, a strengthened airframe and modern avionics. The two-man crew sits in tandem, and powerful twin engines improve performance in hot climates and at high altitude.

The AH-1Z, first flown in 2000 and fielded in 2010, shares about 84% of its parts with the UH-1Y Venom utility helicopter, simplifying logistics. Its armament is a three-barrel 20 mm rotary cannon in an under-nose turret, plus external stores: AGM-114 Hellfire anti-armor missiles, AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles and unguided rocket pods. A Target Sight System sensor turret allows day and night operation.

Original specifications (Bell AH-1Z Viper):

• Length (rotors turning): 17.8 m
• Main rotor diameter: 14.6 m
• Height: 4.37 m
• Max takeoff weight: 8390 kg
• Crew: 2 (pilot and gunner)
• Powerplant: 2 x General Electric T700-GE-401C turboshafts, approx. 1340 kW each
• Max speed: approx. 300 km/h
• Ceiling: approx. 6100 m
• Range: approx. 685 km
• Armament: 20 mm M197 three-barrel cannon, AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, AIM-9 Sidewinder, unguided rocket pods
• Production: from 2000 (first flight); in service since 2010

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.