Eduard EX489 - 1:48 MiG-31BM masks

Eduard EX489 mask set – canopy painting masks for the MiG-31BM model (AMK) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX489 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the MiG-31BM model from AMK. 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: EX489
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: MiG-31BM from AMK
• 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 – Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-31, NATO Foxhound:

The MiG-31 is a two-seat supersonic long-range interceptor developed from the MiG-25, designed to engage low- and high-flying targets including cruise missiles. Its key innovation was the Zaslon radar with a phased-array antenna, one of the first in the world on a combat aircraft, able to track multiple targets and guide long-range R-33 missiles. First flown in 1975, it entered service in the early 1980s.

A group of four MiG-31s can control a wide band of airspace through data sharing. Upgrades include the MiG-31B, the MiG-31BM with improved avionics and weapons, and the MiG-31K, a carrier of the Kinzhal missile. The aircraft remains in Russian service and has been used in combat, including in Ukraine after 2022. Around 500 examples were built between approximately 1979 and 1994.

Original specifications (Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-31, NATO Foxhound):

• Length: approx. 22.69 m
• Wingspan: approx. 13.46 m
• Height: approx. 6.15 m
• Empty weight: approx. 21,800 kg
• Max takeoff weight: approx. 46,200 kg
• Crew: 2 (pilot and weapon systems officer)
• Powerplant: 2 x Soloviev D-30F6 afterburning turbofans, approx. 152 kN each
• Max speed: approx. 3,000 km/h (Mach 2.83)
• Ceiling: approx. 20,600 m
• Range: approx. 1,450 km (combat), up to approx. 3,000 km ferry
• Armament: GSh-6-23 23 mm cannon; R-33, R-40, R-60/R-60M missiles (R-37, R-77, R-73 on BM)
• Production: approx. 1979-1994

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.