Eduard EX652 - 1:48 L-39MS/L-59 Tface masks

Eduard EX652 mask set – canopy painting masks for the L-39MS/L-59 model (Trumpeter) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX652 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the L-39MS/L-59 model from Trumpeter. The masks are die-cut from yellow Kabuki masking paper, giving sharp edges without hand masking with tape. The base kit is not included. The TFace version includes masks for both the exterior and interior of the glazing.

What's in the box:

• Sheet of self-adhesive masks made of yellow Kabuki masking paper in the TFace version – separate masks for the exterior and interior of the glazing, plus wheel hub masks
• Mask placement instructions

Set specifications:

• Scale: 1:48
• Catalogue number: EX652
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: L-39MS/L-59 from Trumpeter
• Accessory type: canopy painting masks (TFace version)
• 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 – Aero L-39 Albatros (jet trainer / light attack):

The Aero L-39 Albatros is a Czechoslovak two-seat jet trainer and light attack aircraft with a straight wing and a turbofan engine, successor to the L-29. First flown in 1968, it entered service as the standard Warsaw Pact trainer in the 1970s.

The L-39 was widely exported and used for advanced and tactical training and light combat duties, as well as by aerobatic teams. Variants included the L-39ZA combat version with a cannon and strengthened landing gear, and later developments with new avionics. Differences concern mainly armament and equipment.

Original specifications (Aero L-39 Albatros (jet trainer / light attack)):

• Length: 12.13 m
• Wingspan: 9.46 m
• Height: 4.77 m
• Empty weight: approx. 3455 kg
• Max take-off weight: approx. 4700 kg (up to 5600 kg ZA)
• Crew: 2
• Powerplant: 1 x Ivchenko AI-25TL turbofan, approx. 16.9 kN
• Max speed: approx. 750 km/h
• Ceiling: approx. 11,000 m
• Range: approx. 1100 km
• Armament (ZA): 23 mm cannon, up to 1100 kg of stores on 4 hardpoints
• Production: from 1971, over 2800 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.