Eduard EX679 - 1:48 W-3A Sokół masks

Eduard EX679 mask set – canopy painting masks for the W-3A Sokół model (Answer) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX679 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the W-3A Sokół model from Answer. 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: EX679
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: W-3A Sokół from Answer
• 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 – PZL W-3 Sokol:

The PZL W-3 Sokol is a Polish medium multipurpose helicopter developed by PZL Swidnik. It was the first helicopter designed and produced entirely in Poland. First flown in 1979, it is powered by two PZL-10W turboshaft engines driving a four-blade main rotor. The cabin accommodates the crew together with passengers or cargo.

The Sokol is used for transport, rescue, medical, patrol and, in military versions, combat tasks. Armed variants were produced, including the W-3W and W-3PL Gluszec, along with the Anakonda maritime rescue versions. The helicopter serves with the Polish armed forces and civil aviation and has been exported. The individual versions differ in equipment, avionics and armament.

Original specifications (PZL W-3 Sokol):

• Length: 14.21 m (fuselage)
• Rotor diameter: 15.70 m
• Height: 4.20 m
• Max. take-off weight: approx. 6400 kg
• Crew: 2 (plus up to 12 passengers)
• Powerplant: 2 PZL-10W turboshaft engines, approx. 662 kW (900 hp) each
• Max. speed: approx. 260 km/h
• Ceiling: approx. 5100 m
• Range: approx. 745 km
• Armament: in military versions a 23 mm cannon, machine guns, unguided rockets, guided missiles
• Production: from 1985 (PZL Swidnik)

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.