Eduard EX718 - 1:48 O-2A masks

Eduard EX718 mask set – canopy painting masks for the O-2A Skymaster model (ICM) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX718 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the O-2A Skymaster model from ICM. 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: EX718
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: O-2A Skymaster from ICM
• 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 – Cessna O-2 Skymaster:

The Cessna O-2 Skymaster was the military version of the civilian Cessna 337 Super Skymaster. Its distinctive push-pull twin-engine layout with twin tail booms provided good visibility from the cabin. The aircraft entered USAF service in the late 1960s as a replacement for the O-1 Bird Dog.

The O-2 was used mainly for observation, fire control and forward air control, as well as for reconnaissance and leaflet dropping. The O-2A carried underwing stores, while the O-2B was configured for psychological operations. More than 500 military examples were built and were also operated by foreign users.

Original specifications (Cessna O-2 Skymaster):

• Length: 8.9 m
• Wingspan: 11.6 m
• Height: 2.8 m
• Takeoff weight: 2450 kg
• Crew: 1-2
• Powerplant: 2 x Continental IO-360 piston engines, 210 hp each
• Max speed: 320 km/h
• Ceiling: 5500 m
• Range: approx. 1700 km
• Armament: 4 underwing pylons for rockets, pods or smoke markers
• Production: over 500 built, from 1967

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.