Eduard EX737 - 1:48 HH-34J TFace masks

Eduard EX737 mask set – canopy painting masks for the HH-34J model (Gallery Models / Trumpeter) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX737 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the HH-34J model from Gallery Models / 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: EX737
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: HH-34J from Gallery Models / 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 – Sikorsky H-34 (Choctaw / S-58, utility helicopter):

The Sikorsky H-34 is an American utility helicopter powered by a radial piston engine mounted in the forward fuselage, driving a four-blade main rotor. First flown in 1954, it entered service with the US Navy as a carrier-based anti-submarine helicopter, and later served with the army and marines in transport and rescue roles.

Variants included carrier anti-submarine, transport and licence-built versions, notably the turbine-powered British Westland Wessex. The H-34 was widely exported and used in combat in Algeria and the early Vietnam War. The main difference between variants concerned mission equipment and powerplant type.

Original specifications (Sikorsky H-34 (Choctaw / S-58, utility helicopter)):

• Fuselage length: 14.3 m
• Rotor diameter: 17.1 m
• Height: 4.85 m
• Empty weight: approx. 3583 kg
• Max take-off weight: approx. 6350 kg
• Crew: 2 (up to 16 troops)
• Powerplant: 1 x Wright R-1820-84 radial, approx. 1525 hp
• Max speed: approx. 198 km/h
• Ceiling: approx. 2900 m
• Range: approx. 293 km
• Production: 1954-1970, over 2100 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.