Eduard EX856 - 1:48 Il-2 mod. 1943 masks

Eduard EX856 mask set – canopy painting masks for the Il-2 mod. 1943 model (Zvezda) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX856 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the Il-2 mod. 1943 model from Zvezda. 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: EX856
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: Il-2 mod. 1943 from Zvezda
• 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 – Ilyushin Il-2 Sturmovik:

The Ilyushin Il-2 was a Soviet single-engine ground-attack aircraft of the Second World War. It was a low-wing machine of mixed construction, notable for its armoured tub enclosing the engine, cockpit and systems vital to survival. Power came from a Mikulin inline engine. Early examples were built as single-seaters; a two-seat version with a rear gunner was later introduced.

The Il-2 was used in large numbers to support ground forces and to attack columns and armoured vehicles. Armament included wing cannon, machine guns, bombs and unguided rockets; anti-tank shaped-charge bomblets were also employed. The aircraft is among the most heavily produced combat types in history. Tens of thousands were built in single- and two-seat versions.

Original specifications (Ilyushin Il-2 Sturmovik):

• Length: 11.60 m
• Wingspan: 14.60 m
• Height: 4.17 m
• Take-off weight: approx. 6300 kg
• Crew: 2 (two-seat version)
• Powerplant: Mikulin AM-38F inline engine, approx. 1720 hp
• Max speed: approx. 410 km/h
• Ceiling: approx. 5500 m
• Range: approx. 720 km
• Armament: 2 x 23 mm cannon, machine guns, up to approx. 600 kg of bombs and rockets
• Production: approx. 36,000 built, 1941-1945

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.