Eduard EX862 - 1:48 AH-1G masks

Eduard EX862 mask set – canopy painting masks for the AH-1G Cobra model (Special Hobby) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX862 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the AH-1G Cobra model from Special Hobby. 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: EX862
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: AH-1G Cobra from Special Hobby
• 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 – Bell AH-1G Cobra:

The AH-1G Cobra is a single-engine attack helicopter developed by Bell for the U.S. Army in the mid-1960s. It reused the powertrain and rotor system of the UH-1 Iroquois, mating them to a new, narrow fuselage. The two-man crew sat in tandem, with the gunner in front and the pilot behind. The type entered service during the Vietnam War as fire support for ground forces.

Armament consisted of a movable chin turret with guns and grenade launchers, plus stores carried on short stub wings: unguided rocket pods and gun pods. The slim fuselage reduced the frontal target area. The AH-1G became the basis of the whole Cobra family, from which later versions with anti-armour weapons and more powerful engines were developed.

Original specifications (Bell AH-1G Cobra):

• Length: 13.6 m (rotors turning)
• Main rotor diameter: 13.4 m
• Height: 4.1 m
• Maximum weight: 4,540 kg
• Crew: 2 (gunner, pilot)
• Powerplant: 1 x Lycoming T53-L-13 turboshaft, 1,100 hp
• Maximum speed: 277 km/h
• Ceiling: 3,475 m
• Range: 570 km
• Armament: chin turret (7.62 mm M134 minigun or 40 mm M129 grenade launcher) plus rocket pods and gun pods on stub wings
• Production: 1966-1973

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.