Eduard XT177 - 1:35 ASU-85 SPG (1956) wheel masks

Eduard XT177 mask set – road wheel masks for the ASU-85 SPG (1956) model (Trumpeter) in 1:35 scale

Eduard XT177 is a set of self-adhesive 1:35 masks for masking the rubber tyres of the road wheels during painting, tailored to the ASU-85 SPG (1956) model from Trumpeter. The masks are die-cut from yellow Kabuki masking paper, giving sharp edges without hand masking with tape. The kit is not included.

What's in the box:

• Sheet of self-adhesive masks made of yellow Kabuki masking paper shaped to the model road wheels
• Mask placement instructions

Set specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Catalogue number: XT177
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: ASU-85 SPG (1956) from Trumpeter
• Accessory type: road wheel masks
• Material: yellow Kabuki masking paper, machine-cut

Road wheel masks – even edges on the rubber tyres

This set contains self-adhesive masks shaped to the model road wheels, letting you paint the rubber tyres separately from the hubs. The masks are die-cut from yellow Kabuki masking paper, giving a sharp, even boundary between the metal hub and the rubber without freehand painting.

The masks are applied to the wheels, the tyre or hub colour is airbrushed, and the masks are removed once dry. The set greatly speeds up one of the more tedious steps in painting a vehicle.

About the vehicle – ASU-85 (Soviet airborne self-propelled gun):

The ASU-85 was a Soviet airborne self-propelled gun developed in the second half of the 1950s for the airborne forces. It used components of the PT-76 amphibious reconnaissance tank but in a closed, armoured hull without a rotating turret, with an 85 mm gun mounted in the front plate. The vehicle gave paratroopers fire support and the ability to engage lightly armoured targets, offering more firepower than the older recoilless ASU-57.

The 2A15 (D-70) gun fired armour-piercing and high-explosive ammunition, and the enclosed hull improved crew protection compared with earlier airborne designs. The ASU-85 was carried by transport aircraft and air-dropped on platforms, though its growing weight limited parachute delivery. The vehicle remained in Soviet and allied service from 1959, gradually replaced by the amphibious BMD airborne combat vehicle.

Original specifications (ASU-85 (Soviet airborne self-propelled gun)):

• Length with gun: approx. 8.44 m
• Width: approx. 2.80 m
• Height: approx. 2.10 m
• Combat weight: approx. 15.5 t
• Crew: 4
• Armament: 85 mm 2A15 (D-70) gun, 7.62 mm PKT MG
• Armour (max.): 45 mm
• Engine: YaMZ-206V diesel, 210 hp
• Max speed: approx. 45 km/h
• Range: approx. 360 km
• Production: from 1959

About the manufacturer – Eduard:

Eduard is a Czech manufacturer of scale model kits and modelling accessories, established in 1989 and based in Obrnice. Besides plastic kits, the company offers an extensive range of upgrade accessories: photo-etched parts, resin components, decals and painting masks. Eduard masks are die-cut from yellow Kabuki masking paper and designed either for specific models or as universal marking sheets, making painting easier and shortening finishing work.