Cutting Edge Decals

Cross Dressing Stormbirds Me 262A/B Part 4

Stock Number: CED 48-273

Reviewed By Charles Landrum, #26328

Review copy provided by Meteor Productions

P.O. Box 3956

Merrifield, VA 22116
Tel: (703) 591-0652
Fax: (703) 591-3996

www.meteorprod.com

I don’t what is stirring the creative juices at Meteor Productions, but Dave Klaus and company have been cranking out the decal sheets, a lot of interesting ones at that. This sheet is no exception.

You arguably cannot get a more fascinating story than the technology grab that went on in Germany in the waning days of the war. It is well known that teams of experts combed the chaos and the wreckage of the Reich in an attempt to exploit German technology and to keep it out of the hands of the other side. For the USAAF, the team was Watson’s Wizards. As a means of staking their claim and to prevent fratricide during test and evaluation during this period of chaos, the teams hastily applied allied markings to the aircraft, often right over the German crosses; this lead to some very unusual looking aircraft.

This offering provides markings for four of them - Me 262s:

• Me 262 A-1a, W.Nr. 501232. Actually the first and last aircraft on the sheet are for this same aircraft but at two different periods of time. This plane was not only flown by Watson’ Wizards, but had their logo applied. The instructions talk about the controversy over the schemes. One of the issues was the actual coloration of the logo. Meteor claims that both color of logos are provide, but in fact only one set is included. If you want a challenging scheme to apply, go with the first scheme since at this point the airframe had many of the original markings over-sprayed, mostly in additional colors.
• Me 262 B-1a, W.Nr. 110165. This is a RAF captured two-seater with an attractive blotchy green camouflage. Unfortunately, there are no “liner notes” for this plane.
• Me 262 A-1a. Another Watson’s Wizard aircraft. Its W.Nr. is incorrectly listed as 501232. This plane wore several names during it time in the USAAF. It is the airframe now on display in the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.

Meteor not only provides the distinct markings for each aircraft but also gives you a full set of German markings and stencils. This allows the builder to apply the German markings, lightly over-spray the colors applied by the allies and then apply the allied markings for a more authentic appearance. It is a nice touch that also provides quality spares for the decal box if desired. As far as I can tell the markings are only available in 1/48. While this is my preferred scale, I would like to see these markings released in 1/72 scale.

These decals are a welcome addition if you are looking to build a Stormbird that stands out in a sea of Luftwaffe aircraft on a contest table. I particularly like the non-standard markings applied and the German crosses peaking out from under the stars and bars. There are several nice kits of the 262 available including the time tested Monogram kit, so here is your chance to build another Stormbird - Highly recommended.

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