Reviewed by Rodger Kelly
 

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FirstLook

CED32040 provides markings to replace the average kit decals in the Revell 1/32 scale Bell X-1 kit.  A bonus is that the markings enable you to produce the different incarnations of each of the three Bell X-1s throughout their lives.  Firstly, and appropriately, the markings for 46-062:  As it appeared in its initial scheme of overall FS 12243 orange with the pre-1947 national insignia, In the scheme it wore on 14 October 1947 when Captain 'Chuck' Yeager piloted it through the sound barrier over the Mojave Desert in California. In two further post record breaking flight schemes. In the scheme it wore for the movie 'Jet Pilot' with John Wayne. Interestingly, it still wore the name 'Glamorous Glennis' albeit with a white outline to make it more visible for the movie. 46-063: In its initial overall FS 12243 orange scheme with the Bell aircraft logo on the nose. In the overall white scheme with NACA shields on the fin. In the overall white scheme (less the exhaust area on the rear of the fuselage) with NACA yellow stripe and later NACA insignia on the fin and NACA titles on the wings as well as the black 'X' photographic reference points on the fuselage. 46-064:  In the overall white with the Bell Aircraft Company logo on the vertical stabilizer. The sheet abounds with stencil data and two sets of national insignia are provided.  Thankfully, these later decals are separate designs rather that using pre 1947 ones with the addition of red stripes to update them.      The placement guide shows left hand side profiles of each option with further left, right and top views to show the placement of the stencil data.  Thankfully, the stencil data is numbered to a key on the placement sheet.  The decals themselves look as if they are Microscale products.  Beautifully printed and in perfect register.  The decals (there are two sheets) and the placement guide are packed in a clear plastic zip-loc bag.  There are sufficient decals provided to produce at least two aircraft.  If you are keen, find some extra national insignia and you could do each one of them.  Whilst the subject of this preview is the 1/32 scale sheet Cutting Edge also produces it in both 1/48 and 1/72 scales.  Excellent decals for some significant aircraft! Recommended. Thanks to Cutting Edge Modelworks for the review samples.. Cutting Edge Modelworks products, including Cutting Edge Decals, can be viewed at Meteor Productions website Review Copyright © 2003 by Rodger Kelly This Page Created on 15 August, 2003 Last updated 09 September, 2003 Back to HyperScale Main Page Back to Reviews Page