Reviewed by Rodger Kelly
 

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FirstLook

Cutting Edge Modelworks CED32047 provides decals for two F-105D Thunderchiefs to give you some alternative markings from those found in the new 1/32 scale Trumpeter kit.  The first subject is F-105D-31 RE 62-4364, “Pussy Galore II” flown by Captain Vic Vizcarra of the 354th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 354th Tactical Fighter Wing out of the Royal Thai Air Force Base, Takhli, Thailand in October of 1966.  Camouflage is the standard South East Asian scheme of tan FS 30219, light green FS 34102, and dark green FS 34079 over light grey FS 36622.  Her markings are pretty restrained and consist of:  ·        Small full colour national insignia in four places.  ·        White radio call numbers and small black USAF titles for the vertical stabilizer.  ·        What made “Pussy Galore II” famous of course was the full colour pin up style girl that was painted on her nose.  She was placed so that her – um – private parts were situated on the in-flight refuelling receptacle door. When the aircraft was fuelled by a tanker in flight and the re-fuelling boom extended and made contact it appeared that, um -well you can guess the rest!  Cutting Edge has applied this marking as a two-part decal – Pussy Galore herself and a separate piece that they quaintly call "the pie part".  The other aircraft is F-105D-25-RE 61-0163 'Memphis Belle II' flown by Major Buddy Jones of the 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, based at Takhli in 1968 and now preserved in the US Air Force Museum.     'Memphis Belle' is also finished in the South East Asian scheme.  Her supplied markings are fairly typical of Thuds for the era and include:  White RU unit identification and black and white radio call numbers for the fin. Small full colour national insignia. Yellow band around the nose. The pilot’s name in red for the canopy rails (you will have to paint the rails yellow yourself). Yellow air intake “shoulders” with 'Memphis Belle II' in red lettering painted on them in red.  This marking is supplied as separate yellow decals for the "shoulders" and red 'Memphis Belle II' lettering. Two campaign ribbons. (Unit Citations?)  The 'Belle' herself in a blue bathing suit just as she was painted on the first 'Memphis Belle' – a WWII B-17. Two red star kill markings. As per the vast majority of Cutting Edge sheets, stencil data is very limited (data blocks, rescue information and ejector seat triangles).  This is not too much of a problem as the kit's decal sheet contains a very comprehensive and good quality set of stencil data.  The decals themselves look as if they have been printed by Microscale.  Everything is sharp, clear and in perfect register.  Decal placement is guided by an A-4 sized full-colour sheet that shows left hand side profiles of both aircraft and a top view as well.  A further close-up of the nose of “Pussy Galore II” is also provided so as you can get her placed correctly.  A further sheet of notes is also provided.  This sheet gives the full story of “Pussy Galore II” and corrects some of the long held beliefs surrounding this aircraft. A cross reference chart on the required FS matches to readily avail able model paints, and a comprehensive bibliography.  All up, a good package that is well researched well printed and well presented.  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 21 October, 2003 Last updated 20 October, 2003 Back to HyperScale Main Page Back to Reviews Page