Reviewed by Rodger Kelly
 

HyperScale is proudly sponsored by Meteor Productions

FirstLook

Cutting Edge Modelworks sheets CED4401 AND CED72012 provide markings in 1/144 scale and 1/72 scale respectively for all five of the Orbiter variants of the Rockwell Space Shuttles operated by NASA as well as the Enterprise test vehicle . Included are markings for the two shuttles that have been lost, the Challenger and the Columbia.

The markings and configuration of the shuttles have been constantly evolving since the first of them, Columbia, first flew in earth orbit in 1981.

As well as showing you where to place the decals, the placement guide also advises that the markings can generally be divided into early, mid and late time periods and advises of the main changes between each of the schemes. The placement guide is A-4 in size in full colour and it shows profiles and top and bottom plan views of the orbiter as well as the external solid rocket boosters (SRB) and the external tank.

Per normal Cutting Edge practice, there is a further information sheet provided. This sheet shows the decal placement for the SRBs and provides notes on the tiles worn by the orbiters. By far the best advice given on this sheet is the one that says that markings varied slightly between missions and advises you to visit two NASA sites to research your model before you commence.

The printer of decal sheet is not named but it sure looks like a Microscale product to me.
The decal sheet, placement guide and the notes sheet come packed in a clear plastic zip-loc bag.

The recommended kits are the Minicraft one in 1/144 scale and the Monogram one in 1/72 scale.

A nice sheet from Cutting Edge.

Recommended.

Thanks to Cutting Edge Modelworks for the review samples..

Footnote:

Cutting Edge also offers Black-Magic precut painting masks to enable you to duplicate the most common tile pattens applied to the orbiters in 1/72 and 1/144 scale. If you are contemplating building a shuttle kit these will save you a whole lot of messing around with masking tape. If you really want to go the whole hog, Cutting Edge also supplies decal sheets that incorporate ALL of the tiles that make up the skin of the Shuttle. To have a look at these products, go to their web site at http://www.meteorprod.com and type "Shuttle" into their search engine.
 

Review Copyright © 2003 by Rodger Kelly
This Page Created on 19 August, 2003
Last updated 18 August, 2003

Back to HyperScale Main Page

Back to Reviews Page