Reviewed by Rodger Kelly
 

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FirstLook

Cutting Edge Modelworks CED72113 provides markings for A-10A Thunderbolt II
78-621 of the 118th Fighter Squadron, (the Flying Yankees) 103rd Fighter Wing, Connecticut Air National Guard 

The markings are far from what you normally see on A-10s.  78-621 was especially painted up with yellow edged black lightning bolts to commemorate the markings worn by 118th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron P-51 Mustangs of World War II. 

The aircraft is in all grey camouflage finish consisting of FS 36320 upper surfaces over FS36375 lower surfaces.  It also sports a false canopy on the lower surface of the nose that is painted in FS 36118. 

The supplied markings comprise:

• The large lighting bolts for the fuselage.  These are one piece decals (one for either side of the fuselage) and they incorporate the thin yellow edges as well as the black stencil style national insignia.  The forward edge of the marking is split to ease placement.

• The Flying Yankees - 80 Years scripts for the engine pods.

• Smaller black and yellow lighting bolts for the outer surfaces of the vertical stabilisers.

• Black CT distinctive unit codes and aircraft serial number, also for the outer surfaces of the vertical stabilisers

• Black stencil style national insignia for the wings.

• Grey abbreviated 621 serials for either sides of the nose.  Four of these are provided but the placement guide only shows a need for two.

• Small black 80621 serial for the canopy rail.

• Pilot and crew chief names in grey for the canopy rails.

• A small amount of stencil data is also provided and these include slime lights for the vertical stabilisers and wing tips, rescue arrows, ejection seat triangles, earthing points, lift point insignia and flight refuelling markings for the nose.

The decals themselves look to have been printed by Microscale.  Everything is in register and there is minimal film surrounding each design. 

The placement guide is A4 in size and shows a large left hand side view in the centre pages and smaller top and bottom views on the back page. 

The decal sheet and placement guide come packed in a clear plastic zip-loc bag. 

This scheme is also available from Cutting Edge in 1/48 and 1/32 scale. The big release in 1/32 scale includes Black Magic self-adhesive vinyl masks to assist painting.

A nice sheet from Cutting Edge. 

Recommended.

Postscript 

If you want to learn more about the Flying Yankees as well as see some great reference shots of the subject aircraft, head over to Philippe Colin's Flying Yankees web page at http://www.philippecolin.net/103rdFW.html

Thanks to Cutting Edge Modelworks for the review samples..

Review Copyright © 2001 by Rodger Kelly
This Page Created on 15 October, 2002
Last updated 15 March, 2004

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