Suggested Retail Price: $9.99 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. |