Just received: three great “Special Edition” sheets from
Cutting Edge in 1/48th scale. All three are for “Zircus Rosarius”
markings. Never heard of this? This was the name the Luftwaffe Special
Research and Trial Unit gave to operational squadrons that received
captured United States and British aircraft for evaluation. In most
cases, the captured aircraft were repainted or painted over, and remarked
by the Luftwaffe. Cutting Edge has now produced three complete sheets for
some of these aircraft. CED 48256 contains
painting instructions and decals for a Mosquito IVB; a P-47D (Razorback)
and a P-51B.
CED 48257 contains painting instructions and decals for
a P-51B and a P-47D (Razorback). However, decals are provided for two
schemes for the same P-47D. This Thunderbolt is in fact also depicted in
different markings on sheet 48256. This is because the aircraft’s markings
evolved while in Luftwaffe hands, first appearing in olive drab (this
sheet) then appearing in a Luftwaffe color scheme while retaining US codes
(also this sheet); and finally in a revised Luftwaffe color scheme with
Luftwaffe codes (sheet 48256).
CED 48258 contains painting instructions and decals for
a P-51B, a Spitfire Mk XI and a Typhoon Ia.
These sheets are beautifully done and meticulously
researched. Instructions are printed in color with appropriate color names
and the decals are thin and should pose no problems when applying them to
your model. Of course, this is what we all have come to expect from
Cutting Edge.
Thanks for the review samples. |