Among the latest decal releases from Eagle Editions comes a sheet dedicated to the nightfighter variant of the world’s first operational jet fighter - the Me 262B-1a/U1. Sheet EC #170 is available in three scales, featuring a trio of aircraft:

1: Me 262 B-1a/U1, W.Nr 110305, “Red 8” of 10./NJG 11
2: Me 262 B-1a/U1, W.Nr 110635, “Red 10” of 10./NJG 11
3: Me 262 B-1a/U1, W.Nr 110306, originally of 10./NJG 11, now sporting the name “0le Fruit Cake” and U.S. markings as one of the famous Watson’s Whizzers

The decals are custom-printed by Cartograf and look really superb as usual from this manufacturer. They are thin and glossy and printed in precise register with almost no excess carrier film at all on many items. It's really only in the centres of crosses etc. and between characters where carrier film has been retained to make alignment easy. The colours look excellent, with an accurate very dark Insignia Blue for the American insignia.

Swastikas are included split into inner and outer sections to avoid trouble in countries where the symbol is banned. This means an extra layer, but it should be invisible as the decals are so thin. Typical of Eagle Editions' attention to detail is the inclusion of alternative W.Nr decals to reflect the rushed way they were frequently applied in the chaos at the end of the war.

Sufficient national insignia and individual markings are provided to finish all three featured aircraft, but there's only room on the sheet for two sets of the very complete assortment of servicing stencils.

As we've come to expect from Eagle Editions, the decals are backed up by a very good set of instructions. These include concise detailed notes on each of the aircraft covered and a full page diagram of stencil positions. The schemes are illustrated with excellent colour profiles by James Bentley, plus simplified smaller top and bottom plan views.

Sheet EC #170 is available now, priced as follows:
1:32 - $22.50
1:48 - $17.50
1:72 - $12.50

Conclusion

This is another excellent release from Eagle Editions, combining top quality decals with detailed research, in this case by Mark Proulx. Including one of Watson's Whizzers alongside the standard Luftwaffe aircraft is a neat touch that should increase the sheet's appeal.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.