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Since its 2000 start-up, JetBlue Airways has been one of the top-performing airlines in the U.S. market. With a combination of low fares and lots of in-flight amenities (expansive DirectTV, movie, and satellite radio selections at every seat being first and foremost), JetBlue has attracted a lot of passengers, and imitators – Song and Ted to name two. JetBlue started with an all-Airbus A320 fleet, but has recently added Embraer 190s. While the general paint scheme is clean and simple, JetBlue has added color with different tail designs throughout the fleet. Also, each aircraft has been given a catchy name with some iteration of Blue in it.
DRAW Decal has added JetBlue to its large collection of decal subjects. This decal is intended for either the 1/144th scale Revell-Germany kit or 1/200th scale Hasegawa kit, with IAE V2500 engines. Paint colors are gloss white for the upper fuselage and tail, dark blue for the lower fuselage and engine nacelles, and standard Airbus gray for the wings and horizontal stabilizers. The fuselage titles, registrations, windows, and door outlines are laid out on the decal sheet as one complete piece. This will make proper line-up on the model much easier. As with other ALPS-type decals, these are printed on one continuous layer of clear carrier film. Each decal element needs to be cut individually from the sheet prior to soaking in water. Also, these decals are also thinner than most silkscreen printed decals, and extra care should be used when applying them. The print quality of these decals is excellent. The complex tail pattern is sharp and well rendered. Extra names and registration numbers are provided to model 16 different aircraft that wear the Mosaic tail design. The modeler will have a bit of work to do to create the special satellite antenna installed on the aft upper fuselage of JetBlue’s A320s. Hopefully, as more airlines add enhanced Inflight Entertainment systems, these bulky antennas might be available as aftermarket resin items.
This is another great sheet from DRAW Decal. With several tail designs adorning the JetBlue fleet, DRAW Decal might treat us with another sheet in the future. Thanks to DRAW Decal for the review sample. Be sure to visit their website to see the entire line of terrific decals.
