This first model kit offering from Tarangus.
It is exciting to see a J32B Lansen fighter model
kit in 1/48 scale from this new manufacturer.
The Saab 32
Lansen (meaning the Lance) was a two-seater, high transsonic aircraft
produced by SAAB from 1955 to 1960 for the Swedish Air Force (Flygvapnet).
This model
depicts the J32B Lansen, the all-weather fighter version.
The Flygvapnet
has long relied on foreign equipment for it's all weather
interceptors. However a special version of the Lansen was developed
to replace the aging J33 de Havilland Venoms that were serving as
all-weather fighters at the time.
The fighter
version of the Lansen received a more powerful engine (the RM6A, with 40%
more thrust), improved armament (four 30mm cannons replacing 20mm cannons
in the A32A) and improved avionics. The J32B was delivered to four
air wings, F1 in Vasterls, F4 in Ostersund, F12 in Kalmar and F21 in Lulel.
In active service, it was replaced by later versions of the J35 Draken.
After its
career on the front line, it remained in service with the Flygvapnet for
close to 40 more years. being used as a target tug (J32D) and for
electronic warfare (J32E). The J32 Lansen is nowadays an important
part of the Swedish Air Force Historical Wing, but it still occasionally
called upon by the Swedish government to collect radiation samples.
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This is a limited run kit from a
small manufacturer, so it is not of the same quality as Tamiya.
Having said that the detail
is good with recessed panel lines and well done detail throughout the
airframe. It comes with 2 ejection seats which are nicely detail and only
need the addition of seat belts or possibly pilot figures to complete the
cockpit.
The canopy comes in 2 parts to permit you to have the canopy open. The
cockpit detail is a tiny bit sparse and I think it is fair to say the
aftermarket companies are busy making detail sets for those people that want
to take their Lansen to a higher level of detail. But considering the
resin seats are well detailed and they take up the bulk of the cockpits,
this kit would build up quite nicely out of the box. It really depends
on what you are after in this hobby.
The canopy comes in 2 parts
which is perfect for having an open canopy, so that will suit the modelers
that decide to dress up the cockpit with additional detailing.
Markings
I don't know what is is but I
love aircraft wearing the triple crown Swedish markings. This kit
includes markings for 3 different aircraft including :
- SAAB J32B Lansen
32606 06 in
olive green with natural metal undersides. This aircraft is based at
F4 Froson in 1968.
- SAAB J32B Lansen
32582 42 in
olive green with natural metal undersides. This aircraft is based at
F12 Kalmar in late '60's before it crashed in 1969.
- SAAB J32B Lansen
32570 06 - F4 in
olive green with natural metal undersides.
The 11 page instruction
booklet is on glossy paper and full of well drawn ling drawings.
For paint, the instr uctions list the
paint colours as generic colours, but the main colours are Olive
Green and natural metal, so
you can use pretty well any line of paints that you prefer.
I'm pleased to see this new
release from Tarangus,
they are doing a wonderful job catering to the modeller with a passion for
Swedish aircraft.
A list of retailers that carry
this model kit can be found on the Tarangus
website.
I would like to
thank Tarangus
for
providing me with this product sample.
Steve
Bamford
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