Tarangus

1/48 SAAB J32B Lansen fighter model kit

Product # TA4802

Product Article by Steve Bamford on Mar 14 2014

 

 

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.

 

Click on images below to see larger images

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 instructions 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

Click on images below to see larger images

 

      

Photos and text © by Steve Bamford