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In-Box Review
Saab Lansen Shark Mouth
Decal that replicates the Shark Mouth discovered on Lansen A32A, 32061.
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by: Tim Hatton [ LITESPEED ]

Background:

A couple of Swedish Air Force volunteers, Jan Mogren and Anders Nylén were strolling around the apron of the home of the Karlsborg Air Wing F6. They made an interesting discover amongst the parked aircraft. One of the Lansen A32A's, 32061 to be precise had the remains of a shark's mouth painted on the starboard side of the forward fuselage. This was quite a discover as there were no photographic images of the 32061 sporting the rather fine set of dentures. The two men were understandably very excited and sought permission to replicate the mouth on the aircraft. This was given, but the paint had to be non permanent and 32061 was not allowed to leave the hangar until the mouth was erased.
There was no sign of any shark mouth markings on the port side. The painter presumably did not have the time to finish the job. Also Swedish Air Force high command opposed any sort of aircraft decoration.

Contents:

Inside the zip tied bag is:
-1 x decal sheet.
-1 x sheet with background, instructions and photographic images.

The small water slide decal sheet has the rather large mouth in one piece, the fuselage and tail codes and the aircraft fuselage number for 32061 as well the Air Wing F6 crest in the form of a Griffin. As the sharks mouth continues around the lips of the engine air intake Maestro have wisely not tried to include this area on the decal. It is much easier to paint this area yourself. The quality of the decals looks very good with excellent colour depth, registration and minimal carrier film. They look similar to the kit decals from the Tarangus 1/48 Saab Lansen and they responded extremely well to Microsol.
The instruction sheet has a colour illustration of the port side of the aircraft providing information about placement of codes, crest and the red painted area where the air brakes are located. There is a colour image of the restored sharks mouth that will help placing the decal mouth. There is also a black and white image of 32061 with the remains of the original sharks mouth.

1/72: Saab Lansen A32A, 32061
Designed for the Heller 1/72 Lansen.
Ref no: MMD7206
Price: TBA

1/48: Saab Lansen A32A, 32061
Designed for the Tarangus 1/48 Lansen.
Ref no: MMD4806
Price: TBA

Conclusions:

This is a very welcome release from Maestro Decals and will certainly add interest to the rather drab upper surface colour of the Saab Lansen. The sharks mouth has to be one of the most impressive I have ever seen on an aircraft. Nice on Maestro Models.
SUMMARY
Highs: Good looking decals, great bit of research and available in two scales.
Lows: None
Verdict: Highly recommended, a must buy if you have either scaled Lansens in your stash.
Percentage Rating
95%
  Scale: Other
  Mfg. ID: See text
  Suggested Retail: See text
  PUBLISHED: Apr 10, 2012
  NATIONALITY: Sweden
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 90.86%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 90.78%

Our Thanks to Maestro Models!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Tim Hatton (litespeed)
FROM: ENGLAND - NORTH WEST, UNITED KINGDOM

Aircraft are my primary interest from WWll to present day.

Copyright ©2021 text by Tim Hatton [ LITESPEED ]. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AeroScale. All rights reserved.



   
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