Great news on the first kit in 1/72 from Tarangus – not only
the choice of a Saab J 29A/B Tunnan but the fact that the kit is now available
from hobby shops..
New release from Tarangus - the flying barrel in 72nd
The first kit in 1/72 scale from Tarangus is something of a
local flavour – the very popular Saab J 29A/B Tunnan is complete and the kit is
now ready for shipping to hobby shops worldwide. This kit will have the same
fine detailing that Tarangus has been known for. It comes with markings for
several aircraft in Swedish Air Force markings as well as for an aircraft
serving with the United Nations in the Congo during the 60's.
The J 29 Tunnan was
the first European fighter which could match the F-86 Sabre and Mig-15 for
performance. The bulky Ghost engine gave the airplane its round shape, which
earned it the nickname “Flygande Tunnan” (“The Flying Barrel” in English). It
first flew in 1948, piloted by Bob Moore, a former RAF pilot, who after the
first flight said “On the ground an ugly duckling but in the air a swift!” The
Tunnan stayed in service until the early 1970′s. The last years it served as a
target tug. It was also exported to Austria.
The aircraft that our first attempt in the 72-scale
represents is an aircraft of the first two variants. The J 29A and J 29B only
differed in internal fuel volume, had a non-afterburning engine and a wing that
lacked the saw tooth of the later versions. The J 29B also served as part of
the Swedish Air Force unit that was sent to Congo in the 1960s.
Tarangus also tell us that the JA37 Viggen in 1/48 scale
should be ready by the end of September – so start small and make your way up
the scale I suppose – what about a 1/32 Viggen as well??