Scale Plastic & Rail

Sharkmouth Typhoon

Aviaeology – “Sharkmouth Typhoon"

No: AOD32003

Available Scales: 1/72, 1/48 & 1/32  (1/32 reviewed here)

Sheets: 2

Aircraft represented: 2 different aircraft in 3 different schemes (+ 1 bonus serial number for alt. pilot)

RRP: $19.95USD + Postage (very reasonable postage rates I hasten to add)

Limited Run screen printed decals

 

Canadian Decal / Book/ print makers Aviaeology have come up with a great set of decals for your 1/32nd scale Converted Revel/Paragon or MDC Typhoon kit- called “Sharkmouth Typhoons".

I have reviewed the 32nd scale kit here, but this set is also available in 48th and 72nd scales. The only difference except that scales size is that in 32nd the sheet is printed on to two sheets instead of one.

This set covers two different aircraft in three different schemes (plus a bonus serial number for a different piloted plane) they are....

• Typhoon IB MP197 as aircraft MR•U of 245 Sqn., 2 TAF, RAF 1944/45 as flown by H.T. “Moose” Mossip (Canadian) and Tony Zweigbergk (British).

• Typhoon IB MP197 as aircraft MR•U of 245 Sqn., BAFO, RAF 1945 (immediate post war markings)

• Typhoon IB SW460 as aircraft MR•Z Zephyr Breezes of 245 Sqn., 2 TAF, RAF 1944/45 as flown by Geoff Murphy.

• Alternate serial SW560 provided for aircraft MR•Z Zephyr Breezes.

Although there is a little conjecture about these markings Aviaeology has done a great deal of due diligence in the research of the schemes presented on this sheet.  They have included a really useful four page instruction sheet with the decals - these go into great detail about the way they ascertained colour and the finer details of each aircraft - both thought to be the only sharkmouth Typhoons in the air at the same time during the war.

Evidence of photos by the RCAF photographer Mike Burns has been poured over by the Aviaeology guys with the assistance of Flight leader Geoff Murphy and Typhoon historians Chris Thomas ,Brian Musson  whose input was vital. There was a whole discussion it seems that was raised in Model Aircraft Monthly magazine by Chris Thomas  as to the colour of the ‘sharkmouth’, whether it being red or not. Some say it isn't as the warmer red tone would look darker than the yellow on the prop. To me personally seeing what was in the magazine and my limited knowledge of colours and paints I think that red is a colour that fades the faster so it may look lighter than it would if it kept in top condition on the old photographs. The whole point being though the guys at Aviaeology have worked very hard to as accurately represent these two Typhoons as closely as possible. I really like the description of the decision of colours in the research process of these decals - it gives a very human touch to an often dull reasoning of the validity of one side or another of aircraft history research. Before this sheet was released, I never knew they even HAD any sharkmouth Typhoons, but always wished they HAD!

One interesting thing I did notice that impressed me as well was the pre-order for these and other decals that Aviaeology do. If you took the plunge and ordered before they went on sale, Aviaeology paid the postage - which is great if you are from overseas, it's a great incentive that due to the relatively cheap(ish) postage rates for letter size packages , I wish other companies followed suit. Neat!

Also once purchased you can download a coloured printable PDF for your home use - another great feature.

The sheet comes with many airframe stencils and very clear instructions ON the decal sheet as to where the chequered band on the tail of the aircraft is to be positioned (helps to know before you start)

While the roundels and letter codes on the kit are in good register and very clear the pin-up decal of "Zephyr Breezes" could be a little clearer, but this is nothing that cannot be fixed up with a little touching up with a very fine pencil.  (i do think that its that way on the actual plane anyway) This is the only fault I can find with this otherwise lovely sheet of these two much anticipated "Tiffies" I think it's a great sheet that has really inspired me to get my finger out and start on my MDC Typhoon.

Overall 9/10

Adam Norenberg

http://www.aviaeology.com/Model%20Decals/AOD003/aod32003.html