Aviaeology
1/72, 1/48 & 1/32 - 245 Squadron "Sharkmouth" Typhoon Markings
Sheet Number: AOD32003A & B, AOD48003 and AOD72003
Reviewed by  Rob Booth, IPMS# 37548

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MSRP: $19.99
Website: www.aviaeology.com/

I purchased two sets of these beautiful markings in 1/48 and 1/32 as soon as they became available. I first became aware of Aviaeology late last year while reading an article in Military Aircraft Monthly magazine regarding Canadian Typhoons. The article provided illustrations of a late war Typhoon with shark mouth markings on the nose. It was awesome, and I had never seen it before. The Tiffie is a natural canvas for a shark mouth with that huge round intake below the prop.

Picking up on a teaser in the article, I visited Aviaeology's website and began digging. After emailing them, I was assured that the decal sets were in fact, close to being completed, and they would let me know when they would be available. True to their word, I was notified of an early "private offering" of a limited printing with free postage.

[review image] The markings arrived in the usual decal packaging, a zip-lock plastic pouch. Also included are very clearly laid out black and white instruction sheets with the usual short history and reference photos for two subjects. First, of course, the shark-mouthed mount of F/L H.T. "Moose" Mossip and S/L Tony Zweigbergk in early 1945. Options are provided for 245 Squadron Typhoon Mk Ib MP 197 (MR*U) with or without the shark markings. A second option is provided for 245 Squadron Typhoon Mk Ib SW460 (MR*Z) "Zephyr Breezes" as flown by F/F Geoff Murphy in April-May, 1945.

A close look at the sheets reveals clean, crisp markings with just a slight, but consistent carrier film overlap at the edges. The colors appear correct (if you can say that about a WWII subject), and stencil markings are clear and very readable in both 1/32 and 1/48 scale.

The real secret to the value of these sets, (aside from the excellent decals themselves) though, is your ability to link to the Aviaeology website to download a printable full color PDF file of the instruction sheets. The live links to aftermarket accessories, references, etc., that are embedded in the instructions PDF are a great touch for those looking for such things. I really love the ability to put these instructions up on my large HD monitor to reference as I'm working. I wish more manufacturers would take this cue, and provide such on-line resources for us. Check their website for other excellent decal sets of Canadian WWII and other subjects, as well as their excellent line of publications.
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I'm looking forward to this build of a 1/48 Hasegawa Typhoon MkIb (Kit No. JT 60 with some modifications) using these markings and the Quickboost Typhoon Cannon Barrels set I reviewed previously. Aviaeology also recommends the MDC kit (#CV32007) for 1/32, and the Academy kit (#1664).

Review decal sets gladly purchased by me, but thanks to Alison at Aviaeology for the early bird special that included free postage.