Hi guys! Welcome to a new build thread.
This time I’ll be building Kinetic’s Mirage IIIEA in 1/48. I read there were fit issues with the wings and other parts, but I think that, with some persuasion, I will be able to submit this kit into completion.
I’ll be using a set of Aerocalcas to represent FAA’s Mirage IIIEA I-008 with the big ferry fuel tanks. I believe they carried 1300 liters of fuel.
Scheme will be in light grey overall with a black nosecone. The IRL pic shows the aircraft really dirty, but I won’t be weathering it. The scheme will have a grand total of 5 decals.
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First steps on the Mirage, wings built. Now to go for the cockpit.
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Cockpit done and some weight added to the front of the fuselage. The cockpit is drying as I write, so when I come back to the plane tomorrow, I’ll install in into the recesses of the fuselage.
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All taped up while the glue cures.
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Hard with him. I tried the IIIEE and had to cancel it. It literally flew out the window.
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The first option was the ESCI/Italeri kit, less detail and less parts, but easier to build, the only issue being the weak landing gear and poor wing/fuselage fit.
I always liked the look of the Mirage. Very similar to the Century Series F-102 / F-106.
Looks like you are off to a good start.
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Seams filled, now to paint!
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The Mirage has been painted! Now I’ll let everything set before I apply the decals.
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Decals have been added! Turns out that 48011’s shade is really similar to the light grey I used. So, to solve this, I grabbed a brand new, fine tipped brush, and painted over the decals with a darker grey. I personally think they came out nice. Now, to wait for the decals to set before matt varnishing.
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With the Mirage varnished to protect the decals, I set on to add the landing gear and the nose gear cover. This part was the worst fitting part of the kit, with huge gaps. These were filled with Vallejo Plastic Putty and some scrap plastic.
The nose gear was added before gluing the nose cover, and the main legs, a very loose fit, were also glued.
So far, the price I paid doesn’t translate into quality.
And with the ferry fuel tanks added, I’m able to call my Mirage IIIEA from Kinetic finished! Not the best fitting kit out there, and for the price asked by the brand, it should be better. Much filing was done to get the wings to fit. However, it’s the only modern tooling of this beautiful French aircraft, so there aren’t many kits to choose from other than the ESCI/Italeri kit.
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@Sturmovik Looks like you did a good job with it. I had to look closer for the markings, but surprised there are no national insignia, at least that I can make out from your photos.
It has markings! They’re low viz though, and were even more low viz before touching them up in a darker grey!
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@Sturmovik Oh sure, I did see those low-vis markings. I see something right under the cockpit, but I can’t make out what that is. But what I’m talking about is a modern day roundel. Could be that this aircraft simply didn’t carry such a marking. In any event, I’m not trying to knock your build. It looks great. And you did a good job overcoming the fit issues you described during the build.
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No roundels on this one, they weren’t planned for the real aircraft nor the Fightinghawks. Maybe the F-16As will carry them. We still have a long way to go before year’s end.
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Your Mirage turned out great! I’ve always liked the Delta winged aircraft. Nice job.
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Thanks Tom! The I think all French aircraft are very elegant machines, even their ugly bombers. I’d like to buy more Mirages in the future too!
