Hi everyone, I would like to build a Mirage III in 1/72 scale with IAF markings . Looking through my aircraft magazines and books , i’ve found reference’s as to the Mirage IIIC in service . However the hobby stores around Sydney only have in stock , Hellers Mirage IIIE/R and Academy’s Mirage IIIR available in 1/72 scale . From what I’ve been able to figure out so far is that the E version engine intakes are set slighlty further back than the C version . So did the Israeli Airforce ever use the Mirage IIIE or the IIIR [Reconnaisance] versions , similar to what Heller and Academy are offering . Kind regards Helo 53
From memory, the IAF didn’t use the IIIE or R variants.
However, they did use the Mirage V (or a derivative of) named “Nesher” in IAF service. The Mirage V was closely based on the IIIE design, with the most obvious visible difference being a longer, more slender nose, with the pitot tube relocated from the tip of the nose to a location just below the tip.
Further evolution of the Nesher, when mated with the GE J79 engine in place of the Atar 09C, produced the Kfir series.
Hasegawa and Italeri produce a number of Kfir variants in 1/72
EDIT:
Actually, the forward fuselage on the “E” was lengthened by insertion of an extension behind the cockpit, giving the appearance that the intakes are set further back.
Thanks Phil ; I have Hasegawa’s C-2 and Italeri’s C-7 Kfir in my stash to build . Actually I’ve managed to buy over the past couple of weeks a T-6G Texan,Dassault Mystere, A-4E/F Skyhawk,F-4Eand RF-4E Phantom II , F-15B ,F-16A and B Vipers ,E-2C Hawkeye . Also a series of helicopters , OH-58D, UH-1N , CH-53D ,UH-60A ,AH-64A ,AH-1S . So I thought I would only need a Mirage to round off my collection.
The IAF used the Mirage IIICJ and there a quite a few good kit of that mark in 1/48. However if you’re looking at 1/72 then you can really dress your kit up nicely with a Martin Baker Mk.4 bang seat from Pavla, which usually retails for about $5.
Cheers
Thanks also Darson , I’ll keep an eye out for the IIICJ version in 1/72 scale . I’ve been browsing the net for info on kits and images of Israeli Aircraft and I came across some pic’s of IAF Supermarine Spitfire MK IX and the P-51D Mustang . I’ll have to check out the local hobby stores on those two aircraft , hopfully with Israeli markings included .
AML (short run) and PJ Productions (resin) also have 1/72 IAF Mirages. You can probably find both in online stores. According to the reviews I have read (including some in french magazines, so they should now there stuff) the PJ kis is the best Mirage kit.
Hi! Eduards make a Mirage III cj, but is in 1/48. I´m looking forward to build one in Argentina´s Air force markings, but the kit is a little expensive.
Is the datail good in the kits in 1/72??? because in 1/48 the heller and academy kit are a shame o.o.b.
regards
Jeremias
Hi el_jere , yesterday I bought Academy’s F-15E Strike Eagle in 1/72 scale. Looking in the box ,I thought the kit looks pretty good . It has two choices for the engine intakes , nice afterburners and a good selection of weapons . there’s only one set of USAF makings , so I’ll have to search for Israeli markings for my kit . At $19.95 AUS I thought it was good value .
Helo 53
SS decal no. 72-220 is…Israeli national insignias–20 badges plus kill markings. badges for the Mirage, A-4,F-4,C-130,F-15,(?) Noratlas and Fouga Magister.
Brian
Thank’s Brian , I’ll check out Squadron.com for those decals you kindly mentioned ; Last night I came across ISRADECALS web site ,but unfortunatly they are out of stock of their 1/72 scale Helicopter sheet . So I guess I’ll keep searching . The Italeri CH-53D came with Israeli markings as did Academy’s AH-64A Apache ,also Airfix’s F-15A/B , Hobbycraft’s F-16A/B Viper , Hasegawa’s IAF RF-4E [including a nice metal external refuelling probe] ,Academy’s T-6G texan, Hasegawa’s and Italeri’s Kfir’s all came with Israeli markings . As for the F-4E Phantom II and the A-4E/F Skyhawk , I had some Spare Israeli decals from an old Airfix F-4 Phantom kit and Fujimi’s TA-4J/F kit has a set of Israeli markings I was going to use on my Italeri A-4 kit . I just finished masking the F-4E and A-4 , I’ll start airbrushing this afternoon.
Has anyone seen the HistChan Dogfight’s episode about
the Israeli MustangIII pilots fighting Arab Migs?
This Israeli pilot was totally bragging about how he intentially
pulled out of formation, then told his airborne commander that
he was flying East, instead of West so that he could engage a
couple of Migs that were hitting guys on the ground. Their mission
was to protect the ground forces, but this guy was apparently
more interested in being able to paint a couple little airplanes
below his cockpit insignia, without any friendly “interference”
I have never heard of such brazen unprofessionalism and ego
from a combat pilot in all my research. And he was proud!
Anyway, a bit of a rant, but I just remembered it when I read
the thread title, and thought I’d see if anyone else saw this episode.
Helo 53, prior to you spending money ,if you want, I can email you a copy to see if this would actually meet your build needs. I’ll be going through my binders later but off-my-head that prev noted /72 ss sheet and decs for a /48 H-53 on the only Isreali markings that I have.
Brian
Hi again Brian , Early today I was browsing Squadron.com and saw they had listed a series of Sky Decals for Israeli aircraft .So I ordered F-4 Phantom sheet , E-2C Hawkeye sheet , F-15 Baz , IAF First Aircraft[S-199,Spitfire,P-51D] and Israeli Helicopters sheet ; covering all the helo kits I recently purchased . So hopfully within a couple of weeks I’ll receive all the decals I’ve ordered. Thanks everyone for all your help , Kind regards Helo 53