Piero Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 Hello, Here is my Mirage 5 BA in BAF No. 8 Squadron as part of the 3 Wing at Bierset during late ‘80s. The Mirage 5 BA was optimized for ground attacks and was in fact a version of the Mirage IIIE as used by the French Armée de l'Air but equipped with less sophisticated avionics. KIT The model is based on Italeri Mirage IIIE/R in 1/32nd scale. This kit is good in size and shapes. Details are generally good but sometimes are a bit poor especially panel lines due the shared molding with the IIIC kit. CONSTRUCTION I found a little bit confusing the Italeri instruction sheet, it could be due the common parts with the IIIC kit. To convert the IIIE kit into a 5 BA I had to change the following airframe parts: · Replaced the IIIE radome with a longer and pointed radome: started from the resin part made by Renaissance Model I had to reshape the contour, re-scribe all the panel lines and re-done the triangular big vent under the radome. · Modified the ventral canoe with arresting hook: I modifid the plastic part of the kit instead of using the resin part; · Added an ECM package at the base of the vertical fin: I used the resin part made by Renaissance Model; · Added an ECM fairing above the rudder: I made this part was from scratch; · Added a chaff&flares launcher under the rear fuselage: I used the resin part made by Renaissance Model; · Added and air scoop on the left side of the rear fuselage: I made this part was from scratch; · Modified the Instrument panel: I modified the plastic part and decals; · Added the small intake and a couple of aerial blades under the nose: I made this part was from scratch. Other than the modification listed above I had to add more details using aftermarket as a resin ejection seats, resin wheels, resin ATAR 9 exhaust, resin LAU-32 rocket pods. I made from scratch the ventral pylon, the rocket pod adapters and the FOD for air intakes. I added some details such as hydraulic pipes and electric lines into the undercarriage bays, undercarriage legs and cockpit tube. The pitot tube is turned metal set from Master. I tried to add some missing details around the fuselage: · Panel lines under and above the fuselage; · Fuel drain points and intakes; · All the aerial antennas; · Cannon’s barrels. A couple of Mk.82 retarded bomb where donated from the Academy’s F/A-18 kit. COLORS & MARKINGS I choose to do a BA in wraparound scheme of the ‘80s. The BA48 took part in a secret air combat training with the RAF Harriers based at Gütersloh in April 1982, so the pilots of the 3 and 4Sqn could prepare themselves for air battles in the imminent Falkland conflict with Argentine Mirage IIIEA and Dagger. Other than the 8 Squadron badge on the vertical tail the BA48 spotted a 1 Squadron badge (zapped, I presume). Paints were from the acrylics lines of Gunze and Tamiya. Squadron markings, serial numbers and stencils are from DACO and Renaissance Model decal sheets for the BAF Mirages. Some RBF tags were added to finish the model. And now some pictures of the completed model. CIAO! Piero 32 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James G Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 Very nice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Romel Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 nice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paramedic Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 Fantastic build and I absolutely love the paint scheme, looks real nice with that dark underside. And you have pulled it of very well. Thanks for sharing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FatFlyHalf Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 (edited) You certainly know your way around that aeroplane! Wonderful. Edited October 23, 2017 by FatFlyHalf Spelinge agin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davmarx Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 I love the Mirage 5BA and you did a really nice job, Piero. Ciao. Davide Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerrardandrews Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 Very nice, in fact, superbly made 😊 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
replicant Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 Its a beautiful model, your mirage!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dolphin38 Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 Beautiful work Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mirageiv Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 Wow, that is one to aspire to. I think the best BAF Mirage I have seen yet, fantastic! Did you do anything to the panel lines? I don't have the kit yet (have a few planned) but they look very scale and well done from where I am looking. cheers, David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ForestFan Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 Excellent job, I wish I could produce something as good as this! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankie Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 TOP JOB !!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modelling minion Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 Stunning Mirage beautifully finished in one of my favourite schemes. Very well done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scarlet Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 Excellent! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buzby061 Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 Great job of one of my favourite aircraft. Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevej60 Posted October 24, 2017 Share Posted October 24, 2017 Outstanding build and finish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rotaliscia Posted October 24, 2017 Share Posted October 24, 2017 Really nice Piero! As always, from your hands. Would be good to have some more photos, with a better light. Look forward to admire the model live soon. Ciao! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lightning88 Posted October 24, 2017 Share Posted October 24, 2017 Awesome build - looks excellent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danntheman Posted October 24, 2017 Share Posted October 24, 2017 Brilliant model, I envy your talent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Giorgio N Posted October 25, 2017 Share Posted October 25, 2017 Fantastic model Piero, bravo ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piero Posted October 25, 2017 Author Share Posted October 25, 2017 Hello, thank you very much for your kindly comments!!!! Here a couple of pictures of the model before the painting stage: I hope to take soon some better pictures of the model with the right light. CIAO! Piero 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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