zhizhou

I would expect the undercarriage of a Mirage IIIE to be different from the undercarriage of a IIIC. They had to be redesigned on the IIIE in order to carry the tactical nuclear bomb. I think the differences are documented in the DTU book series Tome 1 and Tome 2 and also the new EM37 Mirage IIIC, Mirage IIIB/BE books. EM37 are due to publish a book covering the Mirage IIIE this coming autumn. The IPMS(UK) Mirage SIG has not had any conversations with other modellers or the interested public that suggest the Kinetic kit is under scale. Is there evidence that the Kinetic kit is defective or is this just hearsay based on comparisons of different kits and different subject versions ? Surely the height of undercarriage oleos is going to differ depending on the weight carried by an aircraft being measured. I would expect an aircraft with no fuel in its tanks and no stores under the wings or fuselage to sit higher than an aircraft that has been fuelled and is loaded with tanks and weapons. Do all kit manufacturers obtain data of oleo's bearing zero weight and oleo's bearing maximum load weight. How would they work out which oleo to replicate ? I have yet to make a standard Mirage IIIE from my Kinetic kits but I will be happy to do so when I get bench time for them. I'll be happy to display them on the Mirage SIG tables once I have one completed. Zhizhou

For Jag undercarriage wheel bays and airbrake bays I use Humbrol 81 (yes enamel, which seems to be much harder to buy at present) Pale Yellow with a thin black/brown oil wash. I use Humbrol 33 with a dry brush of Humbrol 147/56 for the cockpit. Hope this helps Zhihzou

@Giorgio N I have not tried to match the Italeri Nesher/Dagger nose to the Kinetic kit but I think it is an option that would work. I would expect both noses to start at the same panel break point. I expect that some trimming, filling and sanding would be required to achieve a successful blend. Another 5F nose option would be a resin nose from the old Fonditure Miniatures kit, again another kit boxing that is well out of production.

Zaire used two nose types. They purchased some aircraft which used the very pointed Aida ?? nose but France also took some of its Mirage 5F from their squadrons and delivered them to Zaire to help Zaire make a start with its Mirage fleet whilst Dassault manufactured the original Zaire order. Libya used the Aida nose version and also the standard IIIE but named it M5DE. Abu Dhabi/UAE did the same calling theirs M5AD and M5EAD. Antarki Models produced a resin Aida nose in 1/48th scale but I think that is out of production now. High Planes Models / High Planes Hobbies based in Singapore produce a range of resin Mirage accessories including the Aida nose. They cover 1/72nd, 1/48th and 1/32nd scales however they do not always produce every accessory in all three scales. But their website is worth a look. As Exdraken highlights in the previous post, the III/V/5 is an subject which requires much research to obtain the information required for the specific variants you want to add to your collection. My recommendation is to obtain a copy of Aviation Classics issue 17 which is dedicated to all 55 variants of Mirage / Kfir . Aviation Classics also produced a magazine titled Special Operations. This features an article on the Zaire Mirage 5s. Pages 102 and 103 show both nose types in use. The French 5F retained the Armee De L'Air camouflage, the original Zaire Mirages were painted in the two tone pale / dark greens. Try their site at www.aviationclassics.co.uk

Kinetic kit K48052 includes the nose and decal options for the Argentinian Dagger aircraft. The Argentinians purchased from Israel a number of the Israeli Nesher aircraft which they refurbished and modded into their Dagger. The Israeli Nesher was manufactured by Israel after France embargoed the sale of the Mirage 5J. France kept the Mirage 5J and renamed them Mirage 5F. But essentially the Mirage 5F, Nesher and Dagger are the same aircraft with minor variations for aerial fit etc. The kits available that could be used to make a Mirage 5F, Nesher or Dagger in 1/48th scale are all based on Kinetic moulds, K48052 covering some of the South American air force operators, K48056 which is 2 in 1 offering for the Israeli Nesher single or dual seater (note only one model can be completed!) and the Wingmans Mirage 5F kit, reference number escapes me. Italeri also reboxed their 1/48th Mirage kit with decals for Mirage 5F, Nesher and Dagger. The Italeri decal sheet is nice but I would not bother with the kit because of the work required to make it accurate. Whichever Kinetic kit you choose, the kits will provide you with a good rendition of the real aircraft..

Great work, that is a superb Elkan. As said above, the colours and subtle weathering look spot on. Cheers Zhizhou

That is a very nice collection. The Revell kit gives a fine looking Mirage. Superb work. This quartet of Mirage would look great on the Mirage60@2021 big display at SMW2021 (if SMW is possible this year !!) Thanks for sharing them Zhizhou

Simply superb. Lovely subject. represented by the best of modelling. Zhizhou

I have to agree with all the previous comments, the work undertaken for your build Patrick has resulted in a first class replica of the Mirage IIIB. Well done, you have set the bar high for those us still making this model. Cheers, Zhizhou

Nice to see the Kfir in this ATAC scheme. You have built a fine looking Kfir. cheers Zhizhou

That is one stunning Thud. An superb paint finish. Great work Cheers Zhizhou

Two lovely Lightnings. The 74 sqdn Tiger is stunning. Thanks for sharing them with us. Zhizhou

Thanks for sharing your build with us, it is a cracking finish you have achieved. Might have to buy one of these kits. cheers Zhizhou

That is a cracking Drakken, nice to see it wearing Finnish markings too. A great model. Zhizhou

Very nicely done. The ESCI/Italeri Mirage 3 turns out a good looking Mirage. Thanks for sharing it with us. Cheers Zhizhou

@Work in Progress, one French and one Israeli NMF scheme. Lets hope the decal sheet suppliers see an opportunity to produce a sheet or two for this kit. The original SAAF NMF 816 with the red flash down the fuselage and red tail spring to mind. Cheers, Zhizhou

Excellent Mirage 2000. You have done a great job with the Kinetic kit. The Taiwanese colours look great. Thanks for sharing your build with us. Zhizhou

Thanks for sharing your Mosquito with us. You have produced a great build and a marvellous Mossie, the PRU Blue scheme suits the Mosquito. Cheers, Zhizhou

Very nicely done Chris148. Your Mirage looks great..

Thanks for sharing your terrific trio Heather. The camouflage schemes on all three looks great. Zhizhou

Hi Work In Progress, I have used the IIIB decal set twice with no problems whatsoever. I made 13-PN too with the Heller kit. I was pleased with the resulting model. It often gets displayed at UK model shows (although not this year) on the French Air Forces SIG displays. I also used the set to make a camo EC 02/02 Cote D'Or aircraft, 207 2-FJ. I can't share any images as my models as the photos went down the drain when PhotoBucket pulled their stunt a few years back. I have seen IIIB models at French model shows which have used the Berna set. In all cases, these models model were better finished than mine. I would take a shot at your planned project if you can purchase a decent sheet. Hope this helps Zhizhou

Another fantastic Mirage from your bench Martin. You are on a roll. I'm glad you had the patience you overcome those decals, your Blackbird is a winner. Cheers, Zhizhou

I shall look forward to this arrival, back ordered on big H. Cheers, Zhizhou

What a wonderful Etendard,. It is nice to see one of these built up. I think your build is great and the Gunze colours look spot on. Well done for mastering the KH kit. cheers, Zhizhou

That is one superb looking Dagger. Lovely paint finish and subtle weathering. Well done Malcolm, your time and effort have been rewarded with a superb model. Cheers, Zhizhou