Swiss Delta. Mirage IIIS.

[mirageiv]

Hi guys,

 

Here is the 1/72 Modelsvit Mirage IIIE converted to Mirage IIIS specification of the Swiss Airforce.

 

For full details on the modifications done check this BM WIP IIIS thread here. The kit itself has some crazy details for this scale but can be a bit tricky to work with when modifying because everything is rather small, overall a nice one though. 

 

I used Alclad for the paints and required two attempts at it due to my daft ideas. I tried focusing on replicating the contrast between the varied panel tones and matt-ish finish of the wings compared to the more reflective fuselage and fin. I attempted to add some sort of wear and grain to the paint as the plain fresh Alclad looked a bit off by itself, it mostly looks ok in the flesh if a little overdone in bright sunlight. Still, it's no foil. 

 

I used Matterhorn decals which were very good, probably the most important aspect for me was that the film was super thin so it vanished into the NMF. 

 

I made 'J-2305', one of the very early Mirage IIIS deliveries and displayed it as was during the 60's before unit markings were applied on the fin. Unfortunately I managed to loose one my the Maestro Aim-26B missiles but I loaded the other anyways (lets pretend its awaiting the second missile :D) , I'm hoping Eduard Brassin comes to the rescue! 

 

The irony with this model is that whilst being the smallest one on my shelf, it took by far the most work! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for looking and hope everyone is ok!

 

David 

 

 

Edited May 31, 2020 by mirageiv

[Booty003]

That is spectacular, something very special indeed.  Those first two photos could actually be a real aircraft - no better compliment available.

 

Stunning work buddy, just stunning.

 

Phil

[dolphin38]

I do like the Mirage and that is absolutely stunning, very hard to believe its 1/72. Brilliant 

[Giorgio N]

Fantastic model, very realistic. Great job!

[Cookenbacher]

I'm so glad to see this one finished, it is the best metal finish I've seen David, stunning.

[Moggy]

Fantastic modelwork!

 

AND excellent bare-metal job.

 

Besides a Mirage model is in itself high art

 

Cheers, Moggy (admirer of Mirages of all marks & models)

Edited May 31, 2020 by Moggy
typo

[Baldy]

Super looking Mirage David - beautifully done indeed!

 

Cheers

 

Malcolm

[noelh]

Despite your struggles you've got the natural metal look spot on. The Mirage III is a very elegant jet.

If you managed to photograph it against a typical Swiss mountain backdrop you couldn't tell it wasn't real.

[Avgas]

That's a stunning finish!

[Lightningboy2000]

Absolutely stunning. Without mentioning scale, that could be anything from 1/32 up to the real thing. 

I really must learn how to use alclad properly!

 

Martin

[Wulfman]

Beautiful build and superb natural metal finish, this is great modelling !

 

Wulfman

[CT Modeller]

Now that is how you do it. Excellent

[djos]

THIS IS BEAUTIFUL!

Natural metal finish achieved like this in 1/72 is masterpiece.

Great looking Mirage

Best regards Djordje

 

[billn53]

I’m speechless! Well done, sir.

[SAT69]

The most beautiful metal finish I've ever seen and that it's on a Mirage III just makes me day!

[Andy Dyck]

Hi,

unbelievable that’s 1/72 scale. You have done a perfect job I would say . A superb Alclad finish! The 2. picture from above looks absolute perfect from this view. Perfect photography that I like so much. 
Thx for sharing. 
 

Cheers Andy 

[exdraken]

Very nice model and photos

🥰

[F-32]

Lovely and shiny, that's a great version of a classic jet

[Shorty84]

Hi David,

 

I was already hooked by your WIP and your rollout continues to amaze. Hardly have I ever seen such a nice photography of a kit, it looks so "real". I especially like the photo during the sunset, very atmospheric.

 

There is only one word: SPECTECULAR

 

Cheers

Markus

[TheyJammedKenny!]

David, 

 

This is a masterpiece, and I'm speechless.  

 

Now I want one.  I don't need one, but I do want one now.

 

Alex

[russ c]

Superb !

[_alfisti_]

Outstanding work, looks simply perfect. Your outdoor pictures can be thought of as the real aircraft, especially the b&w at the beginning.

[At Sea]

Caught the atmosphere of the real thing beautifully.

 

I remember reading an Airforces Monthly mag in the 1980's, lead article was about the Swiss AF 'Defending Neutrality' and the jets looked just like that.

 

Astounding work.

[Vlamgat9]

That’s spectacular- well done

[WildeSau75]

Man, what a stunning model. I am Swiss and always loved the Swiss Airforce Mirages - you did it more than justice. congrats and hat off. I do have the kit too and will be happy if mine turns out only half as good as yours. Cheers, Michael

 

PS: for those interested - here a video of the real deal (IIIRS recce) flying in the Swiss alps: 

 

Edited June 1, 2020 by WildeSau75