SAAF Dassault Mirage IIICZ in 48th scale by Hobby Boss. Kit no. 80315
My second South African Air Force build was the Mirage III CZ by Hobby Boss. Not a bad kit!
The aircraft I modelled is no. 800, which is today the last airworthy Mirage IIIC and is operated by the SAAF Museum and stationed at Zwartkops airfield, Pretoria. Its civil code is ZU-DME “Black Widow” and it currently has a stunning black and gold paint scheme.
During the War in Angola the aircraft was part of 2 Squadron and flew numerous sorties from their base at AFB Hoedspruit.
Underwing stores on this model are 500 litre fuel tanks and Khukri AAMs.
8 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Craig Abrahamson said on January 30, 2018
Nice-lookin’ build, Ray – neat photographic effect on that background as well..:)
Ray Theron said on January 30, 2018
Thanks, Craig!
Morne Meyer said on January 30, 2018
The SAAF Mirages had the best looking camo scheme that was applied to any Mirage!! Well done Ray. She looks nice!!
Ray Theron said on January 31, 2018
Thanks, Morne!
david leigh-smith said on January 31, 2018
Some nice mean and moody lighting for a black widow. That’s a special Mirage, Ray with lovely photography.
Ray Theron said on January 31, 2018
Thank you, David!
david leigh-smith said on January 31, 2018
You are welcome. I think that came scheme is really difficult to get right in scale but you’ve nailed it. Great eye.
david leigh-smith said on January 31, 2018
You are welcome, Ray. I think that camo scheme is really hard to get right for ‘scale’ but you’ve nailed it. Great eye.
Ray Theron said on January 31, 2018
Thanks! I did it freehand, which is always dicey! A rivet counter will no doubt find fault with it, though 🙂
Dirk Derks said on January 31, 2018
Hello Ray,
Excellent build. I did read (just above) that the camou was freehand. Tahat makes it even more fantastic. Was the SAAF happy with their Mirage?
regards, Dirk / The Netherlands.
Ray Theron said on January 31, 2018
Thanks, Dirk. Yes, the Mirages were well loved and served the SAAF from 1962 to 1990, when they were replaced by Saab JAS Gripens.
Marc Barris said on January 31, 2018
Man, this is nice, I love the paint job, Mooi, Post more, I am still in the Congo, and I am having withdrawal symptoms from a lack of building, I am due to get home next week. Baie Mooi.
Ray Theron said on January 31, 2018
Moerse dankie! I can only feel for you. Let’s hope the week passes quickly!
Rob Pollock said on January 31, 2018
Very nice presentation, Ray.
Ray Theron said on January 31, 2018
Thanks, Rob! Pleasure to be friends with you, too.
Greg Kittinger said on January 31, 2018
Very nice Mirage! Only SAAF plane I’ve done was a Mirage F.1, but have a Cheetah in the stash calling my name…
Ray Theron said on January 31, 2018
Thanks, Greg. I have yet to do an F1. Will probably get down to it this year, as I managed to get hold of an ESC 48th kit on eBay for a lot less than the modern Italeri version, which I was going to order. It’s a 1984 kit, so may have some challenges! I want to do a Cheetah as well. The only other SAAF kite I have built so far is a Gripen, which I need to take decent pics of so I can post them here 🙂
Robert Royes said on February 1, 2018
Very nice!!! great job!
Ray Theron said on February 1, 2018
Thanks, Robert!
Gary Wiley said on February 1, 2018
Very nice Mirage, and the photography really sets it off. Great job Ray!
Ray Theron said on February 1, 2018
Why, thank you, Gary! Very kind of you.