Mirage 2000D; EC 1/30; DreamModel 1:72
Mirage 2000 is a French, 4th generation light fighter developed in late 1970s as a replacement for Mirage III. It later evolved into modernised fighter variant 5F, trainer B, as well as strike D and nuclear strike N. Over 600 were built with considerable export success.
Deliveries to the French Air Force began in 1983 and the aircraft was incrementally improved over the decade including more powerful engines, radar etc. The last Mirage 2000 was delivered in November 2007 to Greek Air Force and the production line shut down.
Along with the single seat fighter variant 2000C, Dassault also developed several two seat variants. 2000B was developed first as a fighter trainer, followed by 2000N. Main difference between the two versions is strengthen fuselage for low level ops, modern radar with terrain following and modern avionics. Main mission of the 2000N was nuclear strike, with a normal load of ASMP medium-range nuclear missile, two fuel tanks and two Matra IR missiles for self-defense.
Dassault later developed 2000D from the N – the long range precision strike fighter armed with conventional weapons. The avionics suite was basically the same but the aircraft carries precision strike weapons like LGBs, SCALP and APACHE missiles and is able to self-designate targets will ATLIS II and Damocles pods. First 2000D took off in 1991 and 86 were ordered by French Air Force. Since then, 2000Ds participated in many French operations including the Balkans, Afghanistan, Syria, Lybia, Mali,…
Every year at the beginning of summer, Slovenia organizes a multi-national JTAC exercise called Adriatic Strike. Participant JTACs train on several ranges across the country covering different terrain profiles from lowlands to forested hills and Alpine terrain. Of course JTAC exercise would be rather bland without aerial support so our base hosts visitors from different countries each year and Mirage 2000Ds of the French Air Force were the most exciting this year for sure. Mirage 2000 is arguably one of the prettiest jet fighters out there and they are HOT especially while in the air. When I found out DreamModel includes the decals for one of the birds that participated and after the two-ship final tower flyby, I just HAD to build it.
I took these photos during the exercise.
The kit
Having built the Modelsvit 2000C, I would pick theirs D as well, if not for a specific reason. DreamModel comes with Tigermeet decals for the exact aircraft that we hosted at our airbase in June. So I picked it up and since I decided to build it “in-flight” right away, as that is when the Dassault’s Delta really shines, additional details Modelsvit kit would provide were of no concern for me. The build is pretty straightforward with a few hiccups along the way, but the fit in general is pretty good. As it is a modular kit, with several different options, care must be taken to choose to correct parts for the specific version. Also the attachment surface of the fin tip is rather small and I knocked it off quite a few times. The painting instructions call for light grey lower surfaces which is correct for 2000N, however 2000Ds have a wraparound green-gray camo. Decals are printed completly flat and I was affraid of the silvering however I went for gloss coating atop of already glossy Mr.Paint lacquers, then polishing, decals treated with decal solvent solutions, another coat of gloss and after that satin and decals appear painted on without any silvering. All in all a rather pleasurable build.
The good:
– good engraved surface details
– relatively easy to build
– 2 3d-printed AASMs included
– Decals, if treated properly, look painted on
The bad:
– too simplified in places
– poor cockpit details
– no option for open cockpit
– missing engraved detail like lower airbrakes
– wrong painting instructions
– 2000Ds don’t use AASMs
Model Data
Company: DreamModel / DM720022
Scale: 1:72
Aftermarket: Reedoak French Mirage pilots, Eduard GBU-49
Paints used: Mr.Paint
Camouflage: MRP-040 Gunship Grey FS36118, MRP-110 Dark Green BS.641, MRP-139 Olive Drab
Metallics: MRP-008 Duraluminium, MRP-147 Burnt Iron, MRP-148 Exhaust Metal,
Other: MRP-004 White, MRP-173 Tyre-Rubber
Well done, Sebastijan! I’m a big Mirage fan and like this one a lot. I’ve never heard of Dream model.
Thank you very much, John!
DreamModel are a Chinese company that's been in the market for a few years doing mainly aircraft and ship models, I believe.
Difficult to say which photos are showing the real one and which is the model, Sebastijan @inflames
Excellent build, especially considering the 1/72 scale.
Great stand as well.
Thank you, John! That was my intention!
That is a beauty! I may have to pick up a Dream Model kit - looks pretty sharp.
Thank you, Greg! If I would be building a more detailed build, I'd pick Modelsvit kit, but for inflight purpose and with included decals that I needed, DM was the right option for me.
Great results . Well done.
Thank you, Kostas!
Beautifully done Sebastijan! Lovely looking Mirage and a great stand.
Thank you, Vic!
Nicely finished! I have an affinity for all things Slovene. My grandparents emigrated to the U.S. from Slovenia!
Thank you, hvala, Chris! Oh that's nice! If you wanna talk about anything Slovenia, feel free to send me a message!
Nicely done Sebastijan @inflames , great pic's of the real thing and the model.
Thank you, Allan!
Absolutely gorgeous, Sebastijan @inflames.
Thank you, Felix!
A beautiful presentation, Sebastijan!
Among the best Mirage 2000s I have seen completed in any scale. Very fine paintwork and surface detail. Absolutely flawless work on the decals, including numerous stencils. Your careful approach and persistence with the unusually flat decals really paid off.
Wonderful result, Sebastijan!
Congratulations!
The photos of your model in flight are what really stand out n my mind Sebastijan @inflames . Followed by the the Air show photos. They compliment each other. A informative article with sharp clear photos. Well done.