Here is my final submission to this Group Build - not to stretch myself too thin here. 🙂 I figure this GB lasts a year, so I am hoping to source the appropriate decals for squadron markings and FAA lettering and otherwise paint the roundels, etc. in time to get it done.
Here are some pics of what I might do - I really like the FAA SEA-style colors and pale blue roundels.
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1. Note tail fillet here .
This is the OLD Revell kit, which I dreamt about owing as a kid but couldn't afford. I kind of like doing these with a certain nostalgia. It actually builds up very nicely from examples I have seen online - generally good shapes and quite fixable where off. And it's big at 1/32, the scale I prefer these days. This is obviously the recon version of the Mirage V boxing. It includes the lllE nose, though, as seen test fitted here.
In the same pic, you can also see that the clear parts are very transparent, flaw free and well-shaped. Unfortunately, the supplied tail fin in this boxing is not right for the lllEA.
But it is a separate part, so I can easily add a fillet, cut and shaped from sheet styrene. The tail shape is also a problem in "lllE" boxings of this kit, I think. My understanding is that the Revell kit is more buildable than Italeri's more expensive "E" (reboxed by Revell) but, of course, not detailed. Interior detail is my thing, so I can go to town on this - the Martin Baker ejection seat is particularly prominent and fun to do. BTW, I also have the Italeri Mirage lllC and will do that in Israeli colors one day. I love the Mirage, just haven't had time to complete one yet.
If anyone knows of any problems with using this Mirage V to build the IIIE please let me know. I guess I am most talking to you, Spiros, my friend, since you would have extensive knowledge of real Mirage aircraft variants. Your input would be really valuable. 🙂 I don't get tied up in knots about very small differences in the airframe but I would like to know if the re-engined V made for significant changes in the fuselage (width?). It looks like Revell re-uses the same simplified nozzle/burner can - which I would replace or detail anyway.
BTW, I might have an option to do the Dagger (IAI Mirage V) but I like the lllE nose better and only have the BR recon camera nose for the "5" anyway, so that would be a lot of surgery.
Here is the limited history I have gleaned from the Net so far. The Daggers saw more direct action in bombing runs but the IIIEAs went up against Sea Harriers when acting to lure them away from the strike aircraft (58 sorties). They might have been quite formidable adversaries to the British if they weren't limited to five minutes of air combat over the target before needing to turn for home. Of those that saw action, one was lost to a SHAR Sidewinder and another was damaged by another SHAR before being shot down by Argentine AA while attempting to land (friendly fire).
