DesTROYers two Kinetic 1/48 Mirage IIIO's

[DesTROYer]

A few weeks ago I started on these two Kinetic Mirage IIIO's. I could not decide on what scheme I wanted to do so I decided to do two at once A3-2 and A3-45. Assembly went well with only a few issues with clarity in the instructions. Today after finishing major assembly last weekend, I started painting. After a rough start getting the white to go down smoothly, I finally got a decent result and managed to get the orange down too, on A3-2.








I seem to have bent the Pitot tube. I'll have to fix that in the morning.

Also I painted up A3-45. This was much less of a trial than A3-2.








Between coats, I also painted up some of the bits that hang under the wings.








Still got a lot of touch ups and work to do, but its all coming together well.

[tor lives]

Looking really good mate. I especially think the "Fanta Can" scheme looks great.
You are a model-making "machine" young Troy, and an inspiration.
I hope, once I leave Qantas in a few weeks, and establish some kind of "normal" existence, that I can get a few of my many half-finished model projects complete.
TOR

[hrtpaul]

Looks great man. The nose on A3-2 looks really nice

[DesTROYer]

Thanks guys.
I've changed some things today, and they're getting closer to being ready to clear coat.










The MER I was going to use is not going to do the job. So it looks like I'll have to scratch something up.

[Adam the Akrodude]

Hey Troy

You're really hooking into those MIracles! Two at once - brilliant! Many years ago I got to sit in the "Fanta Can" Mirage at ARDU. A mate of mine gave me the Cooks tour there - got massively drunk in the Airmens Mess that night too (pay day!). Got to jump in the 111 as well. The Mirage has such a tiny cockpit - like a race car. Pilots must feel they are literally strapping on a set of wings - plus a bloody big engine behind! The 111 felt like climbing into the cab of a truck in comparison - huge aeroplane. The last Mirage I got to see flying was the "Fanta Can" at RAAF Laverton (mid-80's) - the very last air show there prior to the base stopping flying activities there. Anyone else go to this air show?
Out of interest, both the ARDU Mirage and the 111 sported sheep skins on the seats - how Aussie is that!

What do you think of these Kinetic kits? Checking out both Andrew Perrin's build at AMI and yours, the panel lines seem pretty thick and deep. What's your opinion of the kit - does it go together OK? Italeri looks like releasing a 1/32 IIIC in the near future, so I will most likely hang out for this. Hopefully this may lead to a IIIE or perhaps AM bits will appear to convert it to a IIIO down the track.

Cheers

Adam

[DesTROYer]

Adam, thanks. Besides some minor fitting issues around the wings and one or two clarity of placement issues in the instructions, I'm pretty happy with the Kinetic kit. Yes the panel lines can be a bit deep, but as I seemed to apply the paint on a bit thick on A3-2 (Damn gloss white), this isn't as bad as it seems and still looks great on the grey bird. These builds are mostly OOB, with the exception of the Pitot tube and back wheels.

For some inspiration, watch this https://m.youtube.com/watch?list=PLmd8N8VaGH9Sf9asnDULOPFW3kxZMTfSL&v=tR7eFaeJQ4s

[DesTROYer]

I had to scrap the ARDU MER plan and instead moved the Matra to A3-2. After watching a video last week on some 79 Squadron Gunnies at Butterworth re-arming Mirages back in the 70's I decided to change the load on A3-45 too. This required me to scratch up a new centre rail.


Started up measuring, drawing and refining the idea on paper, then cut strips of plasticard, glued them together, sanded, scribed and countersunk screw and rivet holes until I got what I wanted.







Close enough, I think.


Glued it in place.




Ready for the clear coat.


And sealing has begun.

[tor lives]

Nice progress Troy, and really good result with the scratch built weapons pylon....... very impressive indeed!!!
TOR

[DesTROYer]

A3-2 is now marked up. Had an issue with the tail flash on the Rudder actuator side that will require more attention, but its looking ok.

[tor lives]

Very cool. I love the colour-coordinated Matra R530
TOR