Academy 1/48 Mirage IIIR

[Stikpusher]

Actually, this kit was originally molded by Fujimi, and cloned by Academy, is 1/50 and not 1/48 scale, and I modified it into a IIIRD variant. I started this for the FSM “Weekend Madness” GB, but came up short. Most likely due to me adding things like the rest half of the engine and landing gear wheel wells (empty holes in the kit). As well as a new IP and bang seat in the cockpit. Decals were cobbled together from various sources in my stash to show a Mirage IIIRD of EC 3/33 in the early to mid 80’s. I completed 90% of the work within the 48 hour limit of the GB, but still needed a few extra hours to complete this. The final results are ok, but show lots of evidence of rushing.















I added the afterburner section from an Eduard Mirage III that I am replacing on that kit





and I added the nose Doppler radar bulge from an ESCI kit that was in my spares bin. I also scratched up new nose probes and modified the shape of the kit pitot tube. This kit camera windows were more empty holes, so Krystal Klear was used for the windows





and posed with my ESCI 1/48 Mirage IIIEA to show the scale difference



Thanks for looking... my first completion of 2018... woohoo!!!

[speedgraflex]

[BlackSheep214]

Nice!

[Stikpusher]

Thanks for looking and commenting Bruce and Blacksheep. It’s very much appreciated.

[KSaarni]

Good stuff Stik!

The Mirage III is such a beautiful, and I guess by now, also iconic!
Love the paintwork !

Interesting the 1/50 scale.. standing ”alone” would be probably impossible to see it, but standing to another M3, then indeed.


- Kari

[Stikpusher]

Thanks Kari. It blends in well enough next to my other 1:48 jets on display, but next to an actual 1/48 Mirage, the difference is quite apparent.

[Handiabled]

That is terrific work for one weekend! With all the scratched together items you added it would have taken me forever.. Nicely done sir!

[Stikpusher]

Thank Handi. Well, I made it to getting the point of being ready for the flat coat in the allotted 48 hour time span. I still had to do that, paint the tires, remove the canopy masking, and get the last few delicate parts and gear doors attached. So close, but no cigar....

But all in all I’m happy to have it done. If I had fine tuned everything, I’d probably still be working on this one too...

[tempestjohnny]

Stik that came out great.

[mostrich]

Well done, Stik. It always amazes me what one can make out of 'em old kits.

No kit left behind!