1/48 Mirage 2000

[Gary Brantley]

The model is the Monogram 1/48 Mirage 2000, the instructions are dated 1986. I built the kit somewhere between '93 and '95. It had never been photographed at all until last Tuesday's photo session at the Cameron Airport. When it was built, I had very little experience with weathering and wear on aircraft and most attempts were not that good. As my meager skills in that part of the art grew, I felt better about newer builds and sort of looked down on my old efforts. Maybe, even after I started using digital cameras to record my planes, some older builds never got any consideration. I'm trying to change that attitude now.

The paint was Model Master camouflage gray and a custom-mixed blue (tried to match a blue I'd seen in pics somewhere), both enamels, done with my Paasche H and an ancient, pulsing ol' compressor that made an horrendous noise. Originally it carried two Exocets but I robbed one for my CSAF Mirage F-1 and used the kit-supplied drop tank in it's place. I did add some gee-gaws to the cockpit that look okay still.

The Mirage deltas are sexy beasts, and from some angles (3/4 view from front?) have a somewhat predatory look about them. All in all, she turned out better in pics than in person. I guess she's held up okay over the years. Thanks for having a look! Gary
























The end:

[Stikpusher]

Ya gotta love the Mirage family... such beautiful birds! And as always Tex, yours' came out so nicely here!

[Stuart]

I wish my builds came out that nicely - lovely work Tex, it's a beaut!

[CallSignOWL]

very nice!

[Gary Brantley]

Thanks dudes and dudette! I have to say that simply posing the models in their natural setting makes them look better than they really are. Mine can sure use that help too! I'm glad you like her; I'm glad now that I took the Mirage out for pics. I want to have a photographic record of all my planes even those that are "not worthy". I still have some other planes that need to go to the airport. And yes, some (uh, most?) of them are Monogram kits too. Surprised? Didn't think so...
Gary

[BorgR3mc0]

Nice to see a Mirage.cI have seen the fly at airshows loads of times. A great sight with a lot of noise. For such a successful aircraft they do not get build that often.

[Gary Brantley]

Thanks Borg! Ya know, I've been to several airshows here in Texas but I've never seen a Mirage in person.

[Gary Brantley]

I really like Mirages and yours in a beauty as usual. That color scheme looks great on that airplane.

I can certainly relate to your feelings though. I had to force myself to put a build on my site that I'm not happy with anymore...and I finished it less than a year ago. I think you're right about documenting though. It's a great way to show how you've grown, so my take is to be proud to show those you're less than excited about...especially if you think you're more recent stuff is better. No one just starts out building masterpieces...no shame in showing off your improvement.

That being said, I think you're being a little hard on this one. It's really nice.

I appreciate that Jim! Aren't we glad for digital photography though? Even if most of us have nice 35mm SLRs languishing in closets somewhere...

[BorgR3mc0]

Nice to see a Mirage.cI have seen the fly at airshows loads of times. A great sight with a lot of noise. For such a successful aircraft they do not get build that often.

Thanks Borg! Ya know, I've been to several airshows here in Texas but I've never seen a Mirage in person.

They are not that exotic overhere on continental Europe. The French AF is always proud of they equipment and visit quite a lot of shows.