1/48 Mirage 2000
Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2015 10:28 pm
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:
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:
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... 