SAAF Mirage F1AZ, 1 Squadron 1980's
The decals is in a surprisingly good condition for a 37 year old kit. Edit: The decals disintegrated when trying to use them, time has taken it's toll on them.
The wheel wells are designed for the Kitty Hawk model, but will make it fit here.
The Eduard PE set has some nice detail for the air brake bays, so will have to scratch build the bays first.
The wheel wells are a bit bigger for this kit, but it's ok. Still looking a lot better than the kit's wells.
The Res/Kit exhaust nozzle is a bit too small for the kit, it was designed for the Kitty Hawk model.
The ScaleWorx exhaust nozzle isn't bad and fits nicely, but will use the Res/Kit one as it's more detailed.
Added some riveting as the kit has none.
Air brakes and air brake wells completed.
Completed the wheel wells first because once the wings are in place it will be difficult to get to the main gear wells to paint.
Added a HUD.
Inside of canopy painted and masked.
The two fuselage pieces joined.
The air intakes were rounded in the corners.
More filling and sanding needed.
Primer applied.
Ready for a gloss coat before decals.
The print on the decals is misaligned, will have to paint these.
A build wouldn't be complete without me breaking something...in this case the starboard missile rail.
I had to make my own ejection seat handles as I broke the originals, and they then disappeared into the carpet never to be seen again.
Opmerkingen
47 23 May 2021, 18:42
Gary Kitchen
Following along. I'm hoping to get to a CZ at some point, so lots to learn. The wheel wells turned out a treat. Great work there. 👍
Following along. I'm hoping to get to a CZ at some point, so lots to learn. The wheel wells turned out a treat. Great work there. 👍
2 June 2021, 13:24
Slavo Hazucha
Wow, introducing an Esci kit to the 21'st century! Top improvements, a real gem in the making 👍 love the engine details...
Wow, introducing an Esci kit to the 21'st century! Top improvements, a real gem in the making 👍 love the engine details...
23 August 2021, 07:09
Gary Victory
Really lovely build so far. It goes to show you can still get a great finish out of an old kit. Top work Sir. 👍
Really lovely build so far. It goes to show you can still get a great finish out of an old kit. Top work Sir. 👍
13 September 2021, 06:35
Celliers
Thanks Gary, Arif, Flight & Jos. She's on hold now as I wait for decals to arrive from South Africa.
Thanks Gary, Arif, Flight & Jos. She's on hold now as I wait for decals to arrive from South Africa.
16 September 2021, 18:31
Gary Kitchen
Fabulous work. Just revisited the entire series of photos. awesome 👍
Fabulous work. Just revisited the entire series of photos. awesome 👍
18 January 2022, 06:39
Celliers
Thanks all for the comments. It was a fun build, I have a few more in the stash and the next one will be a SAAF Mirage F1CZ low viz scheme.
Thanks all for the comments. It was a fun build, I have a few more in the stash and the next one will be a SAAF Mirage F1CZ low viz scheme.
23 March 2022, 20:49