Rafale M2 in F1 standard (early version)

Martin baker seat , not much details and no harness, but it will be enough for 1/72 

The finished cockpit. Again, not many details, but the rafale cockpit is very narrow and is predominantly black. I did not use the decals, as they were not realistic. I painted the screen with dots of colors and a layer of clear green, then i applyed a glossy varnish coat (only on the screen).  

Seat integrated in the cockpit (note the high angle of the seat, designed for the pilot to better handle high g) 

Top view of the cockpit, I really don’t understand why they did put the pedals, as they will be well hidden in the completed build 

Cockpit integrated in the upper fuselage and HUD added 

After priming, the primer color is very close to the real color.  

Front view, just because this plane is amazing 

 

Finished painting the main color and shadings 

After painting the details 

Decals applied 

I applied very thin layers of the base color over the decals (after applying a matt varnish) to blend them in, and painted "thicker" coats on the roundels and MARINE decals to represent the weathering seen on refernece pictures. I also added a bit of color modulation. Next step : panel line. 

I encountered a lot of problems during varnishing and unmasking of the canopy, but here we are !
Now I just need to finish the missiles and external tanks 

Magic 2 and Mica EM missiles. Painting in white for the first time was quite an experience. Note that the Mica IR (provided in the kit) was not usable on the F1 standard (no IR targeting system in the nose). Also, in this early standard , only air to air was possible 

Finally finished !  

Top view 

 

And it's done ! 

My favorite view ! 

 

My little collection ( the P-40 is in 1/48 scale)