Revell 1/32 Mirage

A poster here a couple of weeks ago said this long missing kit has been re-released in Europe. I see in Hannant's latest e-mail add that an outfit called "Plane Bits" has released a resin and etched metal detail set for this kit. It states that the ejector seat included is a Martin Baker Mk.6. I was always of the understanding that the Mirage III were built with M-B Mk.4 seats and later upgrade versions of it as the French had purchased a production license for the Mk.4. First question is does anyone on here have any experience with this "Plane Bits" outfit and their products? I have always maintained that the ejector seat was the biggest weakness of this kit. I have 3 Mirage III and two Mirage V kits on the shelf. My big restraint on construction has always been the hassle of having to scratch build the detailed "Bang Seats". Second, does anyone know of a list of Mirage III/V variants and the seats installed. I would guess the Swiss upgraded the seats during mid-life overhauls on their long serving ships, and maybe the Australians too. Any information would be much appreciated. I have always considered the Mirage one of Aviation History's beauties.

Bill Shuey

Reply to
William H. Shuey
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Hi Bill,

This kit is 30 years old, and it isn't a good model : really non accurate. You know I'm a Mirage lover, and I can tell you "to buils a real Mirage with this box is quite impossible"...

I'm going to work for now, but you can call me by PM if you want and I will answer to you tonight.

Cheers

Reply to
Flying Frog

Chris, How about a post with your points of what is wrong with the kit exterior. I know the interior needs a major rebuild and the kit gear and gear wells need up grades.

TIA Rick Clark MFE

Reply to
OXMORON1

Hi Rick,

The list of modifications to be made is very long, but to summarize:

- As you said it, the inside is totally wrong

- The fuselage, sight by top, should present a size of wasp (I do not know English expression), makes a shrinkage of it very pronounced at the back of the cockpit and which is only a little bit sketched on the kit.

- This problem provokes other one of it: to keep an almost correct length of wings in the scale, Revell had to cheat over the shape of wings, and it is really very visible.

- the cockpit isn't at its right place

- the tail is wrong

- etc...

To summarize, this kit is more an assembly) of parts rather boorishly molded, which can look like by far a Mirage III, but which, to become a true model of Mirage III requires a monstrous working sum. It is necessary almost to make everything itself.

Cheers

Reply to
Flying Frog

Thanks a lot. You confirmed what I thought. The decision is now "What can I live with?"

Who has the best/ most accurate plans?

Rick Clark MFE

Reply to
OXMORON1

Hi Rick, big problem : I have two really nice plans, very accurate, but my provider seems to have a lot of problems with aol users, and I can't post the 2 files to you :(

Do you have another adress please ?

Reply to
Flying Frog

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