RAAF 76 Squadron Mirage IIIO and Atar 9C Turbojet

[Leo Wayne Kerr]

Thought I’d post my first serious modelling attempt, Revell’s infamous 1/32 Mirage III. The model portrayed is A3-40, a Mirage IIIO of 76 Squadron, RAAF with an Atar9C engine on a change out trolley.

 

For those in the know, 76 Squadron’s aircraft were camouflaged late in 76 Squadron’s life and carried a clean, satin finish; hence the absence of heavy weathering.

 

The kit was supplemented with the following aftermarket bits and pieces: -

• Fisher cockpit and Mk4 ejection seat;
• Eric Galliers’ R530;
• Revell, Flying High and AeroDecal Decals
• SAC landing gear.

The following items were scratch built: -

• Vertical stabiliser (the kit tail is incorrect and shows up with tail flashes applied);
• Pitot tube and air data sensors;
• Wheel wells and well covers;
• Various air scoops, vents, IFF antenna, cannon suppression rings, ground mapping radar and air brakes;
• AIM-9B sidewinders and rails;
• Engine tailpipe and afterburner flame bars;
• Landing lights;
• Access ladder.

The Atar 9C turbojet is built from the following components (both modified to match the correct dimensions): -

• Matterhorn Circle (M-C) Afterburner and tail pipe;
• Compressor and turbine section from the kit engine (heavily cut and shut).

The engine stand is 100% scratch built using Evergreen strips and aluminium tube.

 

It took about two years to complete. After completing the decals, I took it out to the shed for the final satin clear coat and went to make some adjustments to the bench position. For reasons beyond me, I reefed the work bench up, tossed the Mirage across the shed and inflicted serious damage to the nose, canopy and wings. Four weeks and a shed full of expletives later it was safely tucked away behind glass.

 

 

 

 

Regards

 

MD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[LSP_Kevin]

Hello MD, and welcome aboard!

 

 

Unfortunately your images aren't showing.

 

Kev

[Leo Wayne Kerr]

Standby; this is doing my head in.

 

MD

[Plasticsurgeon]

I like it!!! Although not being a jet-fan, I'ld like to build a baremetal Mirage with French markings one day.

[LSP_Kevin]

Well, now I can see the images, and boy are they worth the wait! That is one excellent Mirage MD. I'd love to publish it on our website if you'd permit me.

 

Kev

[Out2gtcha]

Now the pics are showing! Great job! I really like the unusual Mirage camo..............very cool.

 

 

The MC Atar 9C engine is a lil work of art. I had my copy for a long time before being engaged by a fellow LSPer and trading it for 3 sets of Moskit exhausts, an OOP mid-wing George, and a scratchbuilders N1K1 conversion for it.

 

 

Great job on the Mirage, it really turned out stellar!

[Leo Wayne Kerr]

LSP_Kevin, thanks. I'm new to the concept of image posting - missed a crucial click on Flickr.

 

No worries re publishing.

 

Regards

 

MD

[LSP_Kevin]

No worries re publishing.

 

Thanks MD. I just need your full name so I can credit the article properly.

 

Kev

[Leo Wayne Kerr]

Out2gtcha,

 

Thanks. The M-C kit is pretty smick. I tossed the corrugated brass and used corrugated scrapbooking cardboard, but other than that, it adds suberb detail to the tail end.

 

MD

[dutik]

Wonderful!

 

I have one kit in the stash but not the guts to tackle it. So I know you went a long, long way to come to this result! It's a beauty!

 

Regards!

- dutik

[shaky962]

Amazing job!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations

[Pete]

A fantastic job mate, bloody well done

[Guest Peterpools]

MD

Welcome aboard.

Nice way to break the ice with your gorgeous Mirage. Outstanding work all the way around

:thumbsup:

[Whitey]

Wow, stunning models MD.

 

My only query is your choice of green. It might just be the photo effects though. What paint did you use?

 

Congrats on a great build.

[mywifehatesmodels]

I'm not into jets and certainly not the Mirage, but WOW! this is a great build!

 

John

Edited May 23, 2013 by mywifehatesmodels