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1/48 Mirage IIIBZ resin conversion


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Hi guys,

For a long time the only option to build a 1/48 Mirage IIIBZ, was to use the old and rather basic Heller Mirage IIIC/B kit. It is an old kit and was state of the art back in the day. Sadly, the Heller kit's plastic is rather soft and has raised panel lines, which are lost easily with sanding joint areas, making rescribing necessary. Some parts are warped as well, making even more work. In it's defense, it has a very accurate shape and lines, and in the hands of a skilled and determined modeler, can be turned into a masterpiece. Many modelers have the kit in their stash, hoping to maybe build it in a natural metal finish scheme, but just put it back in the stash at the thought of all the work. Another option is to kitbash the Heller kit forward fuselage onto the Hobby Boss or Eduard kit, but again it's a lot of work, but with great result if you get it right. I have come up with an easier solution, and decided to make a conversion set, using the Kinetic Mirage IIID as a base, and it worked out well. This is serves as a great host kit, being modern and well detailed, needing only a couple of parts to convert to a IIIB. Here are some pictures of the masters and a work in progress test assembly.

 

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Ejection seat from the Kinetic Mirage IIID before and after modifying.


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Cheers,

John

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