LetLetLet ~ Warplanes

Let Let Let - Warplanes => Aircraft Modeling => Topic started by: draken35 on March 24, 2019, 08:01:55 AM

Title: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on March 24, 2019, 08:01:55 AM
Well yes, Belgian Mirage again!
I received the kit yesterday from Didier Waelkens (IPMS-Belgium) that asked me to build it and to make an article for KIT (IPMS-Belgium magazine).
Of course, I have to build it in the Belgian version  :-green
So, I'm busy with Mirage 5 on three different scale simultaneously... Funny...

For the Belgian version there will be some extra work to do; I will explain that during the building stages. First detail: the yellow paint on the tail is due to the participation of the aircraft in an ADAC exercise (aerial combat with aircraft of different types) - But the yellow paint was also present on the extremities of the upper surfaces of the wings (see my remarks on the instruction sheet)

The work will begin soon...
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on March 24, 2019, 08:23:05 AM
 :-clap :-clap :-clap
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: Second Air Force on March 24, 2019, 09:43:29 PM
Mirage heaven...…!!
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: modellius on March 25, 2019, 06:39:40 AM
good!
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on April 21, 2019, 09:40:46 AM
Now that theatre is finished, I'm back!

Well, as I did not received the instruction from IPMS-Belgium to build the kit "from the box" - that's impossible for the Belgian version anyway - I think I will do some extra work and have some extra fun...

First, the plot below the cockpit roof have to be removed; it will enter in the wheel bay...

Then some "hard" work is to remove the "caudal" element below the wings and to replace it by part 36.
....But part 36 is not corresponding to the Belgian version! The Belgian part is not so large.
So, I've decided to "cannibalize" both elements; removing the rear part of the original element and cutting the one of part 36.
I had to heavily sand that last one and work is not finished yet; I have to use miliput to make a correct element...
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on April 21, 2019, 01:47:47 PM
 :-clap :-clap :-clap
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: Second Air Force on April 21, 2019, 02:11:07 PM
Who can build "out of the box" on this forum!!! Good works and glad to have you back from what appears to have been a great theatrical production!
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on April 23, 2019, 07:13:06 PM
Thank you friends!
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on April 28, 2019, 11:19:44 AM
Miliput... A little hole is also filled. Of course, sanding will be needed...
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on April 28, 2019, 12:28:10 PM
Eastern... have a drink first ;)
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on April 28, 2019, 05:30:31 PM
Sure!
And before sanding I will have to make a minor correction: not enough Miliput on port side...
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: modellius on April 30, 2019, 01:34:12 PM
Huh,a lot of work mate,keep up the good job !
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on May 01, 2019, 03:24:02 PM
Thank you ;)
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on May 02, 2019, 06:50:49 PM
Caudal element sanded. Result is better than the one showed by the photo... I've also added a FLIR dispenser and the decking stick...
...I'm crazy... :-joke :-joke :-joke
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on May 02, 2019, 07:45:20 PM
 :-eek ... 1/144
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on May 02, 2019, 09:41:20 PM
😁
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: modellius on May 12, 2019, 11:02:22 AM
Amazing !
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on May 23, 2019, 07:56:47 PM
Today I've sanded the air brakes on and under the wings: too thick! On actual planes, there are same level than the wings surface.
Long work, uneasy due to the size of the aircraft but result looks good for me!
At that scale, the decal for the air brakes will we enough...
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on May 23, 2019, 08:15:28 PM
For that scale so good!!
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on May 23, 2019, 08:24:13 PM
Thank you my friend!
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on May 25, 2019, 03:52:25 PM
The tail of that particular Mirage 5 is from the "late" type so I will have some work to do to represent that.
Evergreen is used to scratch elements and a drop of cyano is put on the top of the tail to fill a little gap due to fixation to the sprue
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on May 25, 2019, 08:42:04 PM
Tail "modernized"  :))
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on May 25, 2019, 10:07:21 PM
And precise saw day, I also cut something with such tool :))
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on May 26, 2019, 07:23:06 AM
That tool is really important for modelers...
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: modellius on May 27, 2019, 06:04:37 PM
excellent job mate !
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on May 27, 2019, 06:31:37 PM
Thank you !
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: Second Air Force on May 28, 2019, 12:04:14 PM
Modifications continue!
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on May 28, 2019, 01:42:41 PM
Yes Scott,  but not finished yet...
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on May 29, 2019, 09:56:08 PM
Next step: the little "louves" on the back of the aircraft. Too big in length (correspond to 1/72 scale); not big enough in volume...
Sanding; then new ones are created in a part of sprue/Evergreen and placed on the aircraft.
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on May 30, 2019, 03:21:44 AM
 :-clap :-clap :-clap
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on June 01, 2019, 07:27:07 PM
Thank you!
One little louve added again on port side of the fuselage.
I've also tried to make a more better MB 10 seat...
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on June 01, 2019, 07:31:23 PM
 :-eek :-obey :-clap
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on June 01, 2019, 08:41:04 PM
Thank you my friend
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: modellius on June 03, 2019, 09:27:28 AM
Superb !
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on June 03, 2019, 04:38:25 PM
Thank you my friend
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on June 04, 2019, 07:33:14 PM
Too lazy to make quantity of work today... Just a little add on the seat; the lateral consoles (not enough place to represent all the buttons...) and the nose; looks a lot better but still needing some miliput...
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on June 04, 2019, 08:04:39 PM
Painted instruments in that scale...
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on June 04, 2019, 08:15:19 PM
Painted instruments in that scale...

It's a challenge for me... ;)
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on June 06, 2019, 08:10:02 PM
Miliput for the nose to make a better one. Sanding will be needed of course...
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on June 06, 2019, 10:11:54 PM
Not much sanding need, if I can see properly
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on June 07, 2019, 05:36:55 AM
Just a little bit indeed...
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on June 07, 2019, 09:29:04 PM
Nose sanded. I'm happy with the result; you can see the difference "before/after"...
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on June 07, 2019, 09:57:39 PM
Smooooootthhhhhhhhh :))
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on June 07, 2019, 10:09:09 PM
 :-green
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: modellius on June 13, 2019, 12:38:45 AM
I'm speechless
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on June 13, 2019, 01:24:15 PM
😉
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on June 22, 2019, 10:07:15 PM
Inside the cockpit... Pilot'stick replaced; made from scratch and not finished yet
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on June 23, 2019, 12:24:36 AM
Not finished yet... just wonder how many parts you will add in this scale
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: Second Air Force on June 24, 2019, 04:28:43 PM
Wonderful!
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: modellius on June 24, 2019, 07:34:22 PM
Stunning !
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on June 25, 2019, 07:30:31 PM
Thank you friends!
Well, I have to scratchbuild the front of the cockpit; Belgian Mirages didn't had a cover to avoid too high temperature for some instruments. At 1/144th scale: lenght 3.5mm; large 3mm behind the instrument panels and 2mm in front of the nose. With instruments to be placed on it of course...
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on June 29, 2019, 04:18:05 PM
Before to continue the work on the cockpit, I've begun to resolve another big issue of the kit : the interior doors of the main undercarriage.
On the kit, there are closed (like the ones of an Albatros L39 by example).
...But the photos of the actual Mirages 5 show that those door are open the most part of the time (it's just the prudence that ask me not to say: all the time).
So, I've created new doors with Evergreen. Fitting looks good enough for me.
... Now, the hard job to do: to remove the kit's doors...
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on June 29, 2019, 06:43:18 PM
Well, after all of this modifications and details update, must ask you- you have Mirage 5 in garden?
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on June 29, 2019, 11:42:09 PM
Ah ah, no but I would like To....
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on July 01, 2019, 08:11:07 PM
Patrick Bouclans, a friend of mine who is THE specialist of the Mirage 5 gived me some informations about the closed doors:
Engine shut down and accus empty, the doors are open.
When the engine is on, the doors are closing themselves.
...But you can also close them manually...

...Anyway, I want the doors open on my aircraft!  :-green

So I have begun the work. Slowly, to avoid to damage the part. One door ready; must continue with the second one and then to make nice wheel bays...
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on July 03, 2019, 08:35:26 PM
Second door trap OK. I've reinforced with a plate in the interior. Work not finished yet.
I've also modified my arrester hook: I forgot the triangular metalic plates that protect the hook
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: Second Air Force on July 03, 2019, 11:17:00 PM
When you first mentioned these doors I immediately looked at some photos--you're correct to open them! This is just like the D model Mustang, the doors bleed open after the engine is shut down.
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on July 04, 2019, 05:22:36 AM
It look like this will be your best kit made last period :))
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on July 04, 2019, 05:41:49 AM
Thank you my friends.
Don't know if it will be my best kit made... I like the result obtained for the Dornier 27; and the Renard is still under construction... But sure it's one of the most corrected ;)
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: modellius on July 21, 2019, 08:44:12 PM
great work mate !
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on July 22, 2019, 05:46:03 AM
Thank you
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on July 23, 2019, 06:48:30 PM
I was unhappy with the kit'stick.
I was also quite unhappy with my first attempt to replace it
(see the first photo)
So today I removed the one in place and worked with stretched sprue...
...Looks better!  :))
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on July 23, 2019, 09:51:29 PM
Micromodeling :))
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: modellius on July 27, 2019, 12:08:11 AM
Amazing !
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on July 27, 2019, 09:06:00 AM
Thank you friends ;)
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on August 08, 2019, 11:54:04 AM
Internal door traps of the main wheels is completely done... Took me 1 1/2 hours...

...I think I'm really crazy...

Now, I'm envisaging to modify also the external door traps... Not sure but...  :-wch
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on August 08, 2019, 07:18:25 PM
All right, why don't you drink like all normal people :)) :-smey
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on August 08, 2019, 07:35:25 PM
All right, why don't you drink like all normal people :)) :-smey

Because I'm Belgian : only strong,  trappist beers.
...Helpful... 😁
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on August 08, 2019, 07:59:28 PM
 :-razz :-clap :-clap :-clap
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: modellius on August 09, 2019, 10:17:09 AM
So good ! Well done mate !
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on August 09, 2019, 08:54:37 PM
Thank you!

Some new work today... Some very little details but important for the belgian Mirage!
See on the photo 1 the difference...
And the external door traps are corrected (totally made from scratch)
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on August 09, 2019, 11:31:06 PM
Lovely!!
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on August 10, 2019, 08:43:13 AM
Thank you my friend
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: modellius on August 13, 2019, 12:00:27 AM
Superb !
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on August 13, 2019, 07:07:56 AM
Thank you ;)
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on August 13, 2019, 01:52:46 PM
White primer done
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on August 25, 2019, 05:06:54 PM
And rest is next :))
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: modellius on August 30, 2019, 02:23:00 AM
Great !
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on August 31, 2019, 08:46:02 PM
Thank you!
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on October 14, 2019, 10:30:22 AM
Seat is done; plus some little work on the lateral consoles (quasi inexistant on the kit...)
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on October 14, 2019, 11:13:59 AM
For that scale, excellent detailed seat!!!
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on October 14, 2019, 12:08:31 PM
Thank you my friend
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: Second Air Force on October 14, 2019, 12:10:44 PM
Great!!
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on October 14, 2019, 03:38:37 PM
Thank you Scott
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on October 20, 2019, 10:19:14 AM
Exhaust painted with AK Xtreme Metal "Steel" over a black base
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on October 20, 2019, 06:51:39 PM
Dream work!
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on October 26, 2019, 09:52:46 AM
First, the decal of the instrument panel is cut in two parts to be more easily placed on the plastic part. "Flash" must be removed yet.

...But a big problem is coming: the inside parts of the cockpit... Too long, will give difficulties to place the logement of the front wheel... And the pilot stick will just go... in the instrument panel! Not sure I can give it a better position...

I have to think before to act...
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on October 26, 2019, 10:20:28 AM
Amazing in that scale :-clap :-clap :-clap
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on October 26, 2019, 11:52:58 AM
Thank you.

Fitting of the exhaust and the inside of the cockpit in the half fuselages is cataclysmic.
I've had to cut the seat to fit with the canopy; just kept the back.
Canopy don't fit with the fuselage.
Interior bay of the forward wheel is not horizontal and misplaced due to the floor of the cockpit
Fuselage don't fit with the wings.
Too much is too much.
I've asked to IPMS-Belgium permission to stop that build...

Mark one realised nice little kit at 1/144, like the brewster Buffalo. But their Mirage is too bad.
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on October 26, 2019, 06:04:06 PM
After two good Belgian beers, I've tried to continue a little bit that bloody kit...
Lot, lot, lot of work remain to do... And the result will not be excellent anyway.
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on October 26, 2019, 08:14:38 PM
Just can imagine what would be after three Belgian beer :))
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on October 26, 2019, 08:30:44 PM
Just can imagine what would be after three Belgian beer :))

"The fly of the Mirage" ;)
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: Second Air Force on October 27, 2019, 01:19:38 PM
So much work in such a small package...….three Belgian beers indeed!
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: modellius on October 29, 2019, 11:18:20 AM
this is excellent mate, I see the beer did help  :)) :)) :))
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on October 29, 2019, 06:06:03 PM
Good Belgian trappist beer is always helpful...  :-tri
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on November 10, 2019, 05:24:49 PM
Still busy with that little... thing  :-wall :-wall :-wall

First photo: comparrison between the original nose for Mirage III and the one for Mirage 5, heavily modified by myself.
Then I've tried to give the illusion of a complete seat including in the cockpit a little part of plastic painted in khaki...
The Belgian Mirage 5 had also the particularity that the cover of the instruments in front of the instrument panel in the cockpit was removed, to avoid those instruments to become too hot.
I've removed the "cover" and represented the instruments with some plastic parts painted in black with some touch of grey to give a little bit of volume.
Finally the canopy is placed... And as you can see fitting is far from perfect...

...I'm really tired with that bad kit...  :( :( :(
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on November 10, 2019, 07:22:51 PM
This microsurgery is definitely not easy...
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on November 11, 2019, 07:26:14 PM
...Not easy at all my friend...

...But I'm still progressing: the "5 BA" nose is placed. Looks better like a Mirage 5...
I've also removed the canopy and put it in place again; this time with cyano and pressing the canopy against the fuselage (nothing to loose doing that after all): it's a little bit better now.

Lot of work remains to do...
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: Second Air Force on November 11, 2019, 10:54:04 PM
You're making all this work into a great build, and I'm enjoying your successful combat with the kit.
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on November 12, 2019, 05:36:48 AM
Thank you my friend
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on November 12, 2019, 09:35:52 AM
 :-clap :-clap :-clap
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: modellius on November 17, 2019, 07:20:04 AM
this excellent mate !
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on November 24, 2019, 05:31:00 PM
Thank you!

Today I've delimited all the ares where putty (miliput, Vallejo, Tamiya/AK, Magic Putty in function of the locations) will be needed with masking tape...
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on November 24, 2019, 07:37:24 PM
Lets hope finish will be smooth
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on November 25, 2019, 01:25:56 PM
Lets hope finish will be smooth

Well... I'm not sure at all...
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on December 08, 2019, 05:19:02 PM
Three different putties were needed: miliput; Vallejo white putty and AK grey putty... That need to be sanded of course.
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on December 08, 2019, 06:17:48 PM
At least, it is closer to painting ;)
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on December 08, 2019, 06:46:07 PM
At least, it is closer to painting ;)

Yes but before that I have to add some antennas and to add details in the wheel bays... And I will have few time for modeling until the end of the year.
Hope to begin painting in january ;-)
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: modellius on December 13, 2019, 01:36:03 AM
well, I cant find the proper words.... amazing my friend !
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on December 13, 2019, 05:38:05 AM
Thank you.  One of the most complicated build done...
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on December 15, 2019, 10:18:51 AM
Sanding finished...
I've also constated that the front wheel will be positioned a little bit too back from the actual location, due to the cockpit floor... No solution for that...
The hole I made on the rear is fully filled but two putties were needed.

Now I have to work on the wheel bays and to add two antennas on the top of the fuselage...
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on December 15, 2019, 04:19:18 PM
Just guess... on modeling competitions, are there reliable judge to realize all this effort to create authentic and nice kit?
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on December 15, 2019, 05:35:44 PM
I'm afaraid but no....
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on December 19, 2019, 01:46:48 PM
Still working hard on that kit...

First of all, some supplement of putty was needed on the junction between canopy and top of the fuselage... As you can see: miliput, AK grey putty, parfect plastic putty were needed!

I've also made from scratch the UHF and Tacan antennas (not present in the kit box) and made some work on the wheel bays.
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on December 19, 2019, 03:51:13 PM
Excellent!!
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on December 19, 2019, 07:31:47 PM
Thank you my friend ;)
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on December 20, 2019, 08:34:10 PM
Me crazy...

I've spent a half hour to realize the two little sensors in front of the cockpit... And to put them in place!
Then, two PE parts are used to represent some cables in the front wheel bay
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on December 21, 2019, 07:46:58 AM
 :-clap :-clap :-clap
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on December 21, 2019, 08:19:02 AM
Thank you my friend
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: Second Air Force on December 21, 2019, 01:36:23 PM
Such fine work, mate!
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on December 24, 2019, 06:34:37 AM
Thank you Scott
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: modellius on December 27, 2019, 06:03:46 PM
Amazing work !
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on December 27, 2019, 08:31:14 PM
Thank you Modellius!
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on December 28, 2019, 07:14:27 PM
Not a significant progress, but I've repainted the black "interior" of the canopy frame. The "putty phase" had damaged the paint...
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: modellius on December 28, 2019, 07:25:57 PM
small step but have to be done, nice work mate !
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on December 29, 2019, 08:16:59 AM
Thank you Modellius.
I want to finish that kit...
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on January 01, 2020, 03:20:32 PM
First base color revealed some defaults that needed for putty (again...)
I hope that all is OK now...
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: modellius on January 01, 2020, 03:35:55 PM
seems like a one more small step again, but you'r making an excellent job mate !
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on January 05, 2020, 07:18:59 PM
A new white primer base was airbrushed, then the yellow paint (AK Real Color).
Then, masking of the "yellow surfaces" and AK Xtreme metal Aluminium airbrushed...
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on January 06, 2020, 10:22:24 AM
What primer base you are using?
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on January 06, 2020, 06:47:37 PM
What primer base you are using?

Simply Gunze white...
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on January 11, 2020, 05:47:16 PM
White primer airbrushed again; with the correction of a default on the yellow of the starboard lower wing... Yellow must be airbrushed again of course
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on January 11, 2020, 06:06:15 PM
Is there any problems to lose panels?
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on January 11, 2020, 09:42:47 PM
Is there any problems to lose panels?

No, I'm just correcting a default in the yellow paint
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on January 12, 2020, 05:56:49 PM
Corrected ;-)
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on January 12, 2020, 06:22:12 PM
 :-clap :-clap :-clap
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on January 19, 2020, 08:25:01 PM
Yesterday, I've airbrushed Dark Tan (AK Real Color RC225)...
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on January 19, 2020, 08:25:39 PM
...And today, first masking phase
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on January 20, 2020, 05:39:52 AM
Masking is this scale... !!!!
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on January 20, 2020, 05:47:35 AM
Masking is this scale... !!!!

Yes... took me à long moment...
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on January 21, 2020, 08:28:00 PM
Real Color RC 083 airbrushed...
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on January 22, 2020, 04:39:52 AM
Real Color do look real, after this I will take a look better on their products.
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on January 23, 2020, 06:01:09 PM
I'm really satisfied with those paints. Easy  to use with airbrush, very fast drying and smooth finish
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on January 23, 2020, 07:00:26 PM
New masking phase...
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on January 23, 2020, 07:04:29 PM
Dark green Real Color RC342 airbrushed...
And all the masks are removed!
Just a minor correction needed (see red arrow)
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: Second Air Force on January 24, 2020, 12:22:19 AM
Stunning!
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on January 24, 2020, 04:42:19 AM
 :-clap :-clap :-clap
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on January 24, 2020, 06:40:30 AM
Thank you my friends ;-)
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on January 24, 2020, 09:55:50 PM
Minor defaults in the painting corrected  :))
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on January 25, 2020, 08:01:43 AM
Even not finished look excellent!
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: modellius on February 01, 2020, 12:14:23 PM
this is stunning my friend !
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on February 02, 2020, 06:12:58 PM
Thank you friends!

Well, first of all I've discovered a new photo of the left wing (under copyright; I cannot publish it here...) that shows a different pattern of the three-tone camo... So, I've corrected that; also painted some details and the "false" cockpit on the undersurface. That false cockpit was painted on the undersurface when the three tones camo was applied overall.

Next phase: painting of the tyres.
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on February 02, 2020, 06:50:19 PM
 :-clap :-clap :-clap
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on February 04, 2020, 07:42:11 PM
Thank you!

Today, details were painted: position lights; antennas, tyres... I've lost the front wheel lights of the kit during the building process; so I've scratchbuilded new ones...
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on February 05, 2020, 04:20:29 AM
Robotic precision!!!
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on February 05, 2020, 05:39:44 AM
...with shaking hands... ;)
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on February 05, 2020, 06:16:14 AM
I know, this is why I adore your work ;)
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on February 05, 2020, 10:01:59 AM
Thank you my friend ;)
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: Second Air Force on February 06, 2020, 12:11:03 PM
Excellent!!
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on February 06, 2020, 08:06:57 PM
Thank you Scott
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: modellius on February 07, 2020, 12:16:29 PM
superb mate !
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on February 08, 2020, 12:31:02 PM
Thank you my friend
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on February 09, 2020, 09:54:58 AM
First a coat of Pébéo gloss varnish, then decals are set in place. Difficult to place: long time before to remove from their support and very fragile...
 I've also made some micro painting of details I've forgotten until now...
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on February 09, 2020, 12:01:26 PM
Never ask- do you polish Pebeo coat before apply decals or use decals directly over coat?
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on February 09, 2020, 02:04:05 PM
Never ask- do you polish Pebeo coat before apply decals or use decals directly over coat?

I apply decals directly over coat...
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on February 09, 2020, 03:13:22 PM
All right, thanks :))
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on February 19, 2020, 07:35:39 PM
A new coat of gloss varnish is applied; then paneling (Tamiya Panel Liner) and finally matt varnish...
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on February 19, 2020, 08:44:59 PM
 :-clap :-clap :-clap
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on February 20, 2020, 05:48:06 AM
Thank you my friend
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: Second Air Force on February 21, 2020, 12:45:45 AM
Beautiful airplane!!!!
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on February 21, 2020, 06:38:36 AM
Thank you my friend
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on February 22, 2020, 11:33:18 AM
Use of pastels (Tamiya & MiG). End of the build is coming... But it's not finished yet!!!
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on February 22, 2020, 04:57:59 PM
This pastels work great!! Maybe I will soon try watercolor pencils, look like very good.
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on February 23, 2020, 10:56:40 AM
I like pastels and watercolor pencils. It's a pleasure to use them.

Anyway, kit is finished. Little parts are glued. Two parts inexisting in the kit are created and added (see first photo).

...But when I put the aircraft on the wheels... Horror... The Mirage haves not the correct attitude. The floor of the front wheel bay is too high in the fuselage; so the Mirage has the nose too low... I've tried to correct that: my intention was to put Evergreen in the wheel bay but trying to remove the wheel leg I've broken that part (I'm using industrial cyano for little parts). Continuing would have given me a "puzzle" of that wheel leg... So, I've repaired the part and stopped.

Finished.

I'm disapointed.

Really a bad kit...

Positive meaning: it helped me to find solutions and to create lot of parts.
I will try to remember that point only...

OTOH, I like that deco. I think I will use the same (or the one of the Mirage BA-30: red in place of yellow) for my 1/72 PJ Mirage; that I will continue soon...
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on February 23, 2020, 02:50:26 PM
Art!! Mastery!!!  :-clap :-clap :-clap
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on February 23, 2020, 03:59:57 PM
Thank you my friend ;)
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: Second Air Force on February 24, 2020, 01:57:29 AM
Yes, it's a wonderful finish, and can't wait to see it in the larger scale!
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on February 24, 2020, 05:43:25 AM
Thank you my friend
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on February 26, 2020, 05:56:36 PM
Never surrender - NEVER SURRENDER!!!

Since the kit was finished I was really bothered with that bloody bad front wheel leg. I've found a solution that is not really accurate but that gives the good position to the Mirage and that's from far better than before!!!

I've measured the missing lenght of the leg putting plastic parts under the wheel. Then I've cut the wheel leg and intercaled a little part of Evergreen of good diameter - and that's it!  :-love

I'm not happy of the kit but I'm really happy of myself  :-tri
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on February 26, 2020, 08:33:47 PM
This is it  :-tri
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on February 26, 2020, 10:32:50 PM
Yes, thank you !
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: Second Air Force on February 26, 2020, 11:46:36 PM
I knew you'd find a way to correct that gear leg! Beautiful!!!
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on February 27, 2020, 06:32:24 AM
Thank you Scott ;)
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: modellius on March 21, 2020, 08:50:21 PM
Looks fantastic mate !
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on March 22, 2020, 10:26:47 AM
Thank you mate. It's for sure an unforgettable build...
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on October 20, 2021, 06:33:36 PM
This last week-end took place "Plastic&Steel", the IPMS Belgium national expo at Affligem.
The little Mirage 5 won a silver medal. Nice reward for all the work I've done...
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: No.1 on October 20, 2021, 08:21:13 PM
Congratulation  :-love :-clap
Title: Re: Belgian Mirage 5 (Mark One 1/144)
Post by: draken35 on November 07, 2021, 08:43:10 PM
Thank you my friend