Mirage F.1CG 1/72 Special Hobby
The Dassault Mirage F.1 is a French single-engine fighter aircraft designed and manufactured by Dassault Aviation. It was developed as a successor to the popular Mirage III family. Her operational usage in many countries and active involvement in combat operations makes this elegant airplane attractive for aircraft modellers across the scales.
The Mirage F.1 from Special Hobby was new sometime around 2016 and the first box I bought was the Greek CG version. In the euphoria from a nice new kit, I started working on the model shortly after purchase. As it happens, after a couple of weeks another nice model appeared and my interest shifted to it and the Mirage was left lying forgotten amongst other open projects, awaiting for aftermarket sets and the return of my attention. Finally this year I brought the Mirage out into the light again with clear plan to finish the kit this time.
In overall it is very fine kit. Parts fit well, I remember only issue with fitting of canopy (front part) and engine intakes. It’s kind of a classic Special Hobby I would say. I used most of the available accessories on the market. Below you can find them listed. I bought Greek set for Ghost camo from AK Real. There is also dedicated set from HATAKA, so you have more options. Micro Scale clear and semi-matt as usual plus weathering from AK/AMMO. Decal printed by Cartograf are amazing, always pleasure to work with them.
To be honest, this is a very unusual piece in my collection, I am neither a fan of the Greek Air Force nor a fan of modern aircrafts as such. My interest in aviation history ends with the end of the American presence in Vietnam, but sometimes isn’t bad to make a small detour and build something not quite what I would call my “cup of coffee”.
Used aftermarket sets:
CMK Afterburner unit and engine nozzle
A very nice detour indeed with very unusual Greek markings, the Special Hobby Mirage seems to be a very fun kit, and the brilliant results speak for themselves ..thank you, Mr. Henyk !