Dassault Mirage F.1EQ2 Iraqi 1:72

Mirage F.1 looks like an ultimate 2nd generation fighter. I've always admired its thin, sharp profile, its pointed nose and wingtip missiles. Unfortunately, there's not so many kits available in 1:72 scale. Special Hobby seemed a decent choice, so I waited until I feel enough experience to take it on the bench.

This is my very first Special Hobby but not last I hope - I bought almost all their early jets. And my first model when I did a research and even got a book to clarify the details. Now I know for sure that what I randomly chose is the most famous variant of F.1 - Iraqi interceptor, the barebone of Iraqi Air Force during Iran-Iraq war. The kit has taken its deions and color schemes right from the book which is really great, and I'd love if every other vendor does the same.

Mirage F.1 was used in several roles but unfortunately, the kit has nothing for the strike missions - no ammunition, no correct nose numbers. I like anti-ship option very much but I wanted something more vivid and formidable than a single Exocet missile. So the first option from the kit, famous "4014" was the best option for me.

Iraqi Mirages had distinctive color scheme that is often incorrectly referenced. The main sand color should be a bit dark but more yellow than tan. The dark color is often named dark tan or chocolate brown but it should be dull dark khaki, not green but violet. Near yellow it indeed seems brown but it's kind of optical illusion. I checked in with reference photos of Libyan Mirage which I suppose uses the same French colors.

The Special Hobby kit is really enjoyable. Its technology is indeed outdated: edges are soft, panel lines are thick, fit is good but seems are very wide. But the engineering is what makes it shine for me. For example, it was has two halves of the fuselage molded with all wheel wells. Interior is very easy to build and mount inside, intakes are one-piece and snap in without gaps, wings are slotted in perfectly. What's more, it is very easy to paint its white dielectric panels. No pain, no frustration.

Decals are just perfect - super-thin and up to the scale. All stencils are here, and they are quite correct according to the reference photos. What I missed are decals for missiles.

To compensate kit's outdated molds, I used a lot of aftermarket. First thing you would like to replace is its ejection seat - it is horrible. I wish I had bought the replacement. Instead, I bought the instrument panel but it was from another variant of Mirage F.1, and anyway it is not visible when the canopy is closed. Next thing is the loadout: unfortunately, I didn't find Super 530F missiles and used the kit ones. Additional pods are resin from CMK but they are very rough and have no decals - I would prefer Reskit if they had these. So I replaced wheels, the exhaust nozzle (although it didn't fit well), and the Pitot tube (also didn't fit). What fit well are the navigation lights that I scratch-built myself (for the first time!). As you can see, I've put enough money and effort in this model.

I highly recommend this model for everyone. Even beginners building it quick and dirty will be satisfied. As for experienced guys, there is some aftermaket for compensating its outdated details.