Mirage 2000C from 20+ years ago - retrofit log

This is our starting point: an Italeri kit built over 20 years ago, covered in dust and heavily damaged. Still, I believe there’s a lot of value and satisfaction to be found in restoring it to a decent condition. Let’s see what we can do with it. 

Notice the damage on the right wing. 

It took some heavy hits. 

First thing is to strip off the old enamel paint. I’ve placed it in IPA Isopropyl Alcohol for a long bath (around 2 weeks), you will see why in the next picture. 

The medium blue color from Model Master was so strong, it was barely moving after more than two weeks in IPA. The white gray came off without any problem. 

Paint is off 

Rescribed panel lines 

Initial primer to identify problem areas, plenty of sanding and filling ahead. 

Sanded, primed again, preshaded 

Ready for the first color 

The recommended colour by many instructions out there, Gray FS36320. I used the acrylic paint from Mr. Color with the exact code H307 diluted 50-50 with it's thinner Mr. Aqueous 110  

I think I nailed the blue by combining 66% XF-18 + 33% X-14 at a 50-50 ratio with Mr. Levelling Thinner. It worked like a charm ! 

Clear coat applied - Tamiya LP-9 

For the nose of the Mirage-2000C, the recommended colour is Gray FS36375. I used the acrylic paint from Mr. Color with the exact code H308 diluted 50-50 with it's thinner Mr. Aqueous 110 

Landing gear bays painted with Tamiya X-32 titanium silver as per the reference photos.  

Hand painted the interior engine details 

Engine exhaust painted in a combination of cooper and dark iron, with a strip of silver. I think it looks quite realistic  

Got a saving hand from a good friend with French Air Force decals. Thanks again Michael 

The decals are on, gloss varnish on top to seal them and enamel wash applied to accentuate the panel lines 

This is what I’m using, the Tamiya product is one of my favorite, but it does have a strong smell so I’m using a mask when dealing with it 

Wash removed, landing gear placed, canopy unmasked 

The model is almost done, just the refueling probe is needed and the wheels 

 

The project has been completed. 

Now look at the initial photo. Restoring this model with all its flaws gave me much more satisfaction than building a new one.