The Czech retailer has issued five fabulous decal sheets with Special Hobby’s new tooling in mind.
Special Hobby’s 1/72 new-tool Mirage IIIC – and the promise of other variants in this delta-wing family – was always going to prompt aftermarket decal creation. ASK Distribution has answered the call quickly with five new decal packages, which cater for French Air Force Mirage IIIC/E airfames. Three schemes are offered in each pack; most represent aircraft with flamboyant special liveries, although there is a scattering of standard ‘line jet’ schemes. Considering all sheets, the variety is spectacular and it’s sure to excite any fan of the type… but especially those who favour French aviation. The products in turn are:
D72025 Dassault Mirage IIIC French Air Force part 1
Here, two IIICs wear French air superiority blue, with one having a special tail featuring Colmar air base décor. The third option is a natural metal machine:
• 11/10-RA, EC 2/10 ‘Seine’, Creil, 1982
• 13-EC, EC 2/13 ‘Alpes’, Colmar, 1978
• 8/2-FB, EC 2/2 ‘Côte-d’Or’, Strasbourg-Entzheim, 1976
D72026 Dassault Mirage IIIC French Air Force part 2
A garish pink jet is the standout option here, which is accompanied by Mirage blue and natural metal airframes:
• 55/10-RN, EC 1/10 ‘Valois’, Montelimar-Ancone Museum, 2019
• 55/10-RO, EC 2-10 ‘Seine’, Creil, 1979
• 8/2-FB, EC 2/2 ‘Côte-d’Or’, Dijon, 1979
D72027 Dassault Mirage IIIC, E, French Air Force part 3
It’s a case of all standard operational schemes here, but it’s pleasing to see an African-based option:
• IIIC, 82/3.10LJ, EC 3/010 ‘Vexin’, Djibouti, 1988
• IIIE, 404/2-LE, EC 3/2 ‘Alsace’, Dijon-Longvic
• IIIE, 620/4-BT, EC 2/4 ‘La Fayette’, Luxeil-St Sauver, 1987
D72028 Dassault Mirage IIIE French Air Force part 4
All three machines here are ‘specials, although one simply has a vividly painted tail and the remainder of its airframe in standard green/grey:
• 13-QC, EC 1/13 ‘Artois’, Colmar-Meyenheim, 1990
• EC 1/13 ‘Artois’, Colmar-Meyenheim, 1987
• ‘SPA 95’, Nancy-Ochey, 1985
D72029 Dassault Mirage IIIE French Air Force part 5
Three of the most stunning ‘Echo’ Mirages are featured here, all dazzling in their own right. The third option is especially notable due to its Mirage 2000C camouflage colours:
• 491/3-XT, EC 3/3 ‘Ardennes’, Nancy-Ochey, 1993
• 4-BJ, EC 2/4 La Fayette, Luxeuil, 1985-86
• 539/3-XO, EC 3/3 ‘Ardennes’, Nancey-Ochey, 1990
In general the printing and colours are splendid on all these sheets, and stencilling is provided on some – although several roundels on one or two sheets were slightly ‘off’ in register. With Special Hobby soon to release it’s 1/72 new-tool Mirage IIIE, though, these sheets offer superb alternative schemes, particularly if you favour special liveries. However, most of these markings should fit other 1/72 Mirage III kits, such as those from PJ Production/High Planes. A separate placement sheet is provided where stencils are supplied. All these decals sets are €12 each and are available direct from ASK Distribution. They will also be available from Hannants in the UK. And if these aren’t enough, more 1/72 Mirage III schemes from ASK will follow…
