As CHRIS CLIFFORD explains, Revell’s re-release of Monogram’s Mirage 2000C may suit the novice… but experienced modellers will look elsewhere.
On first seeing this ‘new’ Revell release, I thought it might possibly be the ESCI 1/48 tooling, repackaged with fresh decals. But closer inspection reveals it’s the Monogram product from 1986 – this almost certainly being based on the company’s then new tooling of the Mirage 2000 prototype issued four years previously.
Monogram’s efforts to upgrade the parts involve a whole new one-piece combined wing underside/fuselage piece, which benefits from finely engraved panel line and fastener detail, well-rendered surface louvres and elevon actuators. The gun barrels are slightly too large though as the rear sections protrude beyond the model’s surface. However, the separate upper wings and fuselage halves still feature raised panel lines. Experienced modellers could re-scribe where necessary, but in reality many would simply opt to build Kinetic’s much better Mirage 2000, which has fine engraving and better detail throughout – although arguably has minor shape issues.
Above: Fuselage shape is reasonable, but raised panel lines are employed throughout on each half.
Above: The cockpit tub i…