The
kit's decals are fraught with errors which have been addressed in IsraDecals
latest release. AeroMaster's Mirage/Nesher decal released in 1999, which was
also drawn up by Ra'anan Weiss, was tailored to fit Heller's 1/48 scale Mirage
IIIC and is not sized for the Eduard kit.
Most prominent in the new decal sheet are the large yellow & black 1973 war
vintage identification triangles. IsraDecals provide the correct f.s.33538 shade
of yellow used for these prominent markings, and to ensure opacity, prints them
over two layers of white. To facilitate trouble free fit over the dog toothed
leading edge and the under wing fairings, cutouts and fairing overlays are
provided.
When comparing the kit provided decals to the new IsraDecal sheet many of the
kit's markings prove to be inaccurate. IsraDecals provide correct size and
artwork for all the IAF Mirage markings which are incorrect in the kit. First
Fighter sq insignia and rudder stripping of proper with, First Jet sq insignia
and fuselage spear, Bat sq vertical fin chevron correctly provided as red color
and of the proper size and proportion. New markings not provided in the kit are
for the last operator of the Mirage, the Negev sq., with two styles of rudder
markings included.
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Further corrections that become apparent when comparing the sheets include
correct fronts for the individual airplane identification markings, Hebrew
"no step" stencils and most prominent yet not obvious "Mirage
IIIC" and Mirage IIIB" name stencils applied to the nose section of
the Mirage. Further attention to detail is apparent in the two shades of red
used for early (natural metal) and late (camouflaged) no step walkway
boundaries. A light shade of blue is used for early Star of David roundels and a
darker blue is used for camouflaged aircraft. Both French and Hebrew stencil
styles are provided for the aft canopy red trim.Accompanying
the decals is a 16 page black & white booklet. Profiles and up to 20 photos
aid the modeler in locating the markings found on the various versions of the
Mirage from the 1962 vintage natural metal scheme to 1982 ghost gray retirement
scheme.
Yoav