"The Dark Mirages"

Mirage F.1 Decals

Albatros Modelworks

Albatros Productions' Mirage F.1 Decals will be available online from Squadron.com

Reviewed by Brett Green

In previous reviews on HyperScale, I have occasionally discussed the "inspiration factor" - the potential for a model or accessory to inspire an interest in a previously overlooked subject. Albatros Modelworks has a big supply of this "inspiration factor" as far as I am concerned.

Albatros Modelworks' latest decal release in 1/72 and 1/48 scale is "The Dark Mirage". The subject aircraft is the Mirage F.1.

The generous contents of "The Dark Mirages" set are packed into a ziplock bag. There are three full-sized decal sheets plus a small supplemental sheet with a black false canopy for use under the Spanish Mirages.

One decal sheet is dedicated to national markings, the second contains larger stencil markings and special markings and the third large sheet includes ID Numbers, serial numbers, stripes and small stencils. The decals on my 1/48 scale sample are in perfect register and display minimal carrier film.

Albatros Modelworks traditionally cast far and wide for subject matter, and this newest release is no exception. Air Forces covered on this sheet comprise:

• South Africa
• Jordan
• Morocco
• Greece
• Iraq
• Spain
• Libya

18 separate aircraft are illustrated on the three double-sided, full-colour instruction sheets. These schemes cover high-viz browns and greens, low-viz greys and many combinations in between. It will also be possible to depict many more aircraft using the individual ID and serial numbers supplied with this set.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

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As always, the glossy instructions are a real highlight. They will provide a new source of inspiration for many modellers who might have previously never thought about building an aircraft in South African, Iraqi, Jordanian or Morrocan markings!

An additional letter-sized sheet in black-and-white will aid stencil placement.

This is another terrific release from Albatros Modelworks. The only shortcoming is the current absence of a 1/48 scale Mirage F.1 model kit on the market.

However, any modeller planning to build the Hasegawa 1/72 scale Mirage F.1 (currently available) or the old 1/48 scale ESCI kit (stashed away in the model cupboard) should get this decal set while it is available.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Eli from Albatros Productions for the review sample.

Albatros Productions Decals are available from many dealers including CRM Hobbies ,  Linden Hill Imports , Great Models webstore , Flightdecs , Meteor Productions , Victory Models , Hannant's , North American Hobbies and Squadron Mail Order

Review Copyright © 2001 by Brett Green
This Page Created on 16 October, 2001
Last updated 22 July, 2003

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