Red Roo 1/72 & 1/48 Mirage IIIO/D 3 Squadron RAAF Reviewed by Chris Banyai-Riepl

To my eye, there are few jet aircraft as attractive as the Mirage III. Throw in some colorful RAAF markings and you have a great subject to model. While the choice of Mirage III kits is up to the modeler, Red Roo has answered the call for colorful RAAF examples with their latest sheet. This sheet covers 3 Squadron Mirages from 1971 while based at Butterworth, Malaysia. The time is specific because of the frill-necked lizard emblem. This emblem was not officially approved, and was discontinued in 1971. The instructions include a few photos showing some of these markings, while the other pages illustrate the two main camouflage patterns worn by Mirages during this time. The first is a three-color camouflage scheme consisting of light gull gray undersides over dark sea gray and dark green upper surfaces. The second eliminates the light gull gray undersides, replacing it with dark sea gray. Other than that, the general marking placement is the same.

The decals are thinly printed and exhibit excellent register. The instructions suggest extreme care in application to avoid tearing, and on first glance I would recommend following those instructions. Aside from the basic care needed, there should be no problems in applying these decals. For those who have a spare Mirage or three in the closet, and need something interesting to stick on them, this sheet is a great choice.

My thanks to Red Roo for the review sample.