Heller is known for its production of French military aircraft and their Mirage series releases began in the early 1990s. The single seat 1/48th Heller Mirage 2000C release followed the dual seat "N" version. Heller has re-released this same Mirage plastic again over the years.
Notable Kit Features:
Simple kit with few parts
Very basic cockpit
Reported good accuracy in overall shape as well as panel line and detail locations
Air to Air ordinance only provided
Build Inspiration:
I came across this Heller kit at a model show complete with some PE and resin aftermarket details for the very reasonable price ($12.50). Just about any kit at that price is overly tempting (not a fan of Heller generally however at that price, I am in). The French fighters are very slick looking, so I was thinking it would be a nice addition to expand my Gulf War aircraft types. In 1991 Fighter Squadron 2/5 Île-de-France earned the distinction of being the first French Air Force unit deployed in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia to enforce the no-fly zone in Iraq.
Heads-Up Report:
Mold plastic is on the soft side
Cockpit is pretty sparse having decals for main instrument panel
Shallow intakes which need filler and sanding to fit smoothly (as the intakes are difficult to see down painting the rear parts black should solve the issue
All control surfaces and airbrakes molded in neutral positions
Gear is simplified (which is why I built it gear up)
Wheel wells lack details and appear too shallow
Exhaust is basic
No tanks included (which typically were carried to extend range)
Kit construction requires careful test fitting and some clean-up of parts to build
Kit Additions / Modifications:
Added some PE (which was included by the seller) to upgrade the kit details
Borrowed a pilot from a Monogram kit
Finishing:
The paint scheme on this aircraft is the French Blue (FS 35164) / Gray (FS 36320) wrap-around scheme worn during the 1991 Gulf War. My (oil-based) paint was sprayed on a bit too heavy in this case, but turned out alright if you don't look too close. Weathering was kept subtle as this group's aircraft appeared in good shape. Standard gloss before decal and matte to seal them in was utilized.
The After-Build Report:
This old 1/48th Heller Mirage 2000C kit, despite its age, is still decently accurate and can be built up into a nice looking display model. The Eduard release of this Heller kit plastic provides added (PE; Seat and Centre Tank Resin; Canopy Mask) detail to bring this kit up a notch. The newer 1/48th Kinetic Model (K48042) Mirage 2000 C is debatably an improvement over the Heller kit with better overall details and options although not without faults itself. Either way at least the choice of kits has improved.
Feel free to comment or ask any questions - Keep on building, gain experience, challenge yourself if you like, but try not to stress yourself out over the build - it is supposed to be an enjoyable hobby after all - Cheers
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