Introduction

The 1/48 scale Mirage 2000 from Heller is one of the best kit produced by the French plastic model manufacturer. Unfortunately, no external fuel tanks are provided in the original boxing. This is sad because the Mirage almost always flies with a RP522 1300L belly fuel tank and often with RP541-542 auxiliary 2000L Tanks. Again R-Flight are coming to rescue with two resin references for this kit of an important aircrafat which is currently used by several Air Forces around the world (Brazil, Egypt, Emirats, Greece, India, Peru, Qatar and Taiwan).

The sets

Both Tank sets are packed in a small size zip lock plastic bag. In set 48026, there is one RP522 Belly tank and in set 48027 two RP541-542 auxiliary tanks.

The RP522 belly tank is made of two resin parts: the "head" and the "body". The latter is already connected to the pylon and is nicely cast in pale yellow resin. There is almost no flash on the part. The "head" is also nicely done but you will have to remove a rather big casting block before glueing it in place.

The two RP541-542 auxiliary tanks are bigger and each one is composed of four pieces. They are made of the same resin as the belly tank. Here again, the "body" of the tank is already connected to the pylon. Assembly will be more difficult because both the "head" and the "body" of the tanks have been poured with big casting blocks. One will have to carefully remove them to properly align the parts. Unfortunately there is a nasty seam that runs along both "head" parts. Some filler will be required to eliminate them. Four stabilizers are provided, two for each tank.

Conclusion

These are two nice sets and the Heller kit will look spectacular if fitted with those additional external Fuel tanks.

Note: R-Flight have also produced an external detail set for Heller's Mirage 2000 kit and a review of it can be found here.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AeroScale.