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First Look Review
148
1/48 Mirage 2000 ext tanks
1/48 scale Mirage 2000 external Fuel Tanks for Heller kit
  • 01120

by: Jean-Luc Formery [ TEDMAMERE ]

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.
SUMMARY
Highs: Nicely cast, these fuel tanks will give to Heller's Mirage 2000 model the right look.
Lows: Some parts will need some cleaning. Price may appear a little high.
Verdict: These are both nice sets and the Heller kit will look spectacular if fitted with those additional external Fuel tanks. Recommended for those who want their Mirage 2000 to look right.
Percentage Rating
80%
  Scale: 1:48
  Mfg. ID: 48026/48027
  Suggested Retail: €8/€16
  Related Link: www.renaissance-models.com
  PUBLISHED: May 04, 2007
  NATIONALITY: France
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 87.63%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 85.00%

Our Thanks to R-Flight!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Jean-Luc Formery (TedMamere)
FROM: MOSELLE, FRANCE

I'm mainly interested in WW2 aircraft and I build them in 1/48 scale.

Copyright ©2021 text by Jean-Luc Formery [ TEDMAMERE ]. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AeroScale. All rights reserved.



   
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