For the US, the F-4 was the 'MiG Killer'. In the Israeli Air Force, that name would go to the Mirage III. Designed as an interceptor and even used as a fighter bomber, the Mirage III underwent widespread usage and was even upgraded with American engines when the source of French spares dried up. The type also when through three different camouflage schemes in the over twenty years of service. It started with unpainted metal, then to the standard four color desert camouflage and finally into an air superiority grey scheme. In addition to the single seat versions, there were two seat Mirage IIIB aircraft and a few recce versions with extremely long noses to house the cameras.

Isradecal has provided two full sheets, superbly printed in the Czech Republic, that allow the modeler to do two complete aircraft from the insignia and stencil markings provided on these sheets. Add in what can be gleaned from kit sheets and the numbers can go up. The sheet includes the red trim of the early planes and the large triangles for later, camouflaged versions. There are also more than enough kill markings as the Mirage wore whatever the plane's record was throughout its career. There are also a variety of different styles of numbers so that if you have a photo of the plane, you can model it.

Isradecal's instruction booklet is no fewer than 16 pages and includes a short historical introduction. A number of color profiles and photographs are included showing the markings and camouflage of all the units that operated the aircraft. For kits, the one recommended for the single seater is the very nice Eduard kit. I'm also thinking that these will fit the Hobby Boss version, though if there are differences between them, you might have to fudge things a bit. For the two seater, the Heller kit is the one suggested. As many of you know, the IAF Mirages did get some modifications and a check through the Isracast section of their website should turn up what you need.

Truly a superlative decal set and if you are going to model the IAF, might as well get the best.

December 2008.

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