Zotz Decals 1/48 Salut beaute!! Decal First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | September 2005 | Manufacturer | Zotz Decals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Mirage F.1C | Scale | 1/48 |
| Set Number | ZTZ48020 | Pros | Excellent aircraft markings for Mirage F.1C, plus short-lived nose art (intake art) from Kosovo deployment |
| Cons | Nothing noted | Skill Level | Novice |
| MSRP (USD) | $19.95 |
First Look
From 16 May to 29 Jun 1999, ten French Air Force Mirage F.1CTs deployed to Istrana, Italy to participate in 'Trident', the offensive air operations in support of Operation Allied Force in Kosovo. During their deployment, these aircraft received WW2-styled nose air (on their left intake trunks) which quickly disappeared when they returned home.
Zotz Decals evidently obtained some nice close-ups of the artwork, but no details of which pin-up was on which specific aircraft. As a result, Zotz has provided national markings and maintenance stencils for one aircraft, plus the aircraft-specific identification markings and mission marks for all ten participants.
On a separate decal sheet are all ten pin-ups printed in a high-fidelity color, with a third sheet provided for white backgrounds for the pin-ups.
The instruction booklet provides a nice four-view color profile showing specific airframe and detail colors, plus placement of each of the decals around the airframe. Color and marking coverage also extends to the pylons, external fuel tanks, missile rails, and even the Magic 2 dogfight missiles. I'd love to see all decal instruction sheets so well laid out!
This set makes me want to find one of the ESCI/Italeri Mirage kits and build one of these beauties. Indeed, the decal set is aptly named. Definitely recommended!
My sincere thanks to Zotz Decals for this review sample!
For more information about this set and the other releases from Zotz Decals, visit their website at Zotz Decals.
