MIRAGE F1'S IN SCALE
1/144th SCALE
Academy/Minicraft
Cute little model Too small for my eyes
1/72nd SCALE
Heller were one of the first out the block with a Mirage F1 kit. Their own release (not to be confused with the later F1C and F1CT which are Airfix mouldings include the two seat F1B version. To date this has been the only two seat version of the Mirage F1 in 72nd scale Heller also release a F1CR (kit number 355) which is their original kit without the twin tub option.
This is the also the only Mirage F1 kit that depicted the full main wheel bay although there was no depth to the moulding. The air brakes were separate mouldings but IMO suffered from shape issues
Airfix
Very nice little model from Airfix. Typical of late generation Airfix kits.
This kit has basic cockpit detail and all panel lines are raised.
The Airfix release had 3 Squadron SAAF markings included. The Airfix kit has also been released under the Heller label as a Mirage F1C and with modifications for the F1CT. The air brakes were separate mouldings but IMO suffered from shape issues. The original box art was very dramatic. What a Shame that Airfix went away from this box art style
Hasegawa
This is a nice little kit from Hasegawa. The panel lines are not scribed though. It is considered to be the most accurate 72nd scale F1 kit available. The separate dive brakes though are not entirely correct as the holes should be in these parts are represented as raised markings. It is not a major problem to drill them out.
The wheel wells and cockpit have detail although as is common with most Mirage F1 kits the open main wheel well is limited to the rear section with no attempt to show the whole wheel well. The cockpit is furnished with decals for the instrument and console panels.This was, for its time, the best Mirage F1 kit available. Still worth considering.
ESCI
Sharing all the inaccurate traits inherited from their bigger 1/48th scale siblings these kits ESCI released 3 versions. they were a F1 C200, a F1CR and the third one was billed as a Mirage F1 with Exocet missile. This kit included 3 Squadron SAAF markings and although not mentioned, nor used on the model, in the instructions the F1AZ laser range finder was included The cockpit was typical ESCI consisting of a tub and decal instrument and console panels.
Special Hobby
A delightful family of Mirage F1's, including a SAAF F1AZ. Many different variants and colour schemes have been released. Enjoy. Also released under the Revell label.
1/48th SCALE
ESCI
This, at one time, prolific Italian manufacturer produced two versions of the Mirage F1 in 48th scale. They covered both the F1C and F1AZ versions. Unfortunately the AZ version was not entirely correct as it had the same nose as the C-200 kit.The cockpit consisted of a basic tub and seat with decal sheet instrument panels and consoles. The seats require some work, or preferably replacement to make them more accurate. The instrument panel did not include the large radar scope housing in the F1C version and also the variation of the F1AZ ground attack configured aircraft was not depicted. These kits are not the most accurate with the rear fuselage being far too boxy in shape. Also the main windscreen is far too wide (almost 50% wider than it should be) This kit has also been released under the Italeri banner with additional parts for the F1CR and F1CT included. Unfortunately no other changes where instituted so the basic shape issues and sparse cockpit detail still are there. Without reprofiling the entire cockpit section this cannot be overcome. And then one still has the boxy rear fuselage to contend with.
Fonderie Miniatures
This French limited run kit manufacturer have released the Mirage F1B in 48th scale. Although the mouldings, being limited run type are a bit crude there are numerous resin detail parts included. One can build a good model from it. No longer in production
This French limited run kit manufacturer have released the Mirage F1B in 48th scale. Although the mouldings, being limited run type are a bit crude there are numerous resin detail parts included. One can build a good model from it. No longer in production
FM also announced a single seat Mirage F1 but when Italeri re-released the old ESCI kit this project was curtailed. There were intentions (may of happened) to release the detail set that would of been included in this kit as an aftermarket upgrade for the older kit.
Kittyhawk
Possibly the best 1/48th scale kit but it is alledgely underscale. I have not acquired one so cannot comment on accuracy.
