1:48 Rafale A

Rafale A 1:48, a Mistercraft plastic kit

A kit of the French Rafale combat aircraft in the A version in 1:48 scale from the Polish maker Mistercraft. It is a conventional injection-molded plastic kit that the modeler assembles and paints himself. The number of parts, the contents of the decal sheet and the color schemes are stated on the box.

The real subject

The designation Rafale A belongs to the technology demonstrator, that is the flying test machine that preceded the production versions. It proved the aerodynamic layout with a delta wing and canard foreplanes, the fly-by-wire control system and the extensive use of composite materials. Compared with the later production machines it was larger and heavier, and during the test program its powerplant changed. It served purely for test flights and was never put into ordinary service.

Building and painting tips

Cut the parts from the sprues with cutters and sand the marks left by the gates carefully. Glue with a thin cement for polystyrene, which is drawn into the seam by capillary action and leaves no excess. Degrease the model before painting and spray a primer, which will reveal any remaining scratches and unevenness. Mask the cockpit glazing before spraying. Spray a gloss varnish under the decals, so that no silvering appears around the motifs, and seal the finished model with a matte or semi-matte varnish, according to the look you want. Accent the panel lines with a fine flowing shade.

Who the model is for

• modelers with basic experience of building aircraft
• collectors of modern European combat aircraft
• anyone interested in prototypes and test machines
• builders of display cases in a uniform 1:48 scale

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.