1:72 Mirage 2000D n°652 3-XN 30 ans Raid Ouadi Doum EC 3-3 Ardennes

Mirage 2000D decals in a commemorative finish

A decal sheet in 1:72 scale for the Mirage 2000D with the serial number 652 and the code 3-XN as carried by a machine of the EC 3-3 Ardennes unit in a special commemorative finish. The scheme came about for the thirtieth anniversary of the action known as the raid on Ouadi Doum, that is on an airfield in northern Chad. It is not a machine that took part in the action, but a later commemoration in the colors of the unit.

The real subject

The Mirage 2000D is the two-seat attack version of the French Mirage 2000 aircraft. It keeps the typical delta wing without horizontal tail surfaces, but a crew of two sits in it: the pilot in front, a weapons operator behind, who handles the systems for precision strikes against ground targets. It was exactly this pair of tasks that made it the main French machine for deployment over Africa and the Middle East.

What the decals call for

• Commemorative schemes tend to be large-area, so the base has to be smooth and clear-coated with a gloss varnish.
• Cut the decal out close to the artwork and soak it in lukewarm water for only a moment, then let it rest on the paper.
• Settle the slid decal into a thin layer of water and press the excess out with a soft brush from the center outward.
• Use a softener over projections and lines, otherwise the film will stay bridged and conspicuous.
• Finally clear-coat the model in the degree of sheen that corresponds to the rest of the finish.

Who the sheet is for

For modelers who collect modern French aircraft and want a machine in the display case with something to read on it. The kit, paints, varnishes and softener are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.