Mirage IIIO

This is the first book in Mushroom Model Publication’s (MMP) new “White Series”. Past books by MMP have been designated by colors, but this time is the first time the color white has been mentioned. Previous books have been a smaller format also: 6 ½” x 9” and usually about a ¼” thick.

This new book is an A4 size volume. Meaning that it is letter size: 8 ½” x 11”. It is also about an inch thick and contains 312 pages.

It is a comprehensive guide to the color schemes and markings carried by the elegant Mirage III0 in it’s 26 year operational lifetime with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). From the initial natural metal finish of the 60’s, through many and varied camouflage schemes, both official and experimental. Plus there are schemes of very colorfu8l test aircraft at ARDU and the commemorative schemes. There was a huge variety of colors used on the Mirage.

All these, plus the unit markings, unofficial adornments etc., are documented in this book. Paint colors are matched to official specifications and charts, and many of the colors have been cross-matched to authentic paint samples. Where possible eyewitness details, from the men who actually painted the aircraft, are also used.

The book is illustrated with 42 black and white photos, 689 color photos, 8 black and white individual single frame shots from a gun camera, 78 color walk-around type photos, 17 black and white walk-around photos, 3 four-view black and white line drawings in 1/72nd scale, 4 black and white line drawings of nose & tail-cone configurations (also in 1/72nd scale). 19 four-view color profile paintings, and 26 information charts. Whew! That’s a lot of info on Mirages!!

A lot of these pictures are published here for the very first time. Every single Australian Mirage is illustrated. The 1/72nd scale plans are by Juanita Franzi, Australia’s finest aviation artist.

The authors are both RAAF veterans with a long passion for the Mirage. They have been researching the aircraft for many years. They have had enthusiastic and invaluable support from a great many Mirage pilots and crews, who have shared their knowledge and photo collections to complete this new book.

This book will appeal to modelers, aircraft enthusiasts, and aviation historians alike. This is the definitive guide to the color schemes of Australia’s favorite “French Lady”

I want to thank Dr. Roger M. Wallsgrove, Editor-in-Chief of MMP for this review copy