The SAAF Forum

This is a new startup operation by a couple of SAAF fans and model builders. Their intention is to provide 3D printed external stores for SAAF aircraft. I was asked to review these. Not sure what their long term plans are but I guess that'll be revealed in time. I have helped in measuring and providing accurate dimensions on some the items. I know these blokes and they are very keen to be as accurate as possible.

Their business name is Artman Delta. Here's a sample box top I got sent with a who'll bunch of goodies inside to review.

IMG_3261 - 800 by Malcolm Reid, on Flickr

They're contactable via FaceBook or Instagram as the box top says. They'll be providing subject matter in a three major scales i.e. 72nd, 48th and 32nd. I guess with 3D scaleability is relatively easy.

This is how I received the goodies - nicely protected with bubble wrap and in as sturdy box.

IMG_3264 - 800 by Malcolm Reid, on Flickr

The image below is for parts for the RP825 fuel tank carried on the centreline station of the Mirage III and Cheetah E and D. These are also applicable to a myriad of other air forces as this was a commonly used tank. This is a 32nd scale sample. There are four pieces - nose, centre and tail section (the image shows two front sections) and the pylon. The 3D moulding is crisp but can use a light sanding with something like a 2000 grit Tamiya sanding sponge. The parts can be glued together with super glue (cyano). They have a clever method of one part fitting into the other so that it's difficult to mess the super glue all over the place when squeezing the parts together. Alternative is to use slow setting epoxy glue. Oddly enough the Italeri (and Revell rebox) 32nd Mirage kit doesn't provide this most common of Mirage external fuel tanks, so this is a good addition to the aftermarket range for these kits. These will be provided in 48th and 72nd scale as well.

IMG_3266 - 800 by Malcolm Reid, on Flickr

Some minor preparation work is required like cutting off the supports. This took no longer than 5 minutes of careful cutting with a razor saw. Locating pins make sure parts align correctly with one another.

IMG_3283 - 800 by Malcolm Reid, on Flickr

Parts glued.

IMG_3286 - 800 by Malcolm Reid, on Flickr

I primed the parts with Tamiya fine grey primer straight from the can. The real tank has prominent aluminium weld seams which are correctly replicated. This is based on actual measurements taken from the tank on Mirage IIIRZ 835 at Swartkop air base.

IMG_3290 - 800 by Malcolm Reid, on Flickr

Also test assembled and painted the Matra JL-100 combined rocket pods / fuel tanks in 32nd scale.

IMG_3267 - 800 by Malcolm Reid, on Flickr

IMG_3281 - 800 by Malcolm Reid, on Flickr

Primed :

IMG_3288 - 800 by Malcolm Reid, on Flickr

Painted various metal shades - used the one at the Johannesburg Museum of Military History as a sample :

IMG_3296 - 800 by Malcolm Reid, on Flickr

Then simulated the stains form the rocket motors. Yes, they got pretty grubby :

IMG_3299 - 800 by Malcolm Reid, on Flickr

They'll also do V3B Kukri IR missiles and their launcher rails in 48th and 32nd. Not sure about 72nd. These are specific to the SAAF and were used on the Mirage F1AZ and the Mirage IIIC and R. The launch rails also had a unique configuration. There are no V3Bs available in scale as far as I'm aware. So these are very welcome.

Interesting support structure for the missiles.

IMG_3278 - 800 by Malcolm Reid, on Flickr

Base missile before painting - this is the 32nd scale article - note the unique arrangement of the canard fore planes - something between an R550 and AIM-9B . But it's correct, again also measured of an actual missile at Swartkop :

IMG_3292 - 800 by Malcolm Reid, on Flickr

I'll post piccies of this painted once I've got that far.

Very interesting to see the clarity of the 3D printed item, the definite the way to go.

SAAF modelers will be able to spruce up their kits with these underwing stores.

This is a welcome addition to the modelling world!