Read review

• IPMS UK Magazine • 2009-03-27
• ModelArt Australia • 2009-03-27
• AeroReviews Australia • 2009-03-27
• IPMSUSA.org • 2009-03-27
• SAMI Magazine - Book of the Month • 2009-03-27
• Internet Modeler • 2009-03-27
• Aussie Modeller International • 2009-03-27
• ARC website • 2009-03-27
• Modeling Madness • 2009-03-27
• Cybermodeler.com • 2009-03-27
• Aussie Modeler International • 2009-03-27
• Hyperscale • 2009-03-27

• IPMS UK Magazine • 2009-03-27
  
• ModelArt Australia • 2009-03-27
  
• AeroReviews Australia • 2009-03-27
  
• IPMSUSA.org • 2009-03-27
  The Basics: Soft Cover, 312 pages, A$ (8 ¾ X 11 ¾). Over 1000 photographs, most color. 19 x 4-view color illustrations, 3 x4-view 1/72 line drawings, plus a page of “scrap view” line drawings illustrating aircraft modifications. The Aircraft: The Mirage IIIO entered service with the RAAF in 1964, and the last group in RAAF service were sold to Pakistan in 1990. The aircraft was pretty much the standard Mirage III. The type should have probably been called Mirage IIIA, but that designation was already used, so they came up with IIIO, for “Ostralia”. There were 3 basic types: air superiority, ground attack, and trainer versions. The first 15 air superiority versions were built by Dassault. (A3-1 through A3-15) All remaining aircraft (A3-16 through A3-116) were built by Australia’s Government Aircraft Factory (GAF) and Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC), both located at Fishermen’s Bend, near Melbourne, Australia. The Authors: I’ve found that pilots aren’t necessarily the guys who are really interested in the aircraft. It’s the support personnel, the guys who join the AF because they love airplanes, and are willing to do just about any job just to be near aircraft on a daily basis, who are the best sources for aircraft and unit histories. And Paul Mason and Darren Mottram fill the bill here. Paul is an Aircraft Life Support Fitter for the RAAF’s F/A-18s. He joined the RAAF just in time to help pack the last of the Mirage IIIOs for shipment to Pakistan. Darren was an Instrument Fitter on Boeing 707s, Hercules, and Macchis. He came too late for Mirages, but his father was an Instrument Fitter on Mirage IIIOs. The Contents: This book is a marvelous reference, and a pretty darned good read, too. Because of the subject matter, it sometimes gets pretty technical, but it’s all there. Where possible the authors have used primary sources, since they have access to the people, documents and photos contemporary with the Mirage IIIO’s service. And the photographs! Great photos, well printed, interesting, and lots of them. On a whim, when I first got the book, I started checking to see if they had managed to get a photo of every Mirage in RAAF service. I had about 90% of them, when I got to page 291, where the chapter called By the Numbers begins. And there they are. 116 photos, 8 per page, from A3-1 to A3-116, good quality photos, with only 11 of these not color. The illustrations are extremely useful. Instead of the usual side profile, or even 3-view, Juanita Franzl gives us 4 views, left, right, top and bottom. This feature alone makes it a super reference for modelers. Combined with the 1/72 line drawings, which show all the panel lines, ducts, vents, and doors, you should have no trouble determining whether your kit needs panel lines reworked. Also of great use to modelers is that fact that when a color scheme is discussed, the colors are called out in FS595 or BSC references. No trying to guess from a blurry photograph. The authors do admit that there were a few locally mixed colors which they can’t find color chips or original paint for, but they have given the FS or BS which closest corresponds to the color. There is also an entire chapter, with photos, showing personal markings and “zaps” on individual aircraft. Then an entire chapter of detail photos….Cockpit, seat, speed brakes, landing gear, gear wells, engine, and engine bay, it’s all there. Conclusion: If you have any interest at all in Australian aircraft or Mirage III, you need this book. Not just because it’s got great photographs and encyclopedic coverage of Australia’s aircraft, but it has details which would be difficult to find anywhere else. Mushroom Model Publications found a couple of authors who have put their hearts and souls into producing a book of super content and super quality. The photos, details and drawings will satisfy even the most advanced case of AMS. Buy it. Buy it now. It’s going to be a collector’s item if it ever goes out of print
• SAMI Magazine - Book of the Month • 2009-03-27
  
• Internet Modeler • 2009-03-27
  Reviewed by Lorna Jenkins If you're interested in the Dassualt Mirages and in particular those flown by the RAAF, even the most cursory glance can leave your head spinning. The RAAF flew the Mirage over a number of mission profiles for 26 years, there were 5 distinct colour schemes (not counting specials and experimental) and to make matters worse aircraft were moved around from squadron to squadron on a regular basis and rebadged. Mirage enthusiasts Paul Mason and Darren Mottram have for many years been collecting photographs on the Mirage as well as speaking to those who flew and worked on the Mirage. What began as an interest and grew into an obsession has now become the book that all those interested in Mirages or RAAF aircraft should have on their shelves. There is a good history of the RAAF's use of the Mirage but the real value of this book is in the chapters on the colour schemes used. Each chapter has a history of the scheme itself and the reasoning behind the application of it to the aircraft. The scheme is then broken down with attention to overall finish, general markings and national insignia. If that's not enough for you, you also get information on warning, caution and danger markings, data stencils and serial numbers as well as any protective coatings applied. Squadron markings are covered as well as any variations discovered within the scheme itself and there is a colour table for the scheme with FS and BS numbers. There are plenty of photos to illustrate the points made and to top each chapter off you'll find a four view profile by Juanita Franzi. This format really makes an impact when you into the chapters dealing with the non standard schemes. Many of these, such as the ARDU birds, the experimental greys and the Diamond Jubilee jets are well known but the authors have discovered some lesser known schemes as well as a whole range of 'zaps'. This book is beautifully produced with very impressive photo reproduction. There is a very comprehensive walk around section of photos chosen with the modeller in mind, add in a photo of every Mirage ever flown as well as scale plans and you have everything you need to build a model of the Mirage (or more than one if you can't decide on a scheme).
• Aussie Modeller International • 2009-03-27
  Review by David Harvey In my stash I have a couple of the Red Roo conversions for the RAAF Mirage, both the single and dual seat aircraft. Up till now I have only had the Red Roo publication on the modeling the Mirage in RAAF Service to assist in this conversion. The Red Roo book is a good tool to help, but with this new publication from Darren Mottram and Paul Mason the information now available to the Modeller and general Mirage buff has increased greatly! The words quantam leap could be thrown in there somewhere as well. I have read the limited edition publications, signed by the main players in the production of the book, from cover to cover. This book is a soft cover publication of A4 size and containing 312 pages. There is a reasonable amount of writing in this book, but the rest of the pages are a huge amount of photos of the Mirage, around 800 aparantly. These photos comprise all colour photos of the Mirage during it's service in Australia interspersed with colour profiles and line drawings by Juanita Franzi, with only around two Black and White photos included in the whole book. Book breakdown The breakdown of the book is as follows: a. Page 5 - 6 is a forward by Dave Halloran, a pilot who has had 3121.8 hours flying the Mirage. b. Pages 9 - 19, an introduction to the Mirage including the acquisition and manufacturing of the aircraft. c. Pages 20 to 35 covers the Naked (French) Ladies - the natural metal era. d. Pages 36 to 54, Protective measures - The silver scheme (allover silver paint). e. Pages 55 to 72, Lizards - The wraparound camouflage scheme. f. Pages 73 to 105, Standard fare - The three tone camouflage scheme. g. Pages 106 to 124, Ageing gracefully - The standard Grey scheme. h. Pages 125 to 210, Fancy dress - Non standard colour schemes. This covers the ARDU, Jubilee and unusual grey schemes and is broken down by tail number and it's colours. i. Pages 211 to 223, Body paint - Identification markings and temporary camouflage. j. Pages 224 to 247, Temporary tattoos - zaps and unusual markings. k. Pages 248 to 290, Walk around. This is broken down into various areas including the armament for the aircraft. This is something that you don't often see modeled on Mirages. I was most impressed by the bomb racks on the side of the fuel tanks, I might have to add that to one of the models that I intend to build in the future. l. Pages 291 to 305, By the Numbers. This is an unusual feature of the book, it's a section that covers every Mirage tail number with a photo of each aircraft during it's service and where it ended up eg. A3-2 Delivered 22 Apr 64, retired Feb 89. Sold to Pakistan 1990. m. Pages 306 to 312 are a series of line drawings in 1/72 for the different versions of the aircraft including the different nose profiles. Section breakdown The different pages that cover each different colour scheme are broken into the same format as follows: a. a brief history of the scheme and why the aircraft was painted that colour, b. a breakdown of the markings for the aircraft including maintenance and data stencils, Squadron markings etc. c. Variations and notes for each scheme, d. The standard colours for the scheme in a table format including approximation of the colours and their official colour numbers, and e. Then there is a plethora of photos to illustrate the scheme and any variations to it. The colours and their approximations are accomplished by not only photographic evidence but also by somehow acquiring a look at original pieces of the aircraft and comparing them to known colour standards where possible. Not all colours are achieved in this manner but I for one am impressed by the fact that the authors have gone to this extent to find the correct colour for the aircraft. The authors have gone to a great deal of investigation into the Mirage and it shows by the extent of the stories they have uncovered and the photos that they have bought to light in their investigations. I especially like the story of Air Vice Marshall "Hannibal Crunge" and his demise in an Exercise in 1985. You will have to buy the book to read about it, but I found it quite funny! Summary In summary I feel that this book is required purchasing if you are a Mirage buff and a comprehensive reference for anyone making a model of the aircraft. It shows the vast array of discrepancies to the official policies and covers them with photos to back up any conclusions drawn. I doubt that anyone will manage to out do this book in coverage of the Australian Mirage in the future. My review cannot do justice to the obvious hard work that has gone into the investigation and preparation that has gone into this book - all I can say is BUY IT!!!!!!
• ARC website • 2009-03-27
  Review by Steve Bamford This very thick softcover book from Mushroom Model Magazine is specifically devoted to the Mirage III O in Australian service. This is an 8 1/2" by 11 1/2" (A4) book is thick....did I mention it's thick?....312 pages thick!!! This softcover cover book is made from heavy weight paper, so it will hold up well to continued use. The cover....(although a soft cover) is made from thick glossy material and will hold together well. This book covers the selection and introduction of all 116 Mirage IIIO's into Australian service in the early 1960's all the way to it's retirement in 1989. The bulk of the remaining Australian Mirages and spares were sold to Pakistan in 1990 (where they were refurbished and put into service) and 16 airframes were retained in Australia for museums, display and instructional purposes. This exhaustive book is broken down in chronological order to take the reader through the the Mirage IIIO's 30 years of service with the RAAF. This story is told with almost 777 or so colour photos, 67 Black and White photos, 19 colour 4 view profiles and 4 pages of line drawings. For the modeller you will find photos of all 116 Mirage IIIO in Australian service, plus crash photos, walkaround photos including nose radar, cockpit, ejection seat out of the plane, gear bays and the landing gears, engine out of the aircraft, weapons photos including different weapons load and so much more. This book also includes stories of the aircraft in Australian service and some gun camera photos taken from the Mirage of a variety of aircraft. The books includes the initial natural metal finish of the 1960's through the camo schemes, official and experimental as well as the very colourful test aircraft at ARDU and the commemorative schemes. As well as unit markings, unofficial adornments and "zaps" are included. As a modeller I particularly enjoyed the way this book covered the different paint schemes used during the service life of the Australian Mirage IIIO's. This is one very complete book. I'm very much impressed with the quality and comprehensiveness of this book and I look forward to other books from this company. I recommend this book to all modellers with an interest in the Mirage IIIO in Aussie service or if they are planning on building this aircraft as a model. I am quite pleased to add this book to my library.....it will prove to be a very helpful book in my reference library.
• Modeling Madness • 2009-03-27
  by Scott Van Aken There come times when one gets a book and is immediately drawn into it. Such is this latest release by Mushroom Models Publications. This book tells the story of the Mirage IIIO (O for Ostralia - and I'm not kidding) in Australian service. But this isn't a rote explanation of the plane's service and the usual pilot and crew stories. No, instead this one is aimed right at us; the modelers of the world. If you have a love of the French Delta and a fascination with its operation in Australia, then you'll find this book of interest. But really, it is done for us; those who have to know the proper FS 595/BSC 381 shade, or the correct pattern on the left fin, or the appropriate font for early delivery aircraft. At 312 pages, this is the largest softcover book that Mushroom Models Publications has done. If you are wondering why so many pages, then all you have to do is thumb through it. You'll find page upon page upon page of large, colorful photos and four views showing every camouflage scheme carried by the Aussie Mirage. If you think they were all green and grey then think again as the Mirage IIIO carried what I consider to be the widest array of 'standard' schemes of any Mirage operator and a nearly bewildering number of special camouflage and anniversary markings. On top of that, unit markings were changing as the aircraft went through its history with the RAAF. The first 125 pages cover the operational history and standard camo of the Mirage IIIO. This covers all the various units that flew the Mirage. Then we get about 100 pages of special schemes and experimental colors, followed by a few pages of nose art and zaps. Then there are forty pages of walk-around images that include the full array of stores carried. This is followed by a section that has one photo of every one of the 100 Mirage IIIOs that were in service, choosing the most interesting scheme that particular aircraft carried. Finally, there are several pages of drawings showing all views of the aircraft including bits and pieces of different updated and modifications. In all, one of the truly outstanding books of the year. I know this is going to sound like hyperbole to you, but this is a book that is worthy of all the exemplary adjectives that you can attach to it. It is really that good.
• Cybermodeler.com • 2009-03-27
  By Ray Mehlberger 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. Both the authors of this book were actual pilots of Mirages. Color photos of both of them appear, sitting in cockpits, on the back cover. 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, as mentioned above, 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”.
• Aussie Modeler International • 2009-03-27
  by Graham Slingsby One word sums this publication up more than adequately - MAGNIFICENT! I received a review copy yesterday in the mail, courtesy of Paul and Darren (Thanks Guys!) and I must say, my jaw nearly hit the ground upon opening the wrapping! The book is a plethora of visual and written information!! The size (and weight) of the book is the first thing which jumps out at you - no kidding, it's like an A-Z Sydney telephone book I will be detailing a more indepth review over the next few days - so, enough for now; other than to say: BUY IT!!!
• Hyperscale • 2009-03-27
  Reviewed by Brett Green We have become familiar with the small-format, handy aircraft reference books that are regularly released by Mushroom Model Magazine. With the first book in their White series, Mushroom has branched into new territory in terms of both size and subject matter. "Mirage IIIO Colours and Markings in RAAF Service" is a big book - 312 pages in A4 format between cardboard covers. It is also the first title from Mushroom to cover a modern jet.* This book's title is perfectly descriptive. The focus is to cover standard and special camouflage and markings applied to the Mirage IIIO during its long career with the RAAF in the 1960s, 70s and 80s. In this aim it succeeds absolutely. Both authors have seen extensive RAAF service themselves. Darren Mottram now works in the aviation industry with Hawker Pacific following his Air Force career, and Paul Mason is still in the service. Both have a long fascination with the Mirage. This passion, combined with their extensive contacts and hard work, has delivered the definitive work on this subject. The authors already had a large private horde of photographs, and the original plan was to publish a 100 page book. However, thanks to contributions from pilots, crew and official sources, the book grew to 312 pages and more than 800 photographs. The cover is adorned with a flying line-up of Mirages featuring the attractive fin art from six separate RAAF units. The text opens with an introduction summarising the development and introduction of the Mirage IIIO, an ATAR engined development of the IIIC specific to Australian service. The text mentions that the designation "O" was chosen because "A" had already been used in the prototype programme and, whimsically, "O" was the next most appropriate letter for "Ostralia"! The photographic section is logically laid out by camouflage type, in roughly chronological order. We are first introduced to the various colours and markings, starting with bare-metal Mirages, followed by: Protective Measures (silver painted) Lizard Scheme Standard Camouflage Late service schemes "Fancy Dress" including ARDU, Jubilee and grey schemes Body Paint (indentification markings, temporary camouflage and "between colours") Temporary Tattoos Each chapter comprises brief descriptive text and copious captioned photos. The photos are generally large and presented to a very high standard. The vast majority of photos are in colour. The book is rounded out with a 53 page colour walkaround, a impressive photographic listing of every RAAF Mirage and plans. Juanita Franzi has prepared four-view illustrations of 18 Mirages, representing the mainstream colours and some of the most interesting special schemes. The quality of the artwork is first class. Juanita also provided the plans of Aussie Mirage variants at the back of the book. Conclusion I thought I knew something about RAAF Mirage camouflage and markings, but this book has revealed dozens of schemes and special markings that I had never seen before, and literally hundred of photos that have probably never been published previously. Not only is there a large variety of colours and designs - metal, silver, grey and green wraparounds, low-viz greys, blues, orange and white to name but a few - but this era also saw many individual and humorous markings. I get the definite impression that these pilots and crews were having fun with their French "sports cars"! The format of the book is ideal for modellers. The information is sufficient to describe the subject, yet does not distract from the real meat of the book - the magnificent collection of photos. If the images are the meat, the artwork is a tasty dessert. Each four-view illustration represents a wealth of information, as well as inspiration for modellers. Whether you are a fan of 1960s jets, or the Dassault Mirage, or RAAF aircraft, "Mirage IIIO Colours and Markings in RAAF Service" will be an essential addition to your bookshelves. Highly Recommended.