1/48 Revell Rafale-M 

by David Longhitano

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    Hi all! Here I am again with the model of a French Navy airplane, the Dassault "Rafale", brought to you by "Revell". Is to be said that the German firm has done a great job with this kit, although the plane is not very well known and documented by specialized press (I couldn't find any publication about this fighter, so I had to search through the net and "steal" from other modelers work). There are some minor flaws that have to be fixed, but the general kit quality is very high, with finely engraved recessed panel lines, hundreds of particulars and perfect engineering. The only and biggest problem of this kit is the junction of the air intakes with the fuselage: as said by many other modelers who built Revell Rafale, it is difficult to sand this seam without losing part of the detail. Despite this bug, the assembly proceeded with no problems.

Click on images below to see larger images

    I used the PE set that "Eduard" sells for Rafale-M, which greatly improves the beautiful 5 part seat you find in the box, plus some other particulars destined to canopy, antennas, etc. I also made my modification to the kit: the more evident was removing the two sensors placed on the nose, just in front of the windshield. In fact, in all of the pictures I've seen, the "Aeronavale" Rafales (the "M" version) don't have this device, which are present in "Armee de l'Aire" Rafale "C" and "B". I have also modified the arrestor hook to make it lay down on the ground, as when the plane is parked due to the loss of hydraulic power. At last I decided to discard the three auxiliary fuel supply, because they're shaped as those mounted (again) on Rafale "C" and "B".

    Painting of the model was performed with "Gunze" acrylics, followed by decals (a little bit thick) and an oil wash with "Ivory black". A coat of Humbrol flat clear gave model the right grade of opacity. Some pastel powder, given with a fine brush, simulated the weathering on the fin and wings.

    I've also scratchbuilt the base, starting from an aerial image of "Charles De Gaulle" French carrier. I took a piece of wood, drilled the holes, and painted with Tamiya "German Grey". After I've painted the service stripes and, with cotton wire hardened with CA glue, I created the "hooks" where the plane is secured (thanks to Enrico Bianchi for this tip...).

    I hope you enjoy! See you...
David, from Rome...

Photos and text © by David Longhitano