Most of us who want to display their aircrafts on a diorama, unfortunately have to dig in the spare box ,to extract figurines and ground equipments which are not always devoted to the aircraft type, but enough convincing to model the scene in an attractive way. After all, aircraft are still “maned” ,and the “men in the dark” keep them flying. If Hasegawa and Verlinden filled the gap in the 90’ with their sets for US aircrafts, the other countries until now were not covered. From France, and devoted to the Armée de l’Air (French Air Force), a skilled modeller create its company called Fabflight. Turned to its Air force, he start to launch a series of resin items to display aircrafts on ground, and especially the modern Mirage 2000 from Dassault, the back bone of the FAF in fighting role.
 

Logically, around an aircraft  you find mechanics, pilots, guards, tractors, and starter carts. All of these components have been produced in resin+ P/E, and recently in combination of plastic+resin+p/e and decals. The accuracy is perfect as source to get dimensions were easy to find, and I have the opportunity to check them personally.  Here is a listing of the accessories, that can be seen partially in the diorama picture above. (A) The towing bar (ref DET 008) that you could lay aside the aircraft on the apron. The ten resin parts are well cast, bubble free, and easy to glue. A little notice give you 3 pictures for the color and one with the complete bar with figures to locate them clearly. That’s simple and enough. It is noticed that on towing station, the wheels are in “up “position and face the aircraft. (B) Pilots and access ladder (ref DET 005, see insert above the diorama). They are French typical suited modern fighter pilots. Ideal for Mirage 2000, Jaguar, Mirage F1.There are 2 pilots in this set, one climbing on board (with separate arms, one posing aside the aircraft. The suit is very well detailed with anti-G clothes, and typical Gueneau helmets are well done too. The ladder is special for the mirage, on a P/E fret and I have opportunity to check the dimensions, perfect. 

Really a MUST reference for you French modern jets, …except the new generation Rafale. (C) Extinguisher, commonly see on apron. (D) Starting group Socea type 3608 TM (ref DET023). That’s the auxiliary electrical starter cart for ignition. Very complete set with 4 resin parts, 15 in injected plastic, 28 in P/E. Building is easy with the 5 view pics in color. Only the cable must be added by yourself. (E) OIL CAN (ref DET 009).This can is immediately put under the rear belly to drain different internal liquids. (F) TRACMA TRACTOR (ref DET007), that’s the long version of the tractor, seen on most airfield. (G) Figures (ref DET006) Aside the pilots set, this one give you 2 mechanics (one seen on diorama), an armed guard (seen on diorama) and a dog.
 

I highly recommend you these typical accessories to give a real life around your modern French aircrafts models in 1/48. With the beautiful Heller reproduction of the Mirage 2000 in service, a real representation in miniature can be display.

2005

Supplier : http://fabflight.free.fr/fabflight.htm

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly by a site that has 300,000 visitors a month, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.