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MATRA R-530

PJ Productions, 1/72 scale


S u m m a r y :

Catalogue Number

PJ Productions Item No. 721217 – MATRA R-530

Contents and media

Two resin parts.

Scale

1/72

Price:

Available online from these stockists:

Review Type

First Look

Advantages:

Scale refinement and mounting pylon included

Disadvantages:

Recommendation:

This R-530 by PJ Production is a simple good quality product enhanced by the inclusion of the missile pylon. I am happy to recommend it.


Reviewed by Mark Davies


Eduard’s 1/72 scale Storm Shadow missiles are available online from Squadron.com

 

Background

 

The MATRA R.530 is a French medium to short-range air-to-air missile. It was available in Infrared Homing (IRH) and Semi Active Radar Homing (SARH). The Mirage III could carry a single missile in the centreline, whilst the Mirage F1 carried two under the wings, and the F-8 Crusader in the French Navy service. Usually one of each homing type was carried when paired.

A large number of foreign operators who flew the Mirage III and F1 aircraft used the R-530. Production ceased in 1980 after at least 2,400 missiles had been delivered.

Source: Wikepedia

 

 

FirstLook

 

PJ Production offers a modest range of aftermarket missiles, amongst the latest of which is a single MATRA R-530 reviewed here. The missile comes packaged in a simple zip-lock plastic bag with card header.

 

 

The instructions consist of a small rectangle of paper with a drawing of the missile and advice on colours for painting.

 

 

The missile consists of single resin piece, with a second part as the missile’s pylon. Inclusion of a pylon is a nice touch as the kits the missile is intended for may lack this.

 

 

The quality of casting is good, and the pour-stubs should be easy to remove. My sample needed a little straightening of a wingtip, but this is easy to do in warm water.

The Mirage F1 and French Crusader carried two missiles, one IRH and & one SARH. I do not know for sure which PJ’s example represents, but I think it is the radar homing version since the nose is painted rather than representing a clear seeker-head. The price seems quite reasonable to me, so there should be no need to rob a bank if two are required.

 

 

Conclusion

 

This R-530 by PJ Production is a simple good quality product enhanced by the inclusion of the missile pylon. I am happy to recommend it.

Thanks to PJ Production for the samples and images.

Review Text & Black Background Images Copyright © 2016 by Mark Davies
Page Created 11 January, 2016
Last updated 11 January, 2016

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