The kit seat was modified through the addition of seat belts (using Tamiya tape) and other details. Assembly of the kit posed no problems, the fit being rather good. Weapons choice was a combination of fuel tanks, Mk-82 bombs and 6 round Matra rocket pods. The kit rocket pods are of the larger 18 round type which weren’t used on the Impala.

Impala Mk2 no 1085 - the real aircraft

Bottom fuselage view note rocket dispensers

Painting was done as follows – underside 50% Model Master Intermediate Blue FS35164 and 50% Tamiya X2 white. Upper camouflage was a combination of brown (XtraColour X-224 RLM79 + spot X-18 black) and Green (XtraColour X-113 faded OD over sprayed with X-116 FS14102). SAAF decals are provided in the kit but these were old and cracked when placed in water. No alternative but to make my own – and thus I embarked on a long, tedious and frustrating (but ultimately satisfying) journey of discovery. Using a sample aircraft at the SAAF museum in Pretoria and another at the Johannesburg Military History Museum, I managed to get accurate details of all markings and stenciling of a late scheme aircraft. These were replicated and brought to scale using CorelDraw. Printing was done using a Canon inkjet printer onto Experts-Choice clear decal film. The printed decals were then varnished with Testors gloss varnish to protect the ink from running. This worked well and each decal was applied with Micro Set and Sol. A light dusting of semi-gloss varnish was applied followed by weathering with dark grey pastels. A final coat of mat varnish was applied. This is a beautiful little aircraft which packed a mean punch. It will be truly missed – apparently a number of MkIs have been bought by enthusiasts in the USA and the Brazilian Air Force (Mk IIs) to supplement their ageing force.

All photos: M. Reid. Additional photos: A. Dyason   

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