A while back (2009 if you want to know) I built a Heller Mirage IVP with the Pavla recce pod. Last week I got a new refueling probe for this kit.

The new probe from Master Model is a single piece of turned aluminum, exactly the same length as the Heller probe. All I had to do was remove the plastic probe from the nose of the Mirage IV, drill a larger hole where the probe goes, paint the new part and install the part with some CA to hold it.

As it turns out, there was one more step to this project. The Master Model part is a tiny bit smaller in diameter than the kit part. But it was the work of only a few minutes to trim the kit nose taper to fit. A little more paint to match, and it was done.

Overall Evaluation

Highly recommended. The part fits nicely and is a simple upgrade to the kit, and it looks very good. If you’re doing the Heller Mirage IV kit, this part is a LOT easier to install before the kit is painted. On the other hand, that probe sticks out in front, and is pretty likely to be broken off or separated. This part will make your Mirage whole and almost unbreakable.

Many thanks to Master Model for the review item, and to IPMS/USA for the chance to upgrade the Mirage IV.