The Unofficial Airfix Modellers' Forum

I'm not really sure where to put this, so mods please feel free to move it if its in the wrong place.

Can somebody recommend a couple of good Early Harrier reference books, preferably with 1/48 plans and some cutaways.

I've got the 1/24 GR.3 that I want to start on but I tbink it'll require some ref material.

Regards

Stuart

I'm ordering the Haynes manual for info on building my 1/24 GR3. I'll let you know how good it is after it arrives.
I'll see what other books I have to see which ones can still be bought.

fredk wrote:I'm ordering the Haynes manual for info on building my 1/24 GR3. I'll let you know how good it is after it arrives.
I'll see what other books I have to see which ones can still be bought.

Thanks Fred - I'd be intersted to know.

The SAM Modellers Datafile "RAF Harrier" (which I don't have) will be pretty good if it's up to the standards of the other ones (many of which I DO have)...

And this, from the Harrier SIG, is a useful high-level introduction!

http://www.harriersig.org.uk/models/mod ... rierv3.pdf;

bestest,
M.

I hate to disappoint, Matt, but the Harrier MDF is one of the poorer efforts, I'm sorry to have to report. Very little coverage of the First Generation Harriers, it concentrates mainly on the GR.7/9, having 1/48 plans of that type only; two of the three model builds are of that type with just a short review of the Italeri 1/72 GR.3. A limited walkaround of a GR.3 is included. Modelling is confined to a mere 12 pages - the aforementioned three reviews and a single page only for a kit listing that only reflects what was available at the time of printing (i.e. not at all comprehensive,) and a similar page for aftermarket. This is all reflected in the sub-title, which states "A Comprehensive Guide" and omits the word "Modellers" as seen on previous and some subsequent books in the series. As much as I hate to say it, I don't regard it as a comprehensive guide to RAF Harriers, and I wouldn't buy it for First Gen Harriers.

To answer Stu's question, I think the old Aeroguide 12 is the best for modellers of the early Harrier books - great walkaround photos, though no plans at all. You can probably pick them up cheaply at Amazon or Abebooks.

I'd also recommend the Harrier SIG website.

Thanks guys - I'll take a look!

Finally found my way back to this;
The Haynes book is good; it has a decent recent cutaway of the GR3. And lots of good photos and line drawings. However, it covers from the idea to the GR9 and the future. I know I'll find it useful.
'Aeroguide 12' covers the GR3 & T.4, is good with plenty of detail photos.
And 'Detail & Scale' vol. 28 on the AV-8 Harrier is useful too.
But none of these have three or five GA in 1/48, only 1/72.

The Warpaint guides are some of their better efforts , written by Tony Buttler so should be. Great for the inspirational side profiles. Plans can be hit and miss but I think that goes for scale plans in general. The close up photos are always too few as they use images from their library rather than going and doing a walk around.

I always wonder about the accuracy of scale drawings in magazines and books. I know artists that put their names to three view drawings (which include cross sections) which feature in the paper press. Yet I know full well that they do not go out and measure aircraft. I always approach drawings a little warily since finding this out.