Shane's Yank Harrier. **Finished**

[shangos70]

I have quite a few in the stash but have decided to go with the N/T AV-8A in the U.S. Marines scheme. I was given this for my birthday by my son so that's the reason I've plumped for it. If time permits I might get stuck into the old Fujimi GR3 also.

[splash]

Your top group photo demonstrates the new marketing strategy by Airfix, once upon a time Airfix would have issued one kit with options to build a GA-1, GR-3 & AV-8A in the same box, now they issue it in four or five different boxes giving you 7 or 8 choice of markings.

I personally think it's an excellent marketing policy, as it gives us more choice and at different price bands, to suit different buyers, ranging from starters to experienced model makers. The down side is why does the GR-3 & AV-8A cost so much more for such a little difference?

I look forward to watching your builds and seeing how the old Fujimi GR3 compares to the new Airfix kit.

Regards Splash

[shangos70]

Hi Splash, Airfix are certainly covering all bases with the Harrier. A new twin seater wouldn't go amiss.
I've made a start on cutting plastic, having learned my lesson with a couple of Airfix's other new tools I'm cutting well away from the end of the sprue to avoid any damage to the softish plastic. An hour spent earlier got me as far as painting the intakes and interior. Some dry fitting shows it to be a good fit so far. The cockpit needs the decals and seat adding then it can be joined up. Quite a nasty gap in the front undercarriage bay but I was aware of this from reading review build. Little will be seen once the gear is attached. I doubt it will be done in a week but so far so good. Makes a change to build a modern kit.

[shangos70]

I have been pottering along with this, so far so good. All major parts are together and some minor filling has been done. Dry fitting and making sure mating surfaces are clear of paint has avoided any real trouble. Proof of the pudding will be when I prime it and sort any remedial seams. I don't think I've managed to get a kit together in such a small space of time for a good long while. I will pop a few images up shortly.

[shangos70]

A few pics, boshed some primer over. Looks ok at first glance.

[splash]

Its looking good.

[iggie]

Coming along nicely! (Which is more than can be said for mine as it is still in the box, rather than OOB )

[shangos70]

Daylight revealed a few little niggles but I got a rough coat of light aircraft grey on the undersides this morning. I tried to dry fit the nozzles and they needed a sand around the base and little bit taken off the inside of the fuselage holes to get them to drop in. The gun packs and dangly bits are together and are almost ready for paint. I have painted the wing pylons green already. I think masking the canopy will slow me up a little.

[shangos70]

Undersides have been sprayed light aircraft grey then masked for the dark sea grey top coat.



Dark sea grey on.


Tomorrow I shall paint up the pilot and gloss the pylons and tanks ready for decals.

[fredk]

Coming on well now

[AndrewR]

Looking good

[iggie]

Nice work so far!

[AndrewR]

These new tool Airfix kits certainly seem to come together quickly. Looks good.

[shangos70]

I was a little apprehensive at first. Lots of expectations about the new kits and of course there is always negative press about one aspect of this and that. But a bit of patience and dry fit works wonders with the tight tolerances. It's on hold now while a canopy mask comes through the post. I must of gone mad, throwing money about.

[AndrewR]

I was a little apprehensive at first. Lots of expectations about the new kits and of course there is always negative press about one aspect of this and that. But a bit of patience and dry fit works wonders with the tight tolerances. It's on hold now while a canopy mask comes through the post. I must of gone mad, throwing money about.

Spending your offshore money