Airfix 1/72 Sea Harrier FA2

[gweller]

After putting the Phantom aside for a while I thought I would build something a bit simpler, namely the Sea Harrier FA2. As it turned out the build was not so simple as I had hoped! The kit was a bit of a disappointment with serious sink marks on the fuz and along the top leading edge of the wings all of which requiring extensive filling etc. The cockpit is a bit basic as are the outriggers, and the exhaust nozzles are split vertically making it difficult to hide the seams. A number of small antennas are also missing and the models is shown with open main u/c doors where as these were usually shut shut on the ground (I think!). On the other hand the intakes and the fan are done rather well done, and the decals are very nice.

Anyway after a bit of work I've come up with this so far. Hand painted with AK acrylics and Valero varnish, and finished with Flory weathering wash. I've also replaced the nozzles and exhausts with resin aftermarket items. Not 100% happy with the results but it's better than I had hoped when I started it

[langy71]

Now that's looking brilliant, looking at the pics you wouldn't know you've had a bit of a fight on your hands with her..

you've gotta love a Sea Harrier...or any Harrier in fact.

[gweller]

Now that's looking brilliant, looking at the pics you wouldn't know you've had a bit of a fight on your hands with her..

you've gotta love a Sea Harrier...or any Harrier in fact.

Thanks! It's a shame that the quality of the moulding was so poor as it's quite a nice kit, if a bit basic. Just given it another coat of matt varnish as the first was a bit patchy, so after it's good and dry it's just a matter of putting it all together

[HAWKERHUNTER]

That does look well especially for a hairy stick paint job.

[gweller]

A bit more progress today. Extra coat of matt varnish, jet exhausts and u/c fitted (except the outriggers). I forgot to add in my first post that for some reason Airfix did not include the two small, but prominent, auxiliary air intakes just behind the canopy. I made ended up making these from scrape as the SHAR just didn't look right without them. Not sure they are 100% accurate but they are close enough I think.

Next up are the dreaded outriggers, weapons and tanks, and the last finishing touches.

[gweller]

Nearly there! Although it seems to have succumbed to the problem that often occurs with Harrier models in that my main wheels are a fraction to short....

[langy71]

very nice indeed buddy, an excellent result.

Is it possible to remove the 'outriggers' and shave a smidge off the mounting pegs? maybe it'll help lower the main wheel back down..

[gweller]

very nice indeed buddy, an excellent result.

Is it possible to remove the 'outriggers' and shave a smidge off the mounting pegs? maybe it'll help lower the main wheel back down..

Thanks for the kind comment! Yes that could be possible, but the outriggers are a bit delicate, so I'm loath to take them off for fear of breaking them. While out walking the dog it struck me that I could also file flats in the tires of the outriggers, only needs a millimeter or so, to make a difference. Going to wait until tomorrow when everything is dry, and give it a go,

[Miko]

Thanks! It's a shame that the quality of the moulding was so poor as it's quite a nice kit, if a bit basic. Just given it another coat of matt varnish as the first was a bit patchy, so after it's good and dry it's just a matter of putting it all together

This one comes from an era when Airfix wasn't at it's best with their Matchboxesque panels lines

However, you've seemed to have beat it into good shape, looks like a fine rendition of an FA2 to me

Mikoi

[gweller]

This one comes from an era when Airfix wasn't at it's best with their Matchboxesque panels lines

However, you've seemed to have beat it into good shape, looks like a fine rendition of an FA2 to me

Mikoi

Yes it's a strange mixture of good and bad..... good details in places, nice decals, pretty good part fit, but yes very deep panel lines and a few obvious features are missing (antennas and intakes).

[colin m]

When I build a Harrier, I always leave the main gear until last, adjusting the height as necessary. Is there any way it can be persuaded off and re-fitted at the correct height ?

[gweller]

When I build a Harrier, I always leave the main gear until last, adjusting the height as necessary. Is there any way it can be persuaded off and re-fitted at the correct height ?

Thanks for the tip Colin! But I think the main gear is about as far out as it will go. I going to try to file a flat in the outrigger tires and see if that helps. Looking at it now, sitting on my workbench it, it is only a fraction off (maybe 1mm). On the photos it looks a lot worse than it actually is.

[gweller]

Filing a flat on the outrigger tires has helped a lot. It's not perfect but I can live with how it is now!

[flyjoe180]

That's looking good, and despite the challenges it's turned out nicely. Good fix on the landing gear.

[langy71]

That's the ticket, nice save.