AV-8B Harrier II Plus

I really wanted to build an early version Harrier, but nothing decent is currently on the market, so I went with the Hasegawa release of the latest version of the Harrier. Overall, this is a very good model. There were a couple of fit issues with the shoulder fins, but with careful gluing and a little bit of gap filler I was able to overcome this. The most noticeable trait of this kit was the incredible number of parts for such a small aircraft. It took me nearly 3 weeks to complete the build after painting and decalling because of all the accessories, antennae, etc. However, the final product is striking, even in a low-viz. scheme and markings.

The paint scheme is Light-Gull Grey under surfaces, Dark-Gull Grey upper, with the radome and leading edges of the pylons painted in a Medium Blue-Grey. I really like this scheme; it has a bit more blue hue that the US Marine Corps Harriers. Despite all of the different facets of the Harrier painting went quite easily with little touch-up. I tried a new technique (for me) to weather and accent the panel lines. I used a water-based Gunship Grey wash with a little bit of dish-soap to keep the paint from adhering where I didn't want it. After painting the lines, I let the wash dry, then used a Q-tip to wipe off the excess while leaving the wash in the lines. I used a black wash to highlight more prominent lines such as the landing-gear doors, intake vents, and flying surfaces. I am extremely pleased with the effect and will probably stick with this process for the majority of my models.

This subject carries the markings of the "Wolves" of the Italian Navy. I chose number 04 because I like the false canopy marking under the forward fuselage. I originally was not going to pose the model with missiles, but an AMRAAM-burdened Harrier is an unusual sight so I went with it. Plus, the representation of the missiles were very good. I also chose to put a pilot in the cockpit which I think turned out very nice. The pilot helmet was included, but not the torso so I used a torso from my Hasegawa RF-4B. After a little bit of trimming the pilot figure fit quite well. I wanted to pose the canopy in the open position, however it would not fit between the two large scoops just behind the canopy. So I closed it up and the aircraft is depicted the a take-off-ready configuration.

I am quite happy with this model. This kit was essentially right out of the box, and it makes a show worthy piece. I highly recommend this kit to Harrier fans, but I still hope somebody releases an early-version Harrier beacause I would love to do an example from the Faukland Islands conflict.