Kinetic Harrier

[meremodeller]

A few days ago I started my next project. The Kinetic 1/48th Harrier GR1-GR3 kit.
In the box there are a very large number of parts, many of which are not required for the GR1, as this is the latest kit in the series which includes the Sea Harrier and two seat trainer versions.
I found it quite important to follow the instructions as there are several instrument panels, seats, wings, fins etc.
I'm building mine as a very early 1 Sqn machine with red white and blue roundels, these were based at Wittering in the early 1970's
So far so good. Cockpit detail is adequate and the fit of the fuselage components is good but care has to be taken with the main u/c bay / air brake insert to ensure that it lines up flush with the underside of the main components. I used a small piece of plastic card to hold it in position at the rear.

[chriswil42]

Looks good Bill. I will be interested to see this complete.

[Bigkev]

Hi Bill,
Looking forward to seeing this built by somebody I know.
Have read various reviews, and in general looks a very favourable build.
Keep up the good work,
Cheers,
Bigkev

[cph64]

I also have read reviews for this kit and am also looking forward to the build.

[Bob C]

looking good Bill, I’ll be watching this build.

Bob c

[meremodeller]

Next Step. The Harrier is always a tricky painting process. Here you can see the intake bell and inner surfaces have been painted before the outer components have been attached, also I have found it best to paint the undersurfaces of the wings, yes, they are painted!, with Lt Aircraft Grey. The fairings around the nozzles are painted with DSG and DG before attaching the wing. Fortunately the wing to fuselage is a very good fit and it will just be a case of masking the undersurfaces before attaching to the fuselage.

[Bob C]

keep up the good work.

Bob c

[MSea]

Looking good Bill

[meremodeller]

I did say there were lots of parts not required for this build!!!!

[chriswil42]

Blimey - all those NOT required?

[zak]

Build two then!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Or use your imagination.

[cph64]

All the spares are probably due to the kit being re-released as the A-V8A with US markings as per the build in SAMI?

[Bob C]

I think it’s also because it has common part with both sea harriers the company released a few year ago.

Bob c

[meremodeller]

As you so rightly say, all the extra parts are left over from the previous incarnations of the Kinetic Harrier kits, Sea Harriers and 2 seat trainers. All Kinetic have done is just add another sprue and retained old ones even if only a couple of parts are required. Hence the care that is needed to ensure the correct part is used, ie instrument panels, seat, ariels etc.
In the meantime I have now airbrushed the 3 camouflage colours. Using 'Mr Hyde Masking Putty' from MRP, the bigger gaps are then filled with masking tape.

[councilman]

This is going to be a good looking model.
Great work Mr Meremodelller.