Dragon 1/144 USMC AV-8B Harrier Plus II

[Brasko]

Picked this up as recommended by a friend. Dragon's 1/144 Harrier.


Decided to do this kit because well who doesn't love the Harrier! Plus having 2 kits in the box was very attractive. Although Revell seemingly makes the better kit, there are two of them for 2/3 the cost! This kit is very nice, a little flash here and there but nothing major. Panel lines are nice and deep although a bit vague, they get the point across. There are also a lot of weapons included; both bombs and missiles. I plan to make one specifically air to air and the other a bomb truck. Only Issues I see so far are no cockpit, no intake fan or any detail in that area, the canopies are pretty banged up. Also the 2 optional noses that come wit the kit may be noticeably small, if they are too small I will simply leave the noses that were molded on the fuselage. Decal sheet is by Cartograph. Some of these very small decals will be a challenge but the decals look good.

There are a few detail parts/sets that are made for the Revell that could be used. I am debating the cost vs. effect. Brengun makes a PE set and a vacuformed canopy. Retrowings makes a cockpit and intakes, I would still need to fabricate the fan. I will not buy a Revell kit just to source parts, that would be stupid as I might as well just build the Revell.

This kit is a lot bigger and more complex than the Hurricane but it looks like it should go together well. I look forward to building it.

[Brasko]

Got all the supplies I will need.


It is time to get started. While working on this kit, the level of detail...well lack of detail... is becoming very apparent.
The Pilot molded with the seat being a prime example. I used some Tamiya masking tape to add some details rather than cut away at the figure.

Eh not very pleasant but its a bit better than the original. I will coat is in black and drybrush any color on to not saturate it.

Also got the intakes on and put a little putty inside, I am just going to close up the intakes with some plastic packaging.
The intakes are a bit smaller than where they meet up with the fuselage. I suppose a little filler and just smooth out the differences will do.
Airbrush settings still are not right. I am having some issues finding a sweet spot with this airbrush and it is getting a bit frustrating.

[Brasko]

Just a quick update.

[Brasko]

I have been quite busy but I have finally got this Harrier painted. Still having the sandpaper/grainy effect occur when I paint, It is frustrating.


I decided to load this kit out with all Missiles. I have 4 sidewinders, and 6 unknown missiles. The paint turned out excellent on these as well as their pylons. I am really happy with them and just have the red and yellow stripes to add once that paint arrives!



These next shots are after I applied gloss clear coats. I originally did a few coats of Future but was very disappointed with how it turned out. I found my balls and sprayed the Mig Gloss Clear, which I am quite pleased with. All of the flaws in my construction and paint have come out but it is smooth-ish and ready for decals after it dries for a few days. I also painted the rear exhaust in Vallejo Steel...it was BRIGHT... so I lightly sprayed some flat black over it, looks excellent! Painting the little wheels was actually easier than I thought as well.




After I apply decals I will seal them with Future and wash the entire thing with Mig Dark Grey panel line wash, then I will put a coat of Mig flat clear and call this one complete.