Airfix 1/48 Harrier GR-3 - Almost there

[keithinflorida]

"FLASH AHHH AHHHHHHHHH" (Sorry Freddie)

So, now that the Bell X-1 is pretty much complete it's time to build model number 2.

Sadly, even now knowing Airfix's reputation, the box art grabbed my attention and money was exchanged without researching the subject.
Now I've opened the box and seen the quality of the contents, I'm not sure I'm even going to continue with the build. Massive flash everywhere, zero detail and raised panel lines. Looks like a complete dog.
Ah well, stay positive and treat it like yet another learning experience. Wish me lots of luck, I'm going to need it. Sadly, I have a horrible feeling that this will be headed for the bin before too long.

Cool Box Art


With the exception of the canopy. All of the plastic is in one bag.


And now for the horror show that is the plastic itself.

[Avgas]

My sympathies. I had a go at one a while ago. It flew well...

[chief5437]

I fell for that kit a while back. Not up to Airfix's current standards by a mile! With a bit of work it can turn out nice. I finished mine for the Cold War GB. Good luck buddy!

[Nige201980]

Good luck mate.

[Twokidsnosleep]

Cool plane, don't see many built as kits
Looking forward to see she turns out for you

[Twokidsnosleep]

Looks a little "flashy" there on the sprues

[keithinflorida]

I've made some progress over the past week, but this sure is a dog.
I wont know for sure until the primer is on but after a lot of filling and sanding the seams are pretty much sorted. I'll have to put in some plastic card behind the ejector seat to hide that particular seam.



Also, the wheel wells and airbrake will require plastic card to hide massive gaps. As you can see there's absolutely no detail in either!!!!!





The air intakes too are devoid of any detail. Not sure if my modelling sklls are up to it but I'm thinking of cutting out the doors and fitting plastic card in these too...



What I thought was going to be a quickish build is turning into a marathon.

[chief5437]

Nice work so far, lots more ahead by the looks of it! This may be of interest if you're thinking of adding more details. It was a great help when I did mine.

http://www.harriersig.org.uk/models/

Good luck buddy.

[keithinflorida]

That's awesome. Thank you

[keithinflorida]

Another quick Update;

Tamya rattle can primer coat on. Sadly, there's still a few seams that need attention.



I've also added a little detail inside the airbrake housing.

[keithinflorida]

Seams & Flaps today..................

[keithinflorida]

Merry Christmas Everyone.
Well this has been fighting me for months now. After much filling, sanding, cutting etc etc I've finally got the paint completed.
I tried to cut the intake doors and replace with plasticard but as I expected it was a step too far for my limited modelling skills.
Hopefully it will look okay once the clear coat is done and the decals applied.

[keithinflorida]

Klear coat is on and it's time for the decals. I seem to be getting some silvering. Would using Aqua Gloss instead of Klear stop this?

[keithinflorida]

Slowly getting there.
Most of the decals are now on. Very disappointed to be getting so much silvering. I'll use Aquagloss next time instead of Klear and see if that makes a difference. Other than that I'm still quite please with how its turning out.
just the weather ing and final matt coat to do now.

[Smiffy]

Looking very good work so far, the GR3 is the best looking of all the Harriers.

[PrivateMansoor]

nice work smiffy

[keithinflorida]

Almost there. Just the brown panels on the fin and wingtip nav' lights to complete.

[Gav0909]

Re: the decals. I don't know if Aqua Gloss will sort the issue, however it is a much better gloss varnish than Klear. So my suggestion would be use that anyway first of all. Second, make sure your gloss coat is really smooth, so perhaps put down two or three thin coats, certainly on the areas where decals will go. Also get yourself some decal setting solution, there are various ones around. I have no issue with Micro Sol and Micro Set. These help your decals to settle onto the model better, and combined with a good gloss coat before and after the decal application, should give you good results.

Glad to see you stuck with this kit, as its turned out really nicely! Its a real shame there aren't very many 1/48 Harrier kits around, the Hasegawa ones being expensive, and also hard to get (GR.7 is one I am after!). And just think of the things you learned while doing this, so I say there is never a thing as a bad kit, because "bad" kits can be made into good ones.

Well done, nice job!

[keithinflorida]

Thank you for your comments. I'll certainly be getting some setting solution before my next model is at the decaling stage.