Scale: 1:72
Reviewer: Geoff Coughlin
(See also the Here Now review on Airfix’s Sea Harrier FRS-1 in 1:72 scale by Es George)
Our thanks to Airfix for supplying the review sample
Initial assessment
The first thing that strikes you is the weight of the box. Airfix’s new packaging is substantial and the box is packed. Love the box art too; one of the 3 marking options illustrating an FA2 from HMS Ark Royal getting airborne. You get three grey sprues, with a clear sprue packaged separately; 116 parts all told.
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As this is a new-tool, it’s pleasing to see that accuracy looks good overall. You get options for the intake blow-in doors and their shape looks right. There is detail in the airbrake and wheel bays and the wheels have flats moulded on, even the outriggers and that’s impressive.
The fuselage seems to fit well, as does the one-piece main wing. Alignment of these major parts presents no obvious problems and I like the fact that the lower wing panels are engineered to minimise the visible join. The smaller components have good mating lugs and therefore, should not present too many issues.
The plastic is a little on the soft side and the sprue gates a little large in places, but the quality is good, though not on a par with some. Tooling is flash-free, although the recessed panel lines are a little heavy to be honest, especially on the weaponry; nothing that can’t be sorted out though. Cockpit detail is good for the scale with decals for the main instrument panels, and you get the options for retracted undercarriage, and a pilot figure, so the model can be depicted in flight. Stores are good, with choices of two or four AIM-9 fit, AIN-120 AMRAAMs X2, Sea Eagles X2 and cannon pods or strakes. There will though be some work needed to make good the join of the exhaust nozzles, all of which are two-part assemblies with a join in the middle.
The 8-page instructions are very good, with 19 stages, starting with the cockpit and intake/fan assembly; the later appears to be well thought out. Humbrol paint numbers are called out throughout the build, and there are clear depictions of the angles and placement of certain parts, like the AIM-9s. The painting and decal placement instructions are on a separate, colour fold out, which is not only very clear, but very good.
Decals
The decals are Airfix’s own, are matt and in register. You get options for: No.800 NAS, Fleet Air Arm, HMS Ark Royal, February 2004; No.801 NAS, Fleet Air Arm, RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset, UK, September 2005 and the third option for No.899 NAS, Fleet Air Arm, RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset, UK, February 2005. There are plenty of stencils, including some for the weapons, and they look very fine in detail.
Summary
This kit is excellent value for money. Considering what you get in the box, the options and the presentation, Airfix’s Sea Harrier FA2 is a welcome addition to their growing Harrier range and will be welcomed by many.
Recommended
Geoff C.