Undercarriage…
As has been the case with much of this kit, what’s supplied is pretty good and provides a decent base to add more detail – especially given the large scale.
Undercarriage is up next…
My plan is to build the nose and main gear units – detail and paint them and get them onto the airframe. I’ll probably have to pause there as we wait for Airfix to send through the missing outrigger part. I’ve looked at scratching this but it looks like too much faff, so let’s get as far as we can with the build and hope that the replacement parts arrive very soon.
Nose gear and main gear legs then is really a case of looking at as many pics of the unit as you can find and then set about adding different coloured/sized wires. I’ve collected plenty of these detailing packs over the years and ANYZ is a good place to start – they also do some great lead wire in various thicknesses, all of which are great for these detailing tasks.
You also need cyano and thin strips of metal foil (old wine bottle tops) and Tamiya tape to create securing bands that are often seen on the real thing.
I started by painting the units Light Aircraft Grey, adding some gloss varnish to give a light satin look and drilling a few small securing/locating holes for the wires. Then it’s away you go adding and bending the wires into place. They are secured with the foil or Tamiya tape strips before adding detail painting.
The nose light is an aftermarket car lens that I picked up ages ago secured with Micro Kristal Klear. There are a few small data plates and I use (mostly) black wine bottle tops and small shapes cut from these. The writing can be simulated by scratching the surface carefully using the point of a scalpel. Paint can be added too to finish them off to look like the real thing. The trailing ends of the wires will just be squirrelled away into the wheel wells. Speaking of the wheel wells, I am not a fan of adding detail that can’t readily be seen and so I don’t plan to add anything in there. I will replace the gear bay door hinges though – the large over-scale moulded items were designed to work!
Tyres…
There’s plenty of help in the SMN Techniques Bank showing how I work with these rubber/vinyl tyres and in short it’s just a case of buffing and sanding with a sponge buffer and adding some pastel chalks to create a bit of weathering. I really like the look of the finished items and they are quick to do too.
The main wheels need holes drilled in them and I just marked the locations with a pencil and drilled them out with a hand-held pin vice drill.
Paul Ainsworth says
Hello,Geoff – A remarkable task in dealing with all that riveting.
The cockpit and ejection seat look fantastic and what a treat for you to be finally able to get the fuselage halves together.
I can picture in my mind’s eye how terrific this model will be when finished.Superb work as always!🏆👏😉👍
Geoff Coughlin says
Very kind of you Paul – certainly now getting into this one and although still some filling and cleaning up to do, it’s exciting to see it all starting to come together. Best wishes, GC
James Ashton says
Doing Good Geoff, I first built this kit when it came out in 74. Second and last time, for nostalgias sake, was 2002. Got to admit I was thinking at least you are going into this build with your eyes open. I would never touch it again. But I am enjoying every minute of your efforts and it is coming along great.
I think it is a shame that Airfix have not reviseted this kit as a new tool and done it up to their current 1:24th Standards. If they did I am sure it would sell no matter what it cost (within reason).
Keep going mate.
James
Geoff Coughlin says
Hi James and thanks so much for this. Well at least you’ve done it twice now! I couldn’t do that but I am very glad that I’ve had a go at it. Yes, completely agree, it would be fantastic is Airfix re-tooled the aircraft up to their current 1:24 scale kits – not beyond the realms of possibilities either… fingers crossed :) Cheers again, Geoff
Howard Kilburn says
Great progress on the big Harrier Geoff. I see yr using Perfect Plastic putty which I must admit I like too as being water soluble it’s easy to remove without resorting to sanding, only downside for me at least is that you can’t wet sand it which I prefer….
For larger areas requiring filling I now prefer Tamiya white putty which can be wet sanded and if scribing is required I,ll generally skin it with a light application of cyano
Regards Howard
Bill Clark says
Just thought I’d have a look at progress, after seeing your piccie on FB. I’ll have a good read later.
Fantastic work Geoff! Seat and Inst. Panel both excellent!
Geoff Coughlin says
Thanks all for your kind comments – much appreciated. Definitely getting there now and onto paint this week :) GC
Howard Kilburn says
Wow!!! that’s colossal Geoff…never seen one of these made up…be interesting to see a size comparison in Julian’s Spitfire build when they’re both completed
Regards Howard
Geoff Coughlin says
She’s a good size Howard, that’s for sure! Got the Dark Sea Grey on today and soon the dark Green camo when it should all start to look the part… Thanks for commenting. GC
Paul Ainsworth says
Hello,Geoff – Thank you for your latest update.
The beautiful look of the Harrier’s really coming to life now.
A wonderful job on this classic kit and I’m so pleased Airfix decided to re-release it.
Their 1/24 scale Stuka’s to follow but I’m very tempted to indulge in the re-release of the 1/72 scale Fairey Rotordyne.
They’re all fantastic subjects.
As Always,
Paul.😉👍
Geoff Coughlin says
Thank you again Paul – very much appreciated. The Fairey Rotodyne is absolutely on my radar for this year too for SMN and I have some great decals for a ‘what-if’ planned for that. Hope you give it a crack too :) As for the big Ju 87 Stuka – wouldn’t that be great? It’s due I think to this year…GC
Tmurph says
Great bit of modelling going on there Geoff. The pic with the kits date on well, I was eighteen in 74. How time fly’s.
The work you have put into this kit so far would put off a good few of us, amazing doesn’t quiet cover it.
By the way, thinking ahead. When you reach, let’s say semi retirement age, you could be a professional sander, imagine. Ring, ring…hello Geoff Gouglin..hi Geoff, I’ve got this old 24th scale kit here. It needs a lot of sanding. I wonder if you could come around and do it for me….okay just give me your details….oh the possibilities are endless Geoff.
Look forward to seeing the rest of the build. Great work.
Tmurph says
Sorry Geoff forgot to sign myself off
Tom
Geoff Coughlin says
Well Tom, I think I will have served my time on the sanding front after this one!! As for a professional sander – ah, there’s a calling there for sure but for me?….maybe not! LOL. Thanks for following and commenting :) GC
Paul Ainsworth says
Hello,Geoff – It’s great to be able to catch up again and a treat to see how this fantastic build’s coming to life and I hope the replacement canopy arrives shortly for you.
The painting process looks superb!
As Always,
Paul.😉👍
Geoff Coughlin says
Thank you Paul – very kind of you. Yes, let’s hope so – I finished the decaling about an hour ago (17.2.23) and really pleased with how that’s turned out – these Airfix decals are simply stunning – the best I’ve used by a mile :). All in next week’s update…GC
Tmurph says
This is really going to look stunning Geoff. The work that you have put in is superb.
The GR1 and GR3 Harriers have always been amongst my favourite aircraft that served in the RAF.
Once again you’re doing this old kit justice, fantastic work Geoff can’t wait to see it when you finally finish it.
Tom
Geoff Coughlin says
Hi Tom,
Thanks so much for that – really appreciated. Made more progress this week so a good update on the way very soon… Just need those parts from Airfix soon…GC
Steve Piggott says
Hi Geoff, this is another Masterclass in building these classic kits from the ’70’s , from the building ,and Your usual attention to detail,
this Harrier is really inspirational. Really looking foward to seeing it
finished.
May I suggest some light relief after this one Geoff, A Zoukei Mura F-4G may be just the thing !
All the best ,and thanks as ever for the excellent mag.
Steve.
Geoff Coughlin says
Hi Steve,
Many thanks for your kind comments – really appreciate those. Yes, me too for the completion – just need to get back to Airfix to try and hurry along the replacement parts.
Now…I am so tempted by the ZM F-4G – I bought that and the Meng kit and do plan to build them but there’s a very special and epic large scale build on the way first, just as soon as the 1:32 Revell Hawker Hurricane is done – all will be revealed very soon. thanks again, Geoff
Rob Ruscoe says
Absolutely lovely Geoff.👌
To achieve this with such an old kit I find really inspiring.
Paul Ainsworth says
Hello,Geoff – The photos of that finished build speak a thousand words.That magnificent Harrier is absolutely stunning.🏆👏😊👍
Howard Kilburn says
Looks superb Geoff, particularly on that base…fantastic
Steve Piggott says
Hi Geoff , absolutely fantastic build of the Harrier with some great
Video’s and modelling skills . One of Your best builds yet, and there are many of those in the magazine . Another masterclass with an older classic kit. really looking foward to Your next builds Geoff,
All the best, Steve.
Geoff Coughlin says
Hi Paul, Howard and Steve!
Many thanks indeed for your kind comments – really appreciate your feedback – makes all the difference. My Revell 1:32 Hawker Hurricane Mk.IIb is almost done so that’ll finish very soon with something a little different straight after that.
Cheers, GC