1/72 Hasegawa Harrier GR5

Gallery Article by Bill Clark

 

McDD/BAe Harrier GR5 . ZD351/"03" RAF No 1 Sqn RAF Wittering 1990.

No 1 Sqn were the first RAF front line squadron to receive the new Harrier II - the GR5. This model depicts one of its first overseas deployments, to Bardufoss in Norway during the winter of 1990 - hence the white "blotches".

 

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The kit is the Hasegawa GR5 - the only additions were a new bang seat (from Airwaves), and the various lumps and bumps on the tail and wing tips - oh yes - I also opened up the airbrake and main wheel bays. The underwing tanks were also shortened by removing the centre section. Decals came from the kit and the old Airfix kit (Hasegawa's "03" being only in yellow, whereas the real numeral was in red outlined yellow. Tut Tut Hasegawa!!).

I painted the whole thing white and then applied maskol blotches. I then painted the upper surfaces Humbrol Dark Green followed by the lower surfaces in Lichen/Medium Green.

Despite the flaws in this kit (seam along cockpit, closed airbrake, lack of RWR lumps and bumps, tanks too big,) I think this is probably the best AV8B/GR5 kit available - recommended, so buy a dozen or so and Hasegawa may yet treat us to the Harrier's Grandaddy - the Hawker Hunter!!

Bill Clark

      

Photos and text © by Bill Clark