Johnson Posted March 23, 2023 Share Posted March 23, 2023 Sea Harrier FRS.1 ZA175/004 801 Naval Air Squadron HMS Invincible 1982 I started this build last June during the Britmodeller Falklands War 40th Anniversary Group Build. The 1983 ESCI 1/72 Sea Harrier is still the best and most accurate 1/72 FRS.1 on the market, even after 40 years. Detail and panel lines are as good as anything being made now. But, like most kits, not without the odd challenge. Having completed the model during the 40th anniversary year I set out to give it a suitable display base, a small portion of the flight deck on HMS Invincible, and some of the deck equipment that would have been seen during the conflict. A brief summary of what I did, used and modified; The Sea Harrier; Scratch built cockpit, HUD etc Instrument panel - Kits World Martin Baker Mk.10, Ejection Seat - a modified PJ Productions resin seat. Pitot tube - Master Eduard AIM-9L Sidewinders and 1000LB Airburst Bomb Deck Equipment; Vickers Mk2 Deck Tractor - Air Graphic Models (heavily modified) Deck Crew - Air Graphic Models Pilot - Aerobonus Ladder, Intake FOD Guards, tool box, tie-down chains, chocks and tow bar - Scratch built The deck crew, 'Maintainers', wear different coloured tabbards that reflect their various trades; Yellow - Captain of the Flight Deck & Aircraft Director Green - Engineering Electrical Trades Blue - Aircraft Handlers Red - Ordnance Vickers Deck Tractor No.1, 81RN81, HMS Invincible, Falklands TEZ, 1982; As she's firmly attached to the deck, the underside is now hidden, but here's photo from the WIP and one of the cockpit; For anyone wanting more details about how this went together, the WIP is here; I owe a great deal to Nick Greenall and Richard of the IPMS SIG, and all the Britmodellers who encouraged me - Big Thanks! Cheers! 63 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbadbadge Posted March 23, 2023 Share Posted March 23, 2023 Fantastic Charlie, this is a stunning diorama, great work all round . Chris 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AntPhillips Posted March 23, 2023 Share Posted March 23, 2023 Beautiful build, that's one to be proud of. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColinChipmunkfan Posted March 23, 2023 Share Posted March 23, 2023 I have to agree, an excellent model and diorama expertly finished. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PatG Posted March 23, 2023 Share Posted March 23, 2023 Wow, you've really done all the veterans proud with this. Quite stunning for the scale. Pat. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard E Posted March 23, 2023 Share Posted March 23, 2023 Excellent - not sure what else to add to that other than to say it's been a pleasure to follow your build Charlie. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin1962 Posted March 23, 2023 Share Posted March 23, 2023 That's beautiful. Love the diorama in general and what you've done with the cockpit. I notice the engine nozzles are also really well rendered. They were an issue with mine with that awful join line. Nice one. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hopesdaddy Posted March 23, 2023 Share Posted March 23, 2023 Beautiful diorama, the build looks excellent and your paint work is superb 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AliGauld Posted March 23, 2023 Share Posted March 23, 2023 A stunner, Magnificent stuff. Cheers, Alistair 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
georgeusa Posted March 23, 2023 Share Posted March 23, 2023 First, it is a great build and finish of the Harrier. Second, the diorama you put together for the plane is magnificent. Really gives the impression of a Harrier being readied for a flight. Thanks for sharing. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linus Posted March 23, 2023 Share Posted March 23, 2023 Hi Johnson, really super model and setting, yes Esci is a kit that compares very well even with the current kits!!! Compliments!!! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CJP Posted March 23, 2023 Share Posted March 23, 2023 Very nice SHAR and diorama - like the way you have done the flight deck. CJP 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveMc Posted March 23, 2023 Share Posted March 23, 2023 That is a superb build all round Charlie. Very nicely done. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zephyr91 Posted March 24, 2023 Share Posted March 24, 2023 Only one word for that. Stunning. And Awesome; no that's 2 words. Stunning and awesome. 3 words 😁.........oh. you get the gist. Well done. Rob 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnson Posted March 24, 2023 Author Share Posted March 24, 2023 This must be only my 2nd RFI, so didn't know what to expect! Many thanks everyone for your kind comments. Very glad you like the SHAR and the base, I started the Sea Harrier last June, so this must be my longest ever build. Have a great weekend all, happy modelling! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alpha Delta 210 Posted March 24, 2023 Share Posted March 24, 2023 I endorse all the above - well done! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NellyV Posted March 24, 2023 Share Posted March 24, 2023 Superb! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlxBNE Posted March 24, 2023 Share Posted March 24, 2023 Really great diorama, lovely way to show off a really high quality build. Excellent results all round. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-32 Posted March 28, 2023 Share Posted March 28, 2023 Love it, that's really nice work 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilspen Posted March 28, 2023 Share Posted March 28, 2023 Bravo Zulu. An excellent scene. The accessories are as good as the Sea Harrrier. The Deck Tractor modification was well worth it. The towing arm is brilliant. I have really enjoyed it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichieW Posted March 28, 2023 Share Posted March 28, 2023 Superb. It just needs a figure of Brian Hanrahan, microphone in hand, ready to utter his immortal phrase "I counted them all out and I counted them all back." It's such a good, evocative diorama it brought that news report straight back into my mind. Richie 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ngantek Posted March 28, 2023 Share Posted March 28, 2023 Fantastic work! The Shar itself is beautifully done, but the work on the diorama is really stunning. Love it! Andy 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnson Posted March 29, 2023 Author Share Posted March 29, 2023 10 hours ago, RichieW said: It just needs a figure of Brian Hanrahan, microphone in hand, ready to utter his immortal phrase "I counted them all out and I counted them all back." It's such a good, evocative diorama it brought that news report straight back into my mind. Thanks Richie! Brian Hanrahan with cameramen Bernard Hesketh and John Jockel and ITN’s Michael Nicholson (all now sadly gone) were also heroes of the conflict. And thank you all again for your support, reactions, encouragement and kind comments on the build. Certainly makes the time spent seem worthwhile. Cheers, 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kev67 Posted March 29, 2023 Share Posted March 29, 2023 Had this kit when it came out, although I never built it I remember it was very nicely moulded, I have done the Airfix FRS1 which is not that bad although has its inaccuracies mentioned in other forums. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keeff Posted March 29, 2023 Share Posted March 29, 2023 (edited) In 1/72 scale, the kevel of detail is awesome! The flight deck and crew put the aircraft in it's natural habitat and do it justice. 👏👏 Keith 😁 Edited March 29, 2023 by Keeff 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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