silverburn Posted March 1, 2010 Share Posted March 1, 2010 (edited) Hi all, Received this impulse buy in the post this morning. I'm not starting it right away - I have a venom to finish first - but I've decided to take a different tact with this one until that's finished (which'll be soon). Normally I just decide whatever the h*ll I want from a model...sometimes it's just something to lash together (see above Venom) to "get my fix", other times I like to take a bit more care (see my 1:32 eurofighter). However, on this occasion, I've decided that YOU LOT should decide what I do here with this one. And especially given Harriers are a particular favourite of the group, it's worth the effort to "maintain the standard" - especially given the excellent examples I've seen on here. I'm talking: - Squadron - Payloads (preferably "tooled up") - fixed inaccuracies (within reason - I'm a long way off being a master craftsman) - corrections for version (eg: "Falklands scheme, therefore variant is XXX, and payload would be YYYYYY) - pose (flying, taxing, or in the repair shop, everything open) - aftermarket additions (pits, seats, bays, decals, variant alterations, above weaponry) There is one caveat...it has to be British! The rules are simple...I take a list of ideas (close date: end of March, or whenever the h*ll I want)....put it to a vote...and I build it. Though I still reserve the right to overrule (if a rivet-counting fix is beyond my technical skills, for example). So roll on the ideas! Edited April 20, 2011 by silverburn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seamus Posted March 1, 2010 Share Posted March 1, 2010 A quick word of warning, the British second generation harriers are noticeably different to their American counterparts, and there will be much work needed to convert this AV-8B to a GR.5/7/9. For example, these differences include: - Noses- different between the three British variants, and different again to the three types of AV-8B - Tail fairing - Flare dispeners- located immediately aft of the airbrake on RAF versions. - RWR sensors mounted on ventral fillet (below fin at rear fuselage.....can't think of the technical name for it! ) - MB Mk 12 seat instead of the American Stencel seat - Aspects of the cockpit - Cannons- two Aden pods instead of the single Avenger cannon on the AV-8B (trumpy have moulded this as two cannon, which is incorrect) There are certainly more that someone more knowledgeable on Harriers will inform you of, but there's some food for thought That said, if you're going to go for an RAF version, I'd quite like to see a 3 Sqn GR.5- can't imagine there will be too many of those knocking about Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverburn Posted March 1, 2010 Author Share Posted March 1, 2010 A quick word of warning, the British second generation harriers are noticeably different to their American counterparts, and there will be much work needed to convert this AV-8B to a GR.5/7/9. Typical yanks...ruining a perfectly good aircraft with their own revisions...and shame on trumpeter for choosing their version over ours! Truth be told - it's more my lack of detailed knowledge of harriers showing up. I've a feeling I'll be an expert by the end though... I'm not finding any conversion kits in 1/32 for it. I might have to forego the RAF part. Oh well...just and excuse to get the 1/24 at some point... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seamus Posted March 1, 2010 Share Posted March 1, 2010 You'll have an either harder job converting an Airfix 1/24 GR.3 to a second gen harrier The kit is fairly new, so I'd assume that aftermarket bits and bobs will be available at some point. However, I'm pretty sure Trumpy will be releasing an RAF version at some point anyway (in addition too an AV-8B II NA and/or AV-8B II+) so might be worth waiting for that one, and all the wonderful inaccuracies it will surely bring In the meantime, you could always treat us all to an AV-8B build, can't have too many Harriers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverburn Posted March 1, 2010 Author Share Posted March 1, 2010 You'll have an either harder job converting an Airfix 1/24 GR.3 to a second gen harrier The kit is fairly new, so I'd assume that aftermarket bits and bobs will be available at some point. However, I'm pretty sure Trumpy will be releasing an RAF version at some point anyway (in addition too an AV-8B II NA and/or AV-8B II+) so might be worth waiting for that one, and all the wonderful inaccuracies it will surely bring In the meantime, you could always treat us all to an AV-8B build, can't have too many Harriers Way things are looking, that might be all we get! Though I would like to go to town with some serious pointy boom sticks...as long as someone suggests them Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ollieholmes Posted March 2, 2010 Share Posted March 2, 2010 A question for the members who know their Harriers. How easy would it be to backdate the AV8B to an AV8A? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seamus Posted March 2, 2010 Share Posted March 2, 2010 There would be a lot of work involved as they are essentially completely different airframes. The wings are smaller, the canopy and cockpit are lower and the nose is pointier for a start. Lots and lots of work. I assume you're question was referring to 1/32, so you're best bet is to hunt down an old Revell GR.1/AV-8A kit and use that as a starting point, though it's pretty basic from what I've read...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverburn Posted March 5, 2010 Author Share Posted March 5, 2010 Ok, so I've done some research, and looks like I'll have to reluctantly stick to an AV-8B for this one. That not to say democracy isn't still needed - I'm still offering up options on: - Squadron (thought this will be american-only now) - Payloads (preferably "tooled up") - fixed inaccuracies (within reason - I'm a long way off being a master craftsman) - pose (flying, taxing, or in the repair shop, everything open) According to wikipedia the pointy boom-stick options are: Hardpoints: 6× under-wing pylon stations holding up to 13,200 lb (5,988 kg) of payload: Rockets: 4× LAU-5003 rocket pods (each with 19× CRV7 70 mm rockets) Missiles: Air-to-air missiles: 4× AIM-9 Sidewinder or similar-sized infrared-guided missiles 6× AIM-120 AMRAAM (mounted on radar equipped AV-8B+ variants) Air-to-surface missiles: 6× AGM-65 Maverick; or 2× AGM-84 Harpoon; or 2× AGM-88 HARM; or Bombs: CBU-100 Cluster Bombs (CBUs) Mark 80 series of unguided bombs (including 3 kg and 14 kg practice bombs) Paveway series of Laser-guided bombs (LGBs) Mark 77 napalm canisters So...suggestions welcome! 6x paveways would be interesting... Though I've already done that for my eurofighter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irishgreek Posted March 5, 2010 Share Posted March 5, 2010 You could do a Desert Storm bird, maybe find something with Mission Markings, etc? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverburn Posted March 10, 2010 Author Share Posted March 10, 2010 Ok.... I *might* be able to build a semi-plausible UK GR5 now (as long as I don't take any close up pics, and exclude the rivet counters! ). No promises, because what I actually plan to do is use whatever I can from the ancient Revell kit (see below) to build the Trumpet edition into a UK GR5. GR5, 'cos the AV-8's nose is nearly identical, and damned if I can find any aftermarket conversions in 1:32. Straight away, the belly guns from the Revell will be used, and anything else - we can see what we can do - any advice/pics you guys have to offer will be appreciated as always. Wotcha think? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spence Posted March 10, 2010 Share Posted March 10, 2010 Ok....I *might* be able to build a semi-plausible UK GR5 now (as long as I don't take any close up pics, and exclude the rivet counters! ). No promises, because what I actually plan to do is use whatever I can from the ancient Revell kit (see below) to build the Trumpet edition into a UK GR5. GR5, 'cos the AV-8's nose is nearly identical, and damned if I can find any aftermarket conversions in 1:32. Straight away, the belly guns from the Revell will be used, and anything else - we can see what we can do - any advice/pics you guys have to offer will be appreciated as always. Wotcha think? Hey fella - interesting thread! I've just read your last posting and should point out that there is nothing in the Revell GR.1 that you can use on the AV-8B! You seem to be planning to use the guns, but they are completely different in shape and design! As for anything else being useful in the kit - 'fraid not! They really are two very different aircraft and the kits reflect this. Rather than trying to build a GR.5 from the kit that you have (and add the mods including what is, trust me, a very different nose cone...), why not wait until Trumpeter release the GR.7 later in the year, build the AV-8B as a aircraft from the first Gulf War and then keep that very rare Revell GR.1 so that you can build it as is, or convert it into a GR.3? That way you get two models rather than one..?! Just a thought - but please, don't use the parts from the Revell kit on the Trumpeter offering!!! All the best, Spence Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverburn Posted March 10, 2010 Author Share Posted March 10, 2010 Just a thought - but please, don't use the parts from the Revell kit on the Trumpeter offering!!! Oh well never mind then! ok - Gulf war AV-8B it is... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverburn Posted March 14, 2010 Author Share Posted March 14, 2010 (edited) Ok, I've lashed together the OOB pointy boom sticks, and the rest from my 1:32 stash. I'm just starting on the generic stuff. Still plenty seam work to do on some of these babies, before anyone asks. I am still leaving the load-out down to you guys - even if that means stuff that isn't shown here. Failing that, I'm loading up on the 6 LGB's and some air-to-air It should be noted that the 2 paveways in the foreground are reserved for the inner pylons of my Eurofighter (to give it 6x paveways). Should be here soon! The 2 pods in the upper left corner are rocket pods. I'm tempted to steal the pods from the Revell kit, to give a 4x loadout (hint, hint). Edited March 14, 2010 by silverburn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverburn Posted March 19, 2010 Author Share Posted March 19, 2010 (edited) Well, I've started, and almost finished the pit. Still want to re-do some of the buttons on the upper centre console and side consoles (some are mistakenly red), and I've got a wire turning from white to red, but apart from that, I'm happy with it. Bit of weathering/dry brushing, and I've left it. I actually quite enjoyed it The seat I'm less happy about - the kit one is a bit bland, compared to the pit itself. I've aged the khaki fabric a lot, given the age of these aircraft. I still have the straps to do, but even then I doubt I'll be happy with the seat. Any recommendations on aftermarket options? I'm assuming a lot of rocket seats are standardised? Anyway...enjoy! Pictures a bit blurred for some reason - these do actually look a lot better in real life. Edited March 19, 2010 by silverburn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnonymousER99 Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 Typical yanks...ruining a perfectly good aircraft with their own revisions...and shame on trumpeter for choosing their version over ours! Its only because ours is better!! I will follow your build as I too am doing one for review here on Brit Modeler. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChocksAway Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 Silverburn Join the Harrier SIG - they'll be able to help you with all the questions you're posing. Harrier SIG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverburn Posted March 24, 2010 Author Share Posted March 24, 2010 Only a small update...gotta keep ahead of Mike and his AV-8B afterall... Ok, engine started - colours etc lifted from some real-life pics. Plenty to do still - weathering especially. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shark 64 Posted March 25, 2010 Share Posted March 25, 2010 Hi. Probably my next build. Good job my friend. Is there any aftermarket parts for this one yet ?. Oliver Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham T Posted March 25, 2010 Share Posted March 25, 2010 (edited) You started the engine!!?? Gosh those Trumpeter kits just get better & better! (sorry couldn't resist it! ) Edited March 25, 2010 by Graham T Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Posted March 25, 2010 Share Posted March 25, 2010 You started the engine!!?? Gosh those Trumpeter kits just get better & better! (sorry couldn't resist it! ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverburn Posted March 25, 2010 Author Share Posted March 25, 2010 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverburn Posted April 2, 2010 Author Share Posted April 2, 2010 (edited) Engine finished! Colour scheme radically different from the pegasus in East Fortune (as I saw today), but hey ho - I've seen the photo's and I know this engine scheme came out an AV-8B. I'd liked to have had more blue heat discolouration, but I didn't have the pastels for it, so plain ol' dirty it'll have to be. I might do a wee bit more, but it looks ok in normal light TBH (ie these photo's are showing it in it's best light). Bays next, and getting the fuselage together! PS - anyone looking for some photo's? I took a few of the lightning, and the tornado. I was tempted to do the Bucc, but I figured..."hey they obviously enjoy the pain of building them, so why make it easier for them?" Edited April 2, 2010 by silverburn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverburn Posted April 2, 2010 Author Share Posted April 2, 2010 (edited) PS - no load-out votes at all from you chaps, so I'm going with: - 2 x tanks - Inner pylons - 6 x 500lb LGB's - Middle pylons - xxxx - "leg" pylons not in kit. Booo! - 2 x rocket pods - outer pylons - 1 x spoiler, and 1 x pylon with laser guiding, ECM doohickey wotsits etc on the belly, in place of the guns. What exactly are these btw? And who makes them in 1:32? ....OR.... - 6 x 500lb LGB's - Inner pylons - 2 x rocket pods - Middle pylons - xxxx - "leg" pylons - 2 x AIM9's - outer pylons Edited April 2, 2010 by silverburn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverburn Posted April 5, 2010 Author Share Posted April 5, 2010 Ok, construction is proceeding, but I've spent most of the day correcting a problem... Essentially, the pit section wouldn't join the main engine/fuselage section without massive gaps. I filed, I trimmed, I shaved...and only just got it to a "putty-able" distance, top and bottom. Only to find when I got there, the top section curvatures were not the same! You can just make it out here: The intakes threw in another problem, because if the main pit wouldn't fit neatly, neither would the flap "legs". I had the choice of either: a ) attach the pit, then the intakes, and putty the intake join b ) attach the intakes to the pit first, and join/putty the lot once attached. I chose b ) - I figured making the small legs neatly finished was easier than trying to butcher the complex intake innards. Plus I've already painted the innards... It's been a long day, but just about happy with the fit lines. A few small ones to do, and the belly pit/fuselage join needs further work - it was a good 1-2mm adrift! That front underkart is right in the way though, but I couldn't not attached it, given the design; Trumpet could have come up with a means surely - the rear can be added after the fuselage is together? Anyway...to the pics.... ..and after some work...the "intake legs" and the upper join are now neat and tidy! ...and here's progress at end of play; wings and tail fins are only dry fitted for now (wing will not be secured anyway). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverburn Posted November 12, 2010 Author Share Posted November 12, 2010 Another one that I promise I've not forgotten about - I've been doing stuff honest! Cammo is going on, but gahd...what a job. More photo's on that once I get my camera fixed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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