Airfix's new Harrier GR9

[thx6667]

What work would be required to backdate this kit to a GR5 or GR7? Or indeed to an AV-8B?

Nothing for a GR7, externally some of them were the same as the 9 and vice versa. For a GR5, spare nose from the old Airfix kit. For an AV-8B, nose, tail cone and gun packs can be taken from the old Airfix kit, new seat and you're pretty much there - in fact one old Airfix Harrier kit could furnish all those mods and still be made up using the rest of the optional parts!

[Bobski]

No has asked this so I will.

Are Airfix going to sort out their decals?? I have nothing but praise for their plastic of late, and with the prices of far eastern kit these days (which I doubt will ever come down again!) more of my money will going to Airfix (and Revell).

But the last few releases I have bought I've not been impressed. Its not the markings themselves, its the paper stock.

Anyway, in regards to this release all I can say is wow. Even though this is not my scale I may well lower my self for this one.

Chris

I think they are a lot better than they were. The decals in their Vostock and Saturn IB rocket kits are by Cartograf, and look very nice (although I am still using aftermarket on mine). The decals in the Sea Harrier kits went on without any trouble either for me, and the Sea Vixen has some nice ones too.

[Dave Fleming]

What work would be required to backdate this kit to a GR5 or GR7? Or indeed to an AV-8B?

Very little to do a GR7 - the main visual difference on the GR7 and the GR9 is the 'frog eye' inlets on the top of the fuselage on the 100% LERX machines (There is another tiny difference but I can't remember what it is at the moment!). (Empty) Aden pods may be needed as well, or full sized LIDS strakes.

GR5 would need a new nose (which is shorter and has the MIRLS fairing on the underside)

AV-8B would also need a new nose (For all three versions - 8B (NA) is shorter than the GR7/9 nose), and a few other parts - new tail cone, USMC specific flare packs and gun pods or example and and a little bit of carving to remove the RAF specific parts. Later NA and + aircraft would need an extended dorsal intake

[Obi-Jiff Kenobi]

Re: the conversion to a GR5, someone (Quickboost I think) made a GR5 nose for the Hasegawa Harriers, which might fit the new Airfix kit.

[Dave Fleming]

Re: the conversion to a GR5, someone (Quickboost I think) made a GR5 nose for the Hasegawa Harriers, which might fit the new Airfix kit.

Yep!

http://www.quickboost.net/Obrazky/72041b.jpg

3.3 Euro

[Enzo the Magnificent]

Re: the conversion to a GR5, someone (Quickboost I think) made a GR5 nose for the Hasegawa Harriers, which might fit the new Airfix kit.

I'll jolly well make it fit!

Thanks for all the tips, everyone. Looks like I'll be giving Mr Airfix even more of my money!

[thx6667]

The 1991 Airfix Harriers were had optional noses for the GR5, GR7, AV-8B and AV-8B Night Attack, along with the different tail cones and gun packs. The kit was more geared toward the RAF versions as it had the ECM fit on the ventral fin. Long story short, you can rob the kit to make a GR5, or use the AV-8B bits on the new kit, and still have plenty left over to make another Harrier.

[Kev1n]

I third the idea that 3 is a minimum purchase number....

[daz greenwood]

Well I'm having only 3 and thats my limit theres only so many GR.9s you can do.

[thx6667]

Well I'm having only 3 and thats my limit theres only so many GR.9s you can do.

GR7 in original Dark Sea Grey/Medium Sea Grey scheme with camera track markings

GR7 in two tone green scheme (squadron variations)

GR7 Grey ARTF, low viz roundels, sharkmouth

GR7/9 MoD 95 two tone grey scheme (squadron variations and anniversary specials)

GR7 Bardufoss winter camo scheme

GR7/9 overall MSG scheme (inc Fly Navy 100)

GR7/9 retirement schemes (squadron variations)

GR9 "retro" scheme

That's enough to keep you going!

Edited April 14, 2011 by Jonathan Mock