Geoffers Italeri 1/72 Sea Harrier FRS.1

[Geoffers]

Hello Guys,

I’m going to join my first Scale Model Forum GB with this entry.



I know a Sea Harrier is an obvious choice but they do look cool

It’s an oldie ( not sure if it can be described as a golden oldie ) first tooled by Esci back in 1983.

I may build it in flight unless I can spruce up the cockpit.

Sprue shots etc to follow, thanks for looking.

Geoff.

 

[papa 695]

Nice choice, are you not doing the Wessex as well Geoff.

 

[Geoffers]

Thanks papa

I’m starting with the Sea Harrier as I’m in the middle of a fight(build) with an Italeri Sea Dragon kit so am feeling a bit helicoptered out

I might build the Wessex if I have enough time left after the Sea Harrier though.

Cheers,

Geoff.

 

[The Smythe Meister]

Not in this GB personally Geoff,
(Not because it doesn't interest me, it's just that I have nothing suitable in the stash),
But that's one iconic subject you've picked there... I love em !!
Hence,I shall be following your progress
Andy

 

[Geoffers]

Cheers Andy, hope I can do it justice

Geoff.

 

[Geoffers]

Hello guys,

I’ve been holding back from starting as I wanted to clear some of my current projects.

Nearly there now though so thought I would post the pictures of the sprues etc.


All nice and fresh









I’ve also been waiting on delivery of a resin ejector seat to spruce up the cockpit a bit. It arrived today and I am very underwhelmed by it to say the least

Here’s the original kit version.


Here’s the resin one





As you can see the seatbelt details which was the main reason I decided to upgrade are mostly missing.

I was going to build it on the ground but am toying with the idea of sourcing a pilot figure and building it inflight, I still haven’t decided.

Anyway I’ll start cutting plastic soon, thanks for looking

Geoff.

 

[Jim R]

Hi Geoff
A great choice for the GB. Looks a decent kit despite it's age. The resin seat is a nice upgrade and will look fine painted up.
Jim

 

[Tim Marlow]

Kit looks good Geoff. Can’t say the same for the resin seat though, that looks quite poor to me, like the moulds are completely worn out….I think I’d be complaining there

 

[colin m]

I do like a Harrier and I'm glad to see one being built. As you've probably noticed, that old Esci kit isn't bad at all. I'm looking forward to this.

 

[stillp]

I've only just realised this is a rebox of the ESCI kit I built a while ago https://www.scale-models.co.uk/threads/esci-1-72-sea-harrier.36892/
I'm sure you'll make a better job of it though.
Pete

 

[Geoffers]

Thanks guys

Yes it is indeed an old Esci kit but it does have some nice detail for its age.

I will be happy if mine turns out as nicely as your build Pete.

In regard to the poor quality of the seats I have emailed PJ Production and will let you know what they say.

Cheers,

Geoff.

 

[Geoffers]

Hello Chaps,

I’ve been busy with the build so thought it about time to post an update.

Firstly I had a reply from PJ Production and their explanation is that there is nothing wrong with the seat. They claim that they have changed the mould to recreate a seat with hooked up seat belts rather than them dangling!
I felt the tone of the reply was a bit condescending but never mind there are other aftermarket companies to buy from in future

Anyway on to the build.

First up is the cockpit, it’s pretty basic with decals for the instrument panels, control column and seat.
I’m not too bothered as after the disappointment with the seat I’ve decided to close the canopy so not much will be seen.

I added some weight to the nose just in case it’s a potential tail sitter. Slivers of lead glued in place with PVA glue.


Then it was all buttoned up

I’ve cleaned and built up most of the ancillary parts.

Some of which have been painted up.





I’ve also been adding the various components to the main fuselage.




Unfortunately the rear undercarriage has to be added at this stage so I’ll have to be careful not to break it off

So it’s coming together nicely, not much in the way of seam work or rescribing to do so should be ready for paint soon.

Another update soon, thanks for looking

Geoff.

 

[colin m]

It's nice to see things moving along Geoff.

 

[Geoffers]

Hello Chaps,

Time for a quick catch up

It’s all ready for paint now so hoping to get the primer on later today.






It has all gone together pretty nicely with not too much filler needed. The worst area being around the wing root.
The Aden cannon pods were also a bit tricky as the was no location points on the model but I think they look reasonably right (too late now ).

The only things of note are I have opened up the upper vents around the air intakes as I believe these had a tendency to fall open when the aircraft was powered down.

Before.


After.



There was also a sizeable location slot between the cannon pods for a pylon to be fitted.

However on the pictures I found of Sea Harriers in the Falklands none seemed to be fitted with this pylon so I filled the gap with the actual pylon cemented into place and the cut it away and sanded it back.



So on with the paint.

Another update soon, thanks for looking

Geoff.

 

[colin m]

You've been busy Geoff. It's nice to see the classic shape of the Harrier developing.

 

[Geoffers]

Thanks Colin, I’ll hopefully get the painting sorted this week

Geoff.

 

[Geoffers]

Error

 

[Geoffers]

Hello guys,

Some more progress to report.

Main colour scheme paint is now done so just a bit of detail painting to do before decalling can start.

It was given a primer coat of black Mr Sufacer 1500 and once this had dried thoroughly it was given a coat of Vallejo Model Air 71-






The other ancillary parts also got the same treatment.



The ejector seat has also been painted up (forgive the poor quality photo the camera was having trouble focusing )



Not too much more to do, hopefully I will get some more work done on it soo.

Thanks for looking

Geoff.

 

[Mark1]

Progressing quite nicely

 

[Jim R]

Hi Geoff
Just had a catch up and I must say you've done a cracking job. Very neat work. Tidy work opening up those air vents.
Jim