here is my 1/48 Airfix Sea Harrier FRS.1. Built mostly OOB, I’ve added an Eduard PE set, resin intakes, dropped the flaps and added some bumps around the airframe. It wears the markings of NAS 801 which flew from HMS Invincible during the Falklands campain.
I really enjoyed this build, the only thing I’m not happy with is the fact that the canopy does’nt have a det cord on it. I found fitting the PE cord too fiddly and made a mess of it. Therefore I elected to omit it from the model.
Here’s some pics, feel free to criticise and say what you think.
Looks great Tango, time to get those Falklands decals I found and dust of the scribing tool I think, might have to look into some resin bits to do a pimp job on it too! You have truly inspired me to do some UK Fleet Air Arm builds.
Well you asked for a straight opinion. Here’s what I think. It is apparent that on the one hand, you have paid close attention to details, with some add on stuff. But, what detracts from the model is the finish paint work. The paint seems too thick for the scale, it has actually dgraded the panel lines in spots. There are clumps of something trapped in the paint (dust)? The excess paint scale around the canopy, and the brush touch up around the lower windscreen are really visible. Jets need to have a ‘clean’ paint job, even if they are weathered. The digital camera can be your worst enemy in up close shots … Take a look at Matt Swann (Swanny), or Bill Lachance’s (Pixilater) web sites for finishing tips…
It is obvious that you have put a lot of effort into this build and it shows. But, what separates a good model from one that is just OK, is the quality and care that goes into the finish work. This baby has a way to go my friend. Get that surface squeeky clean next time, before you apply your topcoat. Test fit, putty or fill gaps around the canopy parts BEFORE paint. You will be glad you did.
thank you! For giving me an honest opinion, I appreciate your feedback very much. Like you say, I have a way to go and cleaning and dry fitting are things that I will pay attention to more in the future. Thanks for taking the time to point me in the right direction.
Well, Darren, if you consider an Eduard PE set, resin intakes, dropped flaps, and added bumps to be “mostly OOB,” I hate to think what your idea of a major conversion to be![:D]
The build looks great to me. My only criticism is that some of the pictures are a bit blurry to see any detail.
