Guys, I want to add an RAF/RN version of each of these to my stash. If I had to pin down a definitive model of each, which would it be? I’m thinking typical cold-war North Sea Patrol for the Jag; ODS for the Tornado; Falklands for the jumper. Talk to me guys. I want to load these babies up.
All I know is that the Tamiya Harrier (FRS.1 ?) in 1/48 is not very good… Very old, lots of work required.
Thanks mate, I’ll scratch that one. Sorry everyone, I should’ve clarified - I’m talking 1/48 birds
I think your options for a Jaguar are pretty thin - as far as I know, (and I haven’t built either) the only 1/48th RAF Jaguars available are the Airfix (GR1 and GR3) and the ancient ESCI (GR1) kits.
Your choices are pretty thin all around.
As mentioned, the Jaguar in 1/48 is Airfix or Esci. Esci kits weren’t bad for their day, but you’ll have you’re work cut out for you if you go with the Esci one as its quite basic and represents a Jag from the late 70s or early 80s. The Airfix kit represents the more current GR.3 version, but I understand it suffers from a fair number of fit issues.
The Tornado in 1/48 comes down to Airfix or Italeri and the Italeri one actually came with Desert Strom markings. I’m told the Airfix one is better in outline accuracy but is a lot harder to get together than the Italeri one. I’ve seen both built up into very nice models.
The Harrier will probably cause you the most problems. The Tamiya Sea Harrier is definitely one to stay away from. Italeri issued a 1/48 Sea Harrier FRS.1 a few years back, but I think it goes back to Esci molds. If its the RAF’s GR.3 Harrier you want (also a Falklands veteran) I know of no kit that was ever made of it in 1/48. I’ve seen it done using the old Esci AV-8A Matador as a base with conversion or scratchbuilt parts to make a GR.3.
Thanks guys. I know Hasegawa do the USMC AV8-B, but have they ever used those moulds to do a RAF/RN kit?
If you want a more up-to-date version, Hasegawa have an RAF GR7 in 1/48. Actually, it was featured in a cockpit detailing “how-to” article by Matthew Usher in the January '06 issue of FSM.
Mate,
I once built the two Jaguars back to back. Compared to the Airfix, the Esci cockpit canopy is too long & too flat. The tailplanes are an odd shape & the weapons are very crude. Of the two i’d go for the Airfix but get lots of references to correct the odd error. Get a new tube of filler too!
Tornado, I used to work on GR1’s, & I’m building the Airfix F3 at the moment.I’ve built them before & with a lot of effort it’s not too bad. I’ve not tried the Italeri, but I will next time, this thing is a trial!
Having built the Airfix Sea Harrier FR1, I’d say go for the Hasegawa!
Pete
I have the Hasegawa kit in the stash, it is supposed to be a very nice kit, hopefully this is true! I think they still make the GR3 and GR7.