Who’s got the skinny on the best 1/48 Harrier? Hasegawa has an AV-8B USMC Harrier, but I don’t mind doing an RAF version.
I’ve seen some pictures, though, where there seem to be a short nose and a long nose version of this plane. Is that correct? Or simply a trick of the photo? I can’t find any info on whether there was ever a mod in this area that would call for a lengthened nose. I like the look of the shorter nose better, if that is indeed what is going on here.
For the AV-8B the Hasegawa kits are the best here. They can be a little fiddly to build but not difficult. They make several versions, including the “short” (AV-8B) and “long” nose (AV-8B Plus) variants. For an earlier AV-8A the only kit in 1/48 is the old Monogram one which has been OOP for about 20 years.
I am not sure if it is still available, but I believe there was a Sea Harrier by Airfix, I think, in 1/48. Not sure if there was ever a GR Mk. 3 British version. The Monogram AV8B kit is not too bad, but I have not seen the Hasagawa kit to compare. Cockpit is nice on both Monogram kits.
AV-8A/C / Harrier GR.1 in 1/48 is made by Monogram and Tamiya. The Monogram kit is far superior (yes it’s true), but has been OOP for a few years. It’s still pops up on eBay regularly.
The Harrier GR.3 in 1/48 is only done by Airfix. An older kit but there are upgrades by Pavla to improve it.
Sea Harrier FRS.1 in 1/48 is done by Airfix and Tamiya. The Airfix kit is better detailed, but I can’t vouch for fit. The fit on the Tamiya kit is mediocre at best, and it needs lots of help all around.
Sea Harrier FRS.2 is only done by Airfix in 1/48.
As said above for the AV-8B Harrier II, Harrier Night Attack, and Harrier Plus, there are kits by Hasegawa and Monogram (except the Plus, that is only Hasegawa). The Hasegawa kits are better, but the Monogram kits are not bad (and come with more ordnance at least a full basic load out).
Hasegawa makes the only Harrier GR.5 and GR.7 kits in 1/48.
