Tips on building the Harrier

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

I just received my Hasegawa 1:48 Harrier Gr. 7 Operation Telic from the mail. I’ve heard that there are some comments about the kit. I would love to hear from you guys before I start to build it. I was told that the nose is much too tilted up? What about fit?

2

I wouldn’t mind hearing a response to this either. Any help folks?

3

One point you do need to check is the ejector seat. Hasegawa provide you with a fairly decent replica of the Stencil SJU4/7a:

http://www.seatejectcolor.com/seat/sedili/aeronautiche/index.html

as found on the AV-8B, conveniently overlooking the fact that RAF second-generation Harriers ae fitted with a Martin-Baker Mk.12A:

http://www.seatejectcolor.com/seat/sedili/aeronautiche/index.html

As far as the nose is concerned, yes, there is a slight, and incorrect, upward attitude. The easy fix is to enlarge the locating hole for the nosewheel leg, so that you can adjust the angle to give the nose the correct attitude, and then cement the leg in place with slow-setting superglue.

Cheers,

Chris.

4

Thanks Chris. I was really a bit concerned about the nose because I do not have any material to compare it with. I guess the new additioins to the nose exaggerated the tilt. Will it need an extra weight to keep the plane from tiliting backward?

5

I have a feeling that Harrier models rest on their gear without the need to add noseweight, because so much of the model is forward of the main gear, but I always add a little in the nose, as far forward as possible - say 20g/ 3/4 oz., just in case. It never does any harm to err on the side of caution.

Cheers,

Chris.

6

Thanks again Chris. Will post WIP of the Harrier as soon as I get started.