1/72 Harrier Gr3 Falkland

by Federico Kunz

--------------------

 

Well, after reading a couple of books regarding the Falkland / Malvinas conflict a good subject was to start with the Harrier.  Surprisingly, I happened to see this kit in my local hobby shop the following weekend after reading the book.  I likedthe quality of it a lot .  Though, the cockpit is a kind of sparse.  I did manage to get a resin ejection seat that helped a lot.  The panel, though improved a bit, is a kind of hidden inside the cockpit.  Assembly went straight forward, with almost no filling or sanding required.  Plan your painting through the process, especially the turbine entrance.    

Click on images below to see larger images

  

  

  

During the conflict, a few Gr3’s were available.  I learned through the Internet that some specific modifications are needed to be done, indeed, a well represented “Falklander”; for example: it needs a addition in the nose (a box & a fin), plus some chaff dispensers (which I didn’t build due to the lack of a reference) & more smaller issues.  I stuck to the nose item which I may have oversized.  

The real issue is painting the camo.  Though colors were not difficult to find, the wrapped camo requires lots of patience regarding masking on a quite complex surface.  Also, the air-to-air missiles were taken from the spares box (I think, they belonged to a Tornado); those included in the kit are quite basic.  Some heavy weathering was applied with chalk-washes & some tubing went on the landing gear.  The front wheel-well was detailed because the kit leaves a “big hole” there. 

After all, a fine addition & also a surprisingly small airplane… now that Pucará in the shelf looks more appealing.  Hope you enjoy.  Always, I am available for any comments & contact from you all.  Best regards from Mexico City.

Federico Kunz

Photos and text © by Federico Kunz