Tamiya 1/48 BAe Harrier GR.1

TAMIYA 1:48 BAE HARRIER GR.1
'INBOX Review'

Reviewer: John Lacey (rec.models.scale)

Kit Details

48^th Scale Tamiya Harrier GR.1

History

You guessed it, another early quarter scale Tamiya kit which needs little introduction.

The Kit

This kit makes a rather interesting comparison to the company’s later Sea Harrier on quite a number of points. Although internally & externally similar from a moulding and construction point of view, with many aspects of their Sea Harrier being relevant here, there are a few noteworthy divergences to the other kit which I will examine. The sprues being marked with “Made in Japan 1971”. Sprue A which is actually two sprues pertaining to the mainplanes, tailplanes and stores have one sprue with lower wing halves, tailplanes, two pylons, two twin stores carriers, a centerline recon pod and GP bomb components with an extra GP bomb and the recon pod being added whilst the second sprue consisting of upper wing halves, drop tanks, aden pods and other stores are differentiated by the replacement of AIM-9s and their rails with SNEB FFAR pods and a centerline pylon and noting that the drop tanks have fins moulded onto them. Sprue B is once again very similar, although the solid canopy portion, ejection seat and pitot probe are changed to be applicable with the GR.1 type. The pilot, is however, identical. I suspect this is an error, as most photos I’ve seen of RN Shar pilots shows them wearing immersion suits, whilst RAF Harrier drivers do not. Another interesting point is where the Shar B sprue has a trio of antenna for addition to the airframe, there are outrigger undercarriage legs to pose the model in flight in the RAF instance. Clear parts dispense with the Shar’s HUD, leaving only a canopy and windscreen.

Options

In many instances, this older boxing is a much superior model. The pilot’s canopy can be modeled to open and close, the undercarriage is offered in either extended or retracted configurations, whilst there is, once again a choice of Aden pods or strakes. An additional centerline pylon is added along with the aforementioned recon pod and a new total of five 1000 pounders, four SNEB pods and two drop tanks. Four armament configurations are suggested with various combinations of the supplied stores.

Colour Schemes

One scheme is provided for that is applicable to a total of four decaling options. Although the instructions (this time written in English) make no mention of colours used, the aircraft wears the early RAF tactical scheme of Dark Green / Dark Sea Grey uppers over Light Sea Grey lowers.

Decals

Whilst not provided, the instructions inform that the options available are a No 1 Sqn machine wearing tri-colour roundels, a No 20 Sqn and a No 4 Sqn machine, both wearing red/blue tactical roundels and finally a initial delivery USMC machine, that whilst wearing WF tailcodes doesn’t have any unit specific markings. Airshow manufacturer markings are provided as alternate for the 4 Squadron machine’s squadron markings, whilst British serials are provided for an option on the USMC machine, no doubt worn during it’s initial delivery phase. Once again, a number of stencils seem to be provided.

Instructions

Thankfully provided in English, these are a quad fold double sided sheet with aircraft history, three construction steps, stores map, painting and decaling guide and parts map on one side with a continued history (complete with cutaway drawing!) and twelve construction steps on the reverse. Detail painting notes are found throughout the construction phase along with historical and model photos.

Impressions

Once again, it looks to be a very nice model of the type, bearing in mind the limitations of the kit due to its age. English instructions, a greater variety of stores options and some welcome choices for in flight or ground modes are worthy of note. Whilst the type only represents an earlier Harrier and realistically, a British machine at that given the basic nature of the USMC machine, I still believe it’s a worthwhile choice for the Harrier modeler.

Conclusions

For someone wanting an early Harrier, I believe this kit stands up quite well considering it’s vintage and would make an interesting counterpoint to a collection of the type being more specifically aimed at an early production machine. Given the detail of the instructions, I can’t see this as being a real challenger for any but the most novice of modelers and can recommend the type.

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