1/72 Harrier GR.1 (First and Last A73009)

[Dad Paul B]

This ends part 2 of this build. The GR.1 in this Club set was is the standard series 3 kit with decals for the Conversion Unit based at Dunsfold in 1969. I built almost straight out of the box; the only changes were alternate numbers for the serials (XV744 used for the Daily Mail Transatlantic Race by Sqdrn Ldr Tom Lecky-Thompson from 'RAF St Pancras') and a refuelling probe (not included in the base kit) cannibalised from a Sea Harrier FRS1 kit.

It looks like the GR1 is the base kit for the GR3, with only a different nose. The instructions left off some options and only covered the cannon pods, whereas the race machine needed the strakes - easy to do having seen a Harrier kit before. Research showed that the outboard pylons were not fitted for the race so these slots were filled in. The GR1 kit is not a flexible as the GR7/9. The latter has options for dropped flaps and the forward fuselage is constructed seperately which ought to make late trainer variants easier to tool while T2 and 4 models will need complete new fuselages. The build was very smooth with not fit issues, though the pitot probe on the nose broke and I had to drill a mounting hole for it - a minor annoyance which could be solved by molding it seperately. SNEB pods are supplied but not used.

For painting the photo I used for inspiration definitely showed a bluish tone to the grey camouflage (common in 50s and 60s pictures of RAF planes) soI chose to paint this in RAF Blue (96). I later realised this was too dark so the second coat was mixed with some white (which complicated matters when I struggled to match the colour on the underwing tanks. It was also very shiny (you can see the fin flash reflected on the elevator) so I left the gloss clear unmuted.

Another satisfying build. Photos follow, incluing some alongside the GR9 which looks a lot more chunky than its ancestor. An interesting comparison.

Comments and advice are always welcome.

Paul

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[Pretty Mediocre Modeller]

Very nice builds Paul,

Your right about the Hu96 instead of dark sea grey, it does look right!

One small piece of advice, the outrigger wheels on the GR1 should be perpendicular to the ground, difficult I know if you are trying to get all the wheels to touch at the same time.

In your last photo is the GR1 mating with the GR9? Will a GR5 result?  😉

[John Symmons]

Very nice clean builds Paul.

Thanks for the story, really helps to bring everything alive.

Remember we do this for fun    John the Pom

[Rael]

Great end to a great build!

[Dad Paul B]

Thanks all. The outrigger wheels were added at the end and I didn't notice the angle until later. Must have missed the front mounting hole. Still I am very happy with the result. I like hearing about unusual moments in operations to mark, in some small way.

The double up set was to allow a direct comparison of size as the GR9 is a bigger and more chunky aircraft. Still doubling the number of pylons without a huge extension of the wing does make for a very busy underwing area.

Next project is the Swordfish from the Operation Torch set (probably to be done in the older two tone grey scheme but I haven't made up my mind yet. I built  a couple of swordfish (possibly Novo) around 40 years ago (fiddley as I recall). This time I aim to do the rigging.

More when ready.

Paul