School me on Harrier kits--1/48

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.

John

Airfix makes a 1.48 GR.3.  I have one in the stash but can't really tell how it goes together.

Groot

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.

Those are what is out there.

What about the new Kinetic kit? Any word on its quality?

Hasegawa also do a 1/48 GR  MK9, only reason I know thats is I have one in the stash

Phil

Ok, sounds like Hasegawa it is. thanks all for the great info.

Chris

AV-8B nose rundown: 

basic AV-8B (ARBS nose)

AV-8B Night Attack (FLIR in nose ahead of windscreen) ARBS still in nose

AV-8B Harrier Plus, (Air to Air radar in nose, Night Attack FLIR above ahead of windscreen)

Nathan T

What about the new Kinetic kit? Any word on its quality?

I'm kind of interested myself in that kit,here are a couple of reviews.I also think FSM has a review in the future on it.

http://www.hyperscale.com/2014/reviews/kits/kinetick48041reviewbg_1.htm 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDLoAo2NquA 

I guess the nose doesn't matter too much. I just really like the bulbous shape of that canopy. That pilot has got to have such a great view.