1/72 Harrier frs.1 & gr.3 Fujimi, Italeri, testors

Wise from your gwave, 12 year old thread!

I can't compare the kits, but I'm building a 72nd scale Fujimi AV-8A that I bought many years ago.  The surface detail is good, but there are severe shape issues with the top of the fuselage. There is an exaggerated crease running along the top of each side.  I have lots of carving, sanding and puttying ahead of me.

gentlemen, thank you for your input, was really helpful! Will get the Revell GR7 (on sale at GM my luck), and one of Hasegawa's AV-8B kits (both in 1:72). Thanks again! Cheers

The Italeri 1/72 Sea Harrier FRS.1 is the ESCI kit re-boxed with better decals:

and the Revell Germany 1/72 GR.7 is, indeed, a very nice kit:

Cheers,

Chris.

 

 

I'll just agree with whats already been written here.  For the early Harriers, the ESCI kits are superior. Im certain Italeri used the ESCI mold for the new released GR.3. For an early AV-8A or GR.1, there is no better kit than the ESCI (far superior to Hasegawa'a AV-8A). For later Harriers, Revell or Hasegawa are superior. The Revell GR.7 is a real nice kit (and looks like the exact moldings Hasegawa used on their great AB-8B kits). I'd certainly go for the Revell/Hasegawa kits for  any later versions of the Harrier. To respond to the original question...I'd never really seen Testor moldings for any Harriers, so can't respond. I've heard pretty good things about the Fujimi FRS, but can't be certain if it's an ESCI mold. Hasegawa's FRS.1 is really quite nice, But Italeri's and would be a acceptable alternative to the ESCI FRS.1 since I believe they share the same mold (and is more readily available). Frank

JMart wrote:

Any advantage to 1:48 scale, besides the obvious size benefit?

For first-generation Harriers in 1/72, I don't know of a better kit than the ESCI/ Italeri one, and do know of reasons why the Airfix, Matchbox, and Hasegawa/ FROG/ Novo kits aren't as good. However, for second-generation Harriers, the Hasegawa/ Revell Germany kits are superb. Try getting the Revell Germany kit if you want a GR.7 - it's cheaper and has better decals. The Airfix 1/72 second generation Harriers are actually not too bad, if a little clunky, with a good choice of weapons (especially the current boxing of the GR.7) and would be well-priced if you didn't have to factor in the cost of aftermarket decals.

In 1/48, there's not much choice. For first-generation Harriers, the Tamiya kits are just nasty, with working features compromising scale accuracy. The Monogram kit's not too bad, and the Airfix Sea Harrier FRS.1 is sorta OK. For Second-generation Harriers, Hasegawa/ Revell Germany all the way, though they're not perfect - the British versions, for example, have US-style seats and cockpit interiors. It is possible to make a decent Sea Harrier FA.2 form the Airfix kit with a modicum of effort and aftermarket.

Remember that if you wish to take a risk on 'fatal flaws', and are not afraid to max out your credit card, that Trumpeter are bringing out a range of 1/32 Harriers this year.

Cheers,

Chris. 

 

Ill piggy-back a question here... is this the best Harrier kit available? Im not a "jet" builder (and rookie at everything else!) but my older brother mentioned this is his favorite current airplane..wanted to surprise him for Christmas... 

Any advantage to 1:48 scale, besides the obvious size benefit?

The Italeri and Testors are both the ESCI moulds, and IMO, the best 1/72 early Harriers avaiable. I think, but am not certain, that the Fujimi kit is based on different moulds. Note that Italeri have just re-released their Harrier GR.3 in Falklands markings:

http://www.hannants.co.uk/search/?FULL=IT1278

Cheers,

 Chris.