1/48 AIRFIX BAe Harrier GR.3

[CircleT]

I'm new here and i'm hoping this thread will serve as a way of introduction. My past modelling efforts has been in trains (Link if you're interested:

), but recently I've taken an interest in aircraft modelling.

I picked up a couple kits recently, and the first kit i'm attempting is a AIRFIX Harrier GR3 in 1/48.

I started with the exhaust/thrust nozzles that are part of the kit. I didn't take any before photos (shame, cause they were truly terrible) but I hollowed out the nozzles so that I can add better detail.

The "fins" will be next up, I plan on using 0.005" styrene. More to come.

Edited June 25, 2016 by CircleT

[Motta]

Nice start...

[CircleT]

I haven't fully figured out how I am going to do the fins inside the nozzles so I moved on to another part while I try to find a good solution.

I focused my attention on the engine intakes and creating more detail than what the kit provided. I started with the small engine intake, located right behind the vent "doors". I used this photo as a reference on how to improve the vent: http://aircraft-photographs.s3-website-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/gatwick-RAF-hawker-harrier-gr3-air-intakes.jpg. You can see that the vent is flush at the small end and at the rear of the intake is closer to the centerline of the aircraft. Here is what I came up with:

I then turned my attention to the vent "doors" on the engine intakes. The molded detail was lacking and I wanted to more accurately have the capability to model the doors in whatever position I choose.

Here is the what I have come up with so far. I still have to finish the lower 4 doors.

[Silenoz]

nice work so far, concerning the extra intake louvres, these can move freely, so are only dependent on gravity. on the ground the lower ones will be shut, and the upper ones will fall open