Curt B Posted January 18 Share Posted January 18 Hey All, Well, having just yesterday got my new Tamiya F-35B (and WOW, what a kit!!!!!), it got me thinking about other similar type airplanes. Obviously, there aren't many. I did some research, looking for opinions on the best Harrier, and there wasn't as much posted on this topic as I kind of thought there might be. So, i thought I'd pick some brains here. Do any of you have an opinion on the best 1/48 Harrier? I'm not picky on version, I'm more interested in kit engineering and best fitting parts. It might also be nice if any recommended models are still readily available. I don't think I've ever built a Harrier. I'm almost 100% sure that I had one when I was little, but can't remember if I ever built it or not. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ijozic Posted January 18 Share Posted January 18 (edited) AFAIK, Hasegawa makes pretty much the only Harrier II (i.e. AV-8B/+, Gr.5/7/9) kit worth considering in 1:48 (also reboxed by e.g. Revell), while Kinetic makes the original Harrier (I) kits (Gr. 1/3, FRS.1, AV-8A, etc.). Don't think it was announced yet, but I would be surprised if Kinetic doesn't follow up these with a line of Harrier II kits soon enough. Edited January 18 by ijozic Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Nathant Posted January 18 Share Posted January 18 Which Version? Hasegawa pretty much has the market cornered for 1/48 second generation Harriers. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cruiz Posted January 18 Share Posted January 18 For the last version (AV-8B / GR.7), Hasegawa is the only one available, reboxed by Revell and Eduard; it seems to be the usual Hase detail and fit; be aware of an old Monogram AV-8B, which is a different kit than those. For the early ones, the best option (in my opinion) is the Kinetic one; they have all the family (Harrier, Sea Harrier, and AV-8A). From what I have read, the GOLD editions have a better fit overall than the regular ones. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Alternative 4 Posted January 19 Share Posted January 19 @Raymond Chung have Kinetic considered making an 1/48 AV-8B? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
airmechaja Posted January 19 Share Posted January 19 I built the Hasegawa AV-8B kit years ago and it was a good build. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sodasorb Posted January 19 Share Posted January 19 The Kinetic Sea Harrier FRS1 is a great kit and offers many decal choices for both the Royal Navy and Indian Navy aircraft. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BillS Posted January 21 Share Posted January 21 I’ve built 2 Hasegawa AV-8Bs and one Kinetic FRS2. They are both quite good so it boils down to version. Overall I kinda lean toward Has. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Curt B Posted January 21 Author Share Posted January 21 Thanks, guys. Looking like a Hasegawa Harrier for me! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ElectroSoldier Posted January 23 Share Posted January 23 I seem to remember the Monogram kit is the only one with an accurate wing but over all the Hasegawa kit takes the win because while the monogram kit is accurate overall its isnt that great. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ben Brown Posted January 23 Share Posted January 23 1 hour ago, ElectroSoldier said: I seem to remember the Monogram kit is the only one with an accurate wing but over all the Hasegawa kit takes the win because while the monogram kit is accurate overall its isnt that great. The Monogram AV-8B, correct? Their AV-8A builds into a nice model with a little work. Worth a look if you can find one cheap. Ben Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Da SWO Posted February 13 Share Posted February 13 So a used Revell kit is just as good as a used Hasegawa kit? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sabrejet Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 On 1/18/2024 at 5:10 PM, Curt B said: Hey All, Well, having just yesterday got my new Tamiya F-35B (and WOW, what a kit!!!!!) You need resin in your life: if you think Tamiya is that good then there is a whole world of amazement awaiting you. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Curt B Posted February 18 Author Share Posted February 18 (edited) On 2/14/2024 at 7:32 AM, Sabrejet said: You need resin in your life: if you think Tamiya is that good then there is a whole world of amazement awaiting you. Are you talking about resin aftermarket upgrades or resin full kits? I have many resin aftermarket upgrades for various kits, and I agree that resin upgrades are amazing in terms of the level of detail they provide. However, the latest thing, 3D printed parts, are even better! So, what were you referring to? Also of interest to me is the F-86 Sabre. It's my favorite 'vintage' jet plane...I just wish some manufacturer would come out with THE absolute definitive 1/48 or 1/32 F-86. I'd buy several of those in a heartbeat! Edited February 25 by Curt B Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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