otis252

Yep and the back rest as well. Workin' on it.

Oh yeah Harold! Now if you can do that for the headrest!
Chuck

I picked up a resin gun/ammo pod for my1/18th scale,  pre-built AV-8B Harrier II. This is a resin version from the new 1/18th scale kit that recently came out. They look good but, could use a little work, especially the "crossover fairing" (not sure if that's the correct name for this piece ??), that goes between the two pods to make them better.

 

 
As you can see, the panel is no where near being close to being correct, it's too flat and one dimensional.

 
These two reference pics show what that panel should look like.

 

 
 I started detailing the gun pod by adding a length of 1/4" evergreen tubing to the gun exhaust port.

 
Next, after multiple attempts I finally got the template made for the fairing using some HD card stock. When everything is locked in where it should be, it fits good and looks more the part.

 

 
Now I just need to transfer this to some sheet plastic, add some details,  panel fastener details and, the air scoop. Until the next update.
 
Steve

I have been tinkering with the seat..here is a rough prototype of the seat cushion. It has a fabric finish, but needs to be smoothed somewhat .

Hey guys, I really doubt there's much out there in the 1/18th aftermarket. But I may have a plan to at least build up an accurate AV-8B Plus Radar Harrier. I'd like to get hold of the 1/32 Eduard PE Zoom Set and blow the parts up to 1/18 scale. Do any of you math guys goes know how much I should enlarge the parts on a copier to use at a pattern. Many thanks.
Chuck

I think Dave is right, it make a great project and an awesome displayed model. Looking at the pictures of the parts, there seems to be some issues. However it is a BIG scale Harrier, I'd buy one. Now we just need some cockpit details, most notably a seat and IP. Then some 1/18th scale GBU-12's & 38's. Tanks seem undersized as well.But, we'll see what we got when it hits our hands.
Chuck

I've got the OV-10 set and it's fantastic. I'd love to see them do a set for the A-1 Skyraider. I'd buy at least 5 sets.
Chuck

I made a casting of the back section yesterday. I was going to make a mold of the pan as well, but time ran out. I will do that today. I think it will be easier to do the seat in two parts. I hope... My resin pigment is exactly as the kit plastic...
 

Oh Lord, it's getting better all the time. 
Chuck

Excellent work. I'd like to do mine as a newer F-16C with the duel MFD's, lot's work for that though.
Chuck

Yeah Harold, those wheels and tires are really bad, especially those outriggers. I'm with Rob on the weapons and pods, wish HB would do a 1/18 scale weapons/pods set.
Chuck

Its more an Action Man/GI Joe scale accessory thing though?

Right?

I dont think this kit is really intended for our LSP audience, apart from being a side track fun build for some?

Please dont get me wrong, really do love Harriers with my late old RAF Dad having served with them in the Cold war in Germany.

It will take a brave modeller to take this toy and scratch build most parts of it into something special at 1/18 scale.

The larger the scale the more scrutiny and indeed more exacting scratch building will be needed.

Not for me ... My Trumpeter 1/32 GR-7 Harrier has enough detail problems to fix.

If HB did the weapons too, they would look like badly formed Legos.

Yeah Harold, those wheels and tires are really bad, especially those outriggers. I'm with Rob on the weapons and pods, wish HB would do a 1/18 scale weapons/pods set.
Chuck

That seat needs some serious help. 

HAHA, I was going to PM you and see what you thought of the parts, but your post answered that question. That seat in a Harrier is so visible because of where it sets, especially with that big bubble canopy open, it just screams for the AMS treatment. Hopefully Harold can do something with this stuff. Many thanks.
Chuck

Oh please old great one. I'd be in for 4 right off the bat. Thanks.
Chuck

Oh yeah and got the new AMS "late" seat on the way as well. Thanks.
Chuck

Picked up the kit today from Free Time Hobbies at a great price! First look,  At first look, seems pretty nice, excellent panel lines. Hopefully with some new AM burner cans and maybe some intake trunking we should be good to go.
Chuck

I would say so. They were not armor. they were closed to warm up the engine faster in cold temperatures. Someone might expand on this more.
Chuck

Who would be interested in full intakes for the F-5?
 
gary

272 pages, lots of decent pics, but small, you would need a loop to see detail well. I've actually posted a few of the pics in this thread, not scanned from the book, just picked up elsewhere. There are TONS of NARA images on the internet. Not an image book, they are there to show people who don't know these planes what they look like, and where they flew. Its all about data. Squadron summaries, biographies, deployment charts etc. like 15 appendixes! 
 
Now that It's in my grubby hands, I'm going to have to read it... 

Got it. No biggie, just wondered. Great build. Thanks.
Chuck

Excellent build indeed. Never seen one done in 32nd scale. One question, were the leading edge slatsa fixed to stay up on the NZ Scooters? Thanks.
Chuck

Paul has done great work on these "Fat Face" Spads. I've got both of the releases and they are incredible. Really looking forward to the "Guppy". Great review.
Chuck