new-tool Airfix Harrier GR.1 No. 1 Squadron 1971 build review

..although I still have a few stencils to add, it was a sunny spring-like day here in deepest Kent, so this is the new-tool Airfix Harrier GR.1 in the markings of 'XV 749' of No. 1 Squadron. Above, an Air Britain image in my collection of the similarly-marked 'XV 755'. Aircraft and model are depicted in No. 1 Squadron's initial paint scheme consisting of full colour national insignia - which lasted no more than one week - circa 1971. Airfix don't however provide the unit badge seen atop the fin flash on the real machine..

More new-tool Airfix aircraft on the bench - Harrier GR.1, EE Lightning F.2A and De Havilland 82a Tiger Moth in-box build review

School half term next week and a chance to finish these for my first of the year. The Harrier is now reasonably well advanced....

a few close-ups of the Muckleburgh Collection's GR. 3 for those wondering - as I was - how to finish the Harrier's jet nozzles and fuselage deflector plate....in the end I opted for Humbrol 53 with a black and umber oil wash

Made a start on the Lightning....

..and just picked up the lovely little new-tool Airfix DH Tiger Moth in the markings of the Tiger Club's G-ACDC which we often see overhead here in deepest Kent as it flies out of Headcorn. Much more on all these next week...