Revell 1/44 BAe Harrier GR Mk.7 By Bruce Simard

Introduction

Revell has recently released a new version of their 1/144th scale Harrier. Several years ago they released kit # 04038, the AV-8B Harrier II Plus. (Which just happens to be on my work bench at present ;^) ) When low and behold, they now release kit # 04017, The BAe Harrier GR Mk.7. And just how has Revell done ? In a word, Excellent. You may have heard me previously ranting about the outstanding job they performed on the F-18C "Legacy Hornet", well these kits are not too far off. Perfect.....No, but very buildable and it definitely looks like a Harrier. So let's take a look at this latest little beauty.

The Kit

First, the kit is essentially the same as the earlier except they did get the British mods correct. The GR Mk.7 has the four weapons pylons per wing vice the 3 for the AV-8B. Obviously, the new nose shape looks extremely good on the sprue. Interestingly, Revell included the British Aden gun pods, which I'm not positive but I don't think either the Mk.7 or Mk.9 are cleared to carry as of yet. But our British modelers will know more about that than me. External stores are a little on the slim side, with only Sidewinders and Fuel tanks given. But since most of us have plenty in the stash from DML kits ( Including GBU's from the newer F-18 E & F kits) that really is not a major problem.

The cockpit is extremely nice for this scale. (See Photo) By using decals and minute painting a representative cockpit and instrument panel are easily produced, and the seat is very nice for 1/144th scale. On my AV-8B, I just added a few "Goodies" such as straps. remove before flight tag, etc. and we're good to go. From another photo you can see the wing and the engraved panel lines as well as vortex generators !!!!!

Depending just how picky the modeler wants to get, there are a few problem areas. As with most small Harrier models, the speed brake is molded closed. Yes, this is true when hydraulic pressure is applied to the aircraft, but most all bleed down after time on the ground. I chose to cut mine out and add the brake from scratch. The other biggie is the intake blow in doors. When the engine is running, they would all be closed as molded, however, when sitting static gravity forces the top doors to fall in. And obviously when performing various manuevers there are multiple combinations, but again that is powered. I chose to file out the top 3 doors on each side and show them dropped. But this is 1/144th scale, so this is all up to the individual modeler. The wind-screen and canopy are 1 piece, and very thick. Some might want to vacuform a new one, or like me, just separate them and display them opened. In my opinion, whichever way you want to build it, you still end up with an extremely nice Harrier GR Mk.7.

Markings wise, Revell did very well here. The majority of the sheet is the stencils and instrument panels, along with generic National markings. But they also included the choice of 20 Squadron, RAF Wittering, UK, in 2005 - or markings for the RAF Harrier Detachment for "Operation Herrick" in Afghanistan in 2006, complete with mission markings plus a definite female silhouette on the nose.

Conclusion

So the overall impression is outstanding. It may not be perfect, but it is very buildable and looks like a Harrier. Revell's price is in line with the industry, and gives the modeler a lot of modelling for the money. Personnally, I'll be snapping these and F-18C's up at shows . These models are well worth the money, and with decal manufacturers getting serious about this scale, there will be plenty of very colorful schemes to do. So snap them up, folks. 'Till next time...