Vintage Airfix H.S. Harrier (GR1) Model Kit in 1/72 scale - Build and Review

A timelapse build and review of the Vintage 1975 Airfix Hawker Siddely Harrier (GR1) plastic model kit in 1:72 scale.
Find out what I think of this kit and how I get on with the build.
Thanks to Mr Moo's Models for gifting me some decals so that I could finish the kit! Find his channel here:
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[@soupfork2105]

Oh wow, this was the first kit my dad built for me, I played with it for ages and obviously it didn’t survive that :)

[@ModelMinutes]

They definitely had some play value back then! I'm sure not many did survive - I know a few I built when i was younger didnt :P

[@Smk_spotting]

Same!!!

[@johnjones-ch5sh]

remember getting this model on its release way back in 1975. went to RAF Wittering as an Air Cadet and was really taken with how small the Harrier was. we had a vertical take-off demonstration, a clean aircraft without weapons etc. all other flights were down the runway. it was noisy, but not in a continuous shrill way like other jets. a lot of different sounds - the variable output of the engine I suppose and quite likely indicating an aircraft being flown straight up/down although curiously other than the special display of the aircraft put on by the resident squadron, i don't recall ever having seen one being flown vertically as a matter of course. the RAF personnel we met were obviously very proud of their aircraft and its capabilities, and very happy to let us 'space cadets' look around the aircraft and its home, although we never saw one in an armed condition: though fuel tanks were common as I recall. Quite excitingly, some of the aircraft were grey/green all over, though most had a light grey underside. the roundels were the blue/red kind, with blue/white/red on the aircraft that were still light grey underneath. we were allowed to spend a day with the technicians who serviced the aircraft and performed practical work under supervision. i replaced a small part of the structure supporting the engine - this involved rivetting a small plate within the airframe and painting it with a light grey primer. heady stuff for a 13 year old. Happy days.....

[@ModelMinutes]

Wow! What a fantastic memory!

[@sidensvans67]

Airfix : Memories of these kits .

[@ModelMinutes]

:D

[@Payne2view]

Nice to see a old style Harrier build. There is no need for a nose weight when on wheels though because with a Harrier the main wheels are behind the centre of gravity. Also, with this sort of kit which has the separate wings, it is best to put the wings on last, after all the wheels, especially the wing-tip wheels are attached at the correct angle, so that you can be sure the wing-tip wheels touch the ground level with the central ones when the wings are attached. Airfix later had a retaining washier system to enable a builder to alter the nozzle angle but these days just go for a make your mind up and stick to it approach. That's a pity. I'm interested to see what Airfix do with their upcoming re-release of some older kits.

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks for the info! I imagine the release of their vintage aircraft will feature new decals but little else....

[@MrMoosModels]

That is a lovely build of a classic kit! I’m glad to see that the decals have been put to good use!

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! Wouldn't have been complete without your help! :)

[@9501599]

Another great build, I want 3 to use on my layout rising up out of the forest. A friend driving through one of your English forest, heard a roaring and thought what the...! Then a flight of Harriers launched up out of the trees. So there's an idea of interest for my layout 🤔

[@ModelMinutes]

Go for it!

[@TUIflyfan_123]

My dad got me this at the beginning of lockdown in the starter set I built it up and painted it but I needed masking tape so I had to wait 13weeks to finally get some to get a nice straight line can’t wait to finish it

[@ModelMinutes]

I hope it turns out ok!

[@SoymeScaleModels]

This is a great build! I love the harrier and your representation is spot on. I love your channel

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed :)

[@heaptoncollierymodelrailwa6011]

Love the Harrier's Really like the fact you've kept a nod to its previous owner Olly

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! Yes, i thought it would be appropriate to include a little of their work

[@ImranKhan-kq3nw]

Awesome 👍. I'm currently working on a Harrier Gr-1 1/32 Airfix kit . Love your video thanks for posting.

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks for watching!

[@brianartillery]

A great model that, I believe, Airfix received help from Hawker-Siddeley (later to become BAC) to create. A model of similar age is the Airfix SEPECAT Jaguar - the first release looked very different from the actual aircraft, and it, and the box art had to be radically redesigned. I've been searching for years for an original - I can remember playing with it at school. Oh, for being able to see the future!

[@ModelMinutes]

haha! :D

[@PanzermansBunker]

Nice build of a vintage kit. I like the old dog kits...memories of my youth. Glad you added the pilot figure...planes look better populated. Hahaha! Happy modeling. Bill

[@ModelMinutes]

Yes! When a display stand is included, it makes sense to add the pilot and have it flying :). I love old kits, sometimes they present a bit of a challenge, but they're pretty fun too :D

[@JamessModellingChannel1992]

Nice build and review as always.

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks for watching :D

[@johnnoble01]

Paid 25 pence for this kit when it first came out! I too loved the swiveling nozzles! 😄

[@ModelMinutes]

Awesome! :D

[@emilbt7588]

Liked instantly!!

[@ModelMinutes]

Glad you enjoyed :)

[@tmmt7895]

Really nice job!

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks!

[@mh53j]

Still have my MPC/Airfix GR3 with "Battle of the Falklands" sticker hastily applied at the factory.

[@ModelMinutes]

Sounds like an interesting model!

[@allgood6760]

Nice!.. we have a GR3 Harrier in a museum here in NZ. 👍🇳🇿✈️

[@ModelMinutes]

Very cool!

[@pwareham61]

I really enjoy your videos, they are always informative and interesting, you did a brilliant job on such an old kit which incidentally I built when I was a child. Keep up the great work.

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! Do you still have any from your youth?

[@pwareham61]

Model Minutes Unfortunately I don't, I must have built hundreds of models when I was a kid, mainly airfix or revel or occasionally frog. I've been watching a lot of videos on here trying to get some tips, as I was thinking of taking it up again.

[@ModelMinutes]

It's something i'd definitely recommend! I built them as a child, but never really got the standard of finish I do now - more patience i guess! :)

[@pwareham61]

Model Minutes Not sure I could measure up to some of the modellers on here, to say I'm rusty is an understatement. I wouldn't even know where to start too be honest.

[@ModelMinutes]

I wouldn't say i was an expert at this hobby, still making mistakes and learning as I go along, and having fun! I'd probably suggest a starter kit like this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5rUm6SAh62IntU or something that you're interested in. Starter sets are great because they come with a few basic tools and paints to get you going! A few extra tools you might need are a nail file, a knife, scissors and some extra paint brushes. (I'd recommend some UHU or Bostick Glue for clear parts too - if your kit has them). You've already got some experience from your younger days, and I wouldn't be surprised if some of those skills came back to you when you get started. I'd be interested to hear how you get on :D

[@gianluigimarino8264]

Great job

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! :)

[@weekendmodeller2740]

Yes, another 10:36 of pure nostalgia thanks. I will have to try the general purpose glue tip on the clear parts. Have you tried PVA glue?

[@ModelMinutes]

Weekend Walkers yes I have tried pva, but it takes much longer to bond and dry, which can be annoying if its a part that’s likely to fall off in that time

[@spinster4000]

I have their newer version of this and it was really fun to build. I build mostly TAMIYA models but I have to say, air fix aren’t as bad as people think they are. If anyone’s bad, it’s Revell.

[@ModelMinutes]

Both companies have bad and good kits, just depends on which ones you get i suppose

[@spinster4000]

@@ModelMinutes I agree, but from the 10 kits ive gotten from airfix only 2 of them havent had a proper fit but that was easily fixed with some sanding and some putty.

[@shaunsmith1825]

Have built Airfix Harrier the starter kit w paint and glue. I gloss varnished it before applying decals,and the varnish reacted w the paint causing a crazy paving effect😨. Took three days to sand smooth! The newer kit doesn't have the swivel nozzles so is easier. Kutgw!

[@ModelMinutes]

Oh no! I had something similar happen on my mistercraft PZL37, the spray varnish i used had acetone in it and effectively started to strip the enamel paint

[@AinKrab]

Me: level 1 modeller Model minutes: level 35 model boss

[@ModelMinutes]

Haha! I wouldn't say i'm that high a level :P

[@topguntopcat]

I just traded my 1/48 harrier Gr3 for a 1/72 scale one for a falklands war project I am doing. It’s would be nice if Airfix gave you stands agine

[@ModelMinutes]

Yeah, you can get them separately but it's not the same

[@arandomyoutuber6634]

ur so close to 1000 subscribers...wow and it has only been like 2 or 3 months since 750

[@ModelMinutes]

Yeah! It's coming around fast! :)

[@arandomyoutuber6634]

great!

[@ModelMinutes]

Cheers! :D

[@rogerallum5633]

Surely to keep it authentic, enamel should have been used! Stick to the modern for accuracy. What colour for nozzles?

[@ModelMinutes]

haha maybe. Umm, if i didnt mention it in the video i probably used humbrol 53 gunmetal

[@aircraft9992]

Nice video. I also like the result but I think you could have used filler or a sanding stick on the Fuselage half.

[@ModelMinutes]

Yes, it could do with some tidying up. I could always go back and do that at a later point :)

[@slovakmodeller1723]

good . i give a like

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks!

[@pegging640]

I love you (not in a wierd way ;))

[@ModelMinutes]

Woohoo!

[@mznabi]

Currently I am building the gr9 and are you supposed to just paint the interior pieces and paint all the exterior at the end?

[@ModelMinutes]

You can paint this however you wish - it's your model! I would recommend however, painting all the internal areas before assembling them as it can make it easier, then painting the outside of the model when that is built. You could paint and even decal the model entirely on the sprue if you wanted, but would have to go back over areas and touch up paint after the assembly though

[@TUIflyfan_123]

I just got the starter set of this gr1

[@ModelMinutes]

Nice!

[@stuff31]

I think there's something slightly tragic about an unfinished Airfix kit. What caused the previous owner to ababdon it? Did they grow out of the hobby? Did they lose it? Did they not have the paints? It's strange to imagine what they must've been thinking the last time they packed it up. Did they know they would never finish it? These are hard questions.

[@ModelMinutes]

Yes, it is a sad thought. At least I was able to help the model see it’s final destiny of being built

[@stuff31]

@@ModelMinutes I actually went out and bought one of these old Harrier kits myself after this video! Built it alongside a newer tooling and compared the two as I went along. It was actually a pretty fun experience! Very nice to build an old kit.

[@monapanchal3686]

Too bad airfix doesn't provide stands in da box anymore

[@ModelMinutes]

I know! I'd love to position more in a flying pose!

[@mh53j]

Used to build all mine with gear up! Of course had pilot figures included to fly it!

[@OgP996Enjoyer]

is it hard to build these ones?

[@ModelMinutes]

No harder than a normal kit. Old decals can present a challenge though if they have dried out or yellowed

[@OgP996Enjoyer]

@@ModelMinutes thanks I’m trying to get this one

[@ModelMinutes]

@@OgP996Enjoyer if you check scalemates.com it will give you the history of releases of the kit, so I’m pretty sure there was a release of this tooling not long ago

[@OgP996Enjoyer]

@@ModelMinutes thanks I’ll go check it out👍

[@unit0033]

that seam line is hurting my eyes

[@ModelMinutes]

If it’s causing you pain, you should probably stop looking at it ...

[@Sinistercabbage]

Lol, bet ya airfix was still selling that not so long ago.

[@ModelMinutes]

I think the last time they sold this was in a starter set in 2009, but they introduced a new tooling in 2010

[@F15ESTRIKEEAGLE-iw9nl]

Looks pretty swish for an old kit

[@johnkelley9877]

Very nicely built and finished! I always liked the GR.1 Harrier rather than the later versions as the GR.1 just looked good. Thanks for sharing this Matt.

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks for watching John! I do like early versions of aircraft :D

[@TUIflyfan_123]

Same looks cooler