What if

General Modelling Forum => General Modeling topics => The Idea Bank => Topic started by: TheSybarite on February 13, 2013, 05:08:39 AM

Title: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: TheSybarite on February 13, 2013, 05:08:39 AM
Am thinking of doing a Harrier GR.9 of the Marinefliegerkorps, operating from SMS Graf Zeppelin in the anti-shipping role. Two drop tanks, two Harpoons, two Sidewinders. What's the (newish?) Airfix kit like?
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: Hobbes on February 13, 2013, 05:14:52 AM
I haven't built the GR.9, but the Airfix FA.2 of the same age is pretty good. 
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: pyro-manic on February 13, 2013, 07:33:59 AM
Supposed to be very good, though I don't have one.
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: Thorvic on February 13, 2013, 09:34:37 AM
The new GR9 kit is very good, part of the new generation of highly detailed kits they have started to do :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: TheSybarite on February 13, 2013, 09:57:45 AM
Hmmm. Then I am very tempted. Anyone have views on the suggested payload?
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: kerick on February 13, 2013, 10:10:46 AM
Sounds like you are on the right track to me.
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: Hobbes on February 13, 2013, 10:19:27 AM
The Germans used the Kormoran antiship missile. Maybe use those instead of Harpoon?
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: pyro-manic on February 13, 2013, 12:45:12 PM
Depends what your targets are? Harpoons would work, or maybe Penguins for something a bit more unusual. Or Mavericks for hitting FACs/landing craft?
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: Captain Canada on February 13, 2013, 02:14:30 PM
Ya the GR.9 is awesome ! You won't be disappointed. And your plan sounds perfect.

Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: Weaver on February 14, 2013, 04:43:36 AM
Wouldn't a GR.9 need a radar to use Harpoon et al though?

Maybe you could cross-kit the GR.9 with an AV-8B II plus  (is there a kit of one?) or the Sea Harrier FA.2 to get a uniquely German version?

With hindsight, an AV-8B II plus airframe with Blue Vixen might well have been a better, if slightly slower, choice for the RN....... :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: Mossie on February 14, 2013, 05:26:40 AM
Kormoron one wing, HARM on the other for the 'double whammy' approach?

I was going to suggest radar as well, Harold got in first!  The AN/APG-65 from the Harrier II+ is probably the best bet as there's some commonality with German F-4's.  Change the nose and it more or less becomes an AV-8B+, the main difference would be the extra pylons on the GR.9 airframe.
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: kitnut617 on February 14, 2013, 06:48:05 AM
Quote from: Weaver on February 14, 2013, 04:43:36 AM
Wouldn't a GR.9 need a radar to use Harpoon et al though?

Maybe you could cross-kit the GR.9 with an AV-8B II plus  (is there a kit of one?)

Yes Harold, Hasegawa does one in 1/72, I've got one in the stash
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: Howard of Effingham on February 14, 2013, 07:56:46 AM
Quote from: TheSybarite on February 13, 2013, 05:08:39 AM
Am thinking of doing a Harrier GR.9 of the Marinefliegerkorps, operating from SMS Graf Zeppelin in the anti-shipping role. Two drop tanks, two Harpoons, two Sidewinders. What's the (newish?) Airfix kit like?

i used the old airfix GR5/7 ish kit to do a luftwaffe AV-8B this was for the what-if?/harrierSIGs joint display at SMW a few years back for the 'viffed-wiffed' display as some may recall. more details in a day or two.
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: TheSybarite on February 14, 2013, 08:46:03 AM
Hmmm. Maybe I need to source a couple of Kormorans and an AV-8B radome. I'd also considered using Penguins, for a bit of variety.
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: JayBee on February 14, 2013, 09:40:33 AM
Quote from: TheSybarite on February 14, 2013, 08:46:03 AM
I'd also considered using Penguins, for a bit of variety.

Radish would recommend Meerkats.  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: Rheged on February 14, 2013, 09:45:18 AM
Quote from: TheSybarite on February 14, 2013, 08:46:03 AM
I'd also considered using Penguins, for a bit of variety.

Are we talking about missiles, paperback books, biscuits, antarctic wildlife or even Tactical Nuclear Penguins  (see below)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8380412.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8380412.stm)
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: McColm on February 14, 2013, 11:41:23 AM
You could carry Foxes or a Vixen?
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: Go4fun on February 14, 2013, 12:18:48 PM
Tactical Nuclear Pequin reminds me of the Batman movie with the Penquin and Catwoman. :lol:
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: TheSybarite on February 14, 2013, 12:22:10 PM
Whatever will fit on the hard points.
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: Captain Canada on February 15, 2013, 03:10:43 PM
Any modern bomb/ missile would look good on the GR.9

Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: TheSybarite on February 16, 2013, 05:31:29 AM
Ok, I've ordered the Airfix kit and a resin FA.2 radome. Main payload still to be decided. Harpoons, Kormorans, Penguins, Sea Eagles...
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: kerick on February 16, 2013, 07:46:30 AM
Mount some above the wing like the Jag and put them all on!!
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: TheSybarite on February 16, 2013, 07:55:55 AM
I'm afraid I've always found over-wing mounts a bit ugly. Just need to sort the decals now.
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: Captain Canada on February 16, 2013, 09:04:56 AM
Going to look awesome with an FA.2 nose....I was thinking of doing the same thing !

:cheers:
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: Gondor on February 16, 2013, 04:08:06 PM
I did a similar thing a few years ago which I called a Sea Harrier F/A 3

(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi776.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy47%2FGondor44%2FSea%2520Harrier%2520FA3%2F100_0312.jpg&hash=c7ac14abe2f008e63d39438d4e48e2ea01931f6e)

Poor picture quality I know.

I used the end of a 1/48 SUU-23 gun pod for the nose as the diameter was better than the F/A 2 nose.

Gondor
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: TheSybarite on February 19, 2013, 03:45:25 AM
The Airfix kit and the new nose have arrived. It's so tiny! It's years and years since I last made a Harrier - a very crude Matchbox GR.3, if I recall - and I'd quite forgotten.
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: Captain Canada on February 19, 2013, 03:49:48 AM
Airfix is coming out with a new GR.3 if you want to relive the dream  :thumbsup:

Great F/A 3 Gondor...looks about right eh !

:cheers:
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: TheSybarite on February 19, 2013, 06:54:46 AM
Am now bidding on a cheapy Italeri Tornado MRCA on eBay which might give me some Kormorans.
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: TheSybarite on February 22, 2013, 12:40:06 PM
Or might not, but I'm the only bidder and it closes tomorrow. Oh well. Beginnings of a stash, I suppose.
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: Captain Canada on February 22, 2013, 04:24:52 PM
Now u can build a Tornado too !

:cheers:
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: NARSES2 on February 23, 2013, 01:43:32 AM
Quote from: TheSybarite on February 22, 2013, 12:40:06 PM
Oh well. Beginnings of a stash, I suppose.

We all have to start somewhere ----mahawaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa  :wacko: ;D
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: Rheged on February 23, 2013, 02:01:59 AM
Quote from: NARSES2 on February 23, 2013, 01:43:32 AM
Quote from: TheSybarite on February 22, 2013, 12:40:06 PM
Oh well. Beginnings of a stash, I suppose.

We all have to start somewhere ----

----------------------but we rarely if ever seem to stop.
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: PR19_Kit on February 23, 2013, 02:50:30 AM
Quote from: Rheged on February 23, 2013, 02:01:59 AM
----------------------but we rarely if ever seem to stop.

And that's a problem?  ;D :lol:
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: Rheged on February 23, 2013, 10:40:08 AM
Quote from: PR19_Kit on February 23, 2013, 02:50:30 AM
Quote from: Rheged on February 23, 2013, 02:01:59 AM
----------------------but we rarely if ever seem to stop.

And that's a problem?  ;D :lol:

Should it be one?  It certainly isn't to me.  Madame Rheged is relaxed about it, as I should imagine is your good lady.
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: Gondor on February 23, 2013, 12:38:10 PM
Quote from: TheSybarite on February 22, 2013, 12:40:06 PM
Or might not, but I'm the only bidder and it closes tomorrow. Oh well. Beginnings of a stash, I suppose.

No 100% sure but I may have one of those kits in the stash that is probably of no use to me so if you don't get the one you are after on ebay give me a pm and we can talk terms.

Gondor
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: TheSybarite on February 25, 2013, 05:13:01 AM
Many thanks, but I remained the only bidder and got it. Now to see what's in it...
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: TheSybarite on February 25, 2013, 12:38:41 PM
Also wonder if I should put a Vulcan pod and an ammo pod underneath.
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: Captain Canada on February 25, 2013, 01:50:26 PM
Cannons are always cool.

:cheers:
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: eatthis on February 25, 2013, 03:35:35 PM
strap a gau8 underneath  ;D
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: TheSybarite on February 26, 2013, 05:08:40 AM
Just don't want to overburden the poor bird.
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: TheSybarite on March 01, 2013, 04:07:44 AM
Does anyone know of after-market Vulcan pods for the Harrier? I'm loath to buy a whole AV-8B just for the pods.
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: pyro-manic on March 01, 2013, 01:33:43 PM
Just open up the front end of the avionics pods that come with the GR - they're based on the original ADEN gunpods anyway. :thumbsup:

Also, the Harrier has never carried the Vulcan. The AV-8B has a GAU-12 Equalizer 25mm five-barrel gun, and the first-gen Harriers/SHar1s had ADENs.
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: TheSybarite on March 02, 2013, 06:06:03 AM
Well, the cheapy Tornado has arrived and DOES have Kormorans, so that's one thing sorted.
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: Mossie on March 04, 2013, 05:52:36 AM
I'm pretty sure I've got an AV-8B GAU-12 pod if you want it.  I'll have a dig through the spares box.
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: TheSybarite on March 04, 2013, 01:33:44 PM
If you've got the pair, that'd be great. Drop me a DM.
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: Mossie on March 05, 2013, 03:08:11 AM
It comes as a single item, the ammo and gun pods are connected by a fairing for the ammo feed

You can make it out in this pic:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b8/AV-8B_Harrier_taking_off_in_Sierra_Leone_-_May_2006_%28Defense_Visual_Information_Center%2C_USMC%2C_USDoD%29_CROPPED.jpg

PM incoming.
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: TheSybarite on March 05, 2013, 05:18:11 AM
Right, so cannon and ammo pods underneath, two drop tanks, two Kormorans and two Sidewinders, with two hard points unused. A reasonable payload.
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: Captain Canada on March 05, 2013, 11:56:57 AM
Sounds good to me !

:cheers:
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: Gondor on March 06, 2013, 02:04:18 PM
You could put chaff and flare launchers on the last pair of pylons

Gondor
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: Captain Canada on March 06, 2013, 03:21:34 PM
Aren't the flare launchers built into the new 'winder rails ? Or is that just ECM ? The GRs never went with the packs near the fin base like the USMC did they ? Something I need to think about for my CDN GR trio !

:blink:
Title: Re: Airfix Harrier GR.9
Post by: Gondor on March 07, 2013, 02:16:55 PM
Quote from: Captain Canada on March 06, 2013, 03:21:34 PM
Aren't the flare launchers built into the new 'winder rails ? Or is that just ECM ? The GRs never went with the packs near the fin base like the USMC did they ? Something I need to think about for my CDN GR trio !

:blink:

That's a BOL chaff launcher if I remember correctly. The RAF birds have flown with extra chaff launchers anyway and there is never any harm to carrying any self protection devices if you have the thrust to lug them skyward

Gondor