For 2021 , I went to my modelling mates and asked them to select a number from 1 to 241 which is the number of kits in the stash.

Each chosen number was then matched to a particular kit in my spreadsheet.

The selected kits were pulled from the shelves. Leaving me with the below selected kits. The phantom was my wildcard choice!

Before I could commence these though, I had a leftover build from 2020 to complete . For readers who may have forgotten previous episodes, 2020 was the year I designated “USN year” Well, that worked well. I think this was the only kit of the 5 built that year connected to the USN

So the first kit to cross the line in 2021 was the Kinetic 1/48 E-2C Hawkeye 2000

Now that was out of the way, the real 2021 builds could get under way.

My mate Mick had picked the Thunderchief out. A purchase inspired by seeing the real one during a trip to North America.

Darren picked out the next kit. The Dragon 1/35 SdKfz 7/2 + Bronco 1/35 Sd.Ah. 52 Ammunition Trailer

The Kinetic Harrier picked by AP followed, but this is where things got a little crazy. Why make one harrier when you can make three!

The first kit to be completed being the Kinetic 1/48 Bae Sea Harrier FA2 I wasn’t really happy with this one, and in fact, based on my build experience, would have flogged the FRS1 if I had not already started it .

Already broken by the FA2, I turned to something easier, the Iconicair 1/32 David Brown airfield tractor, a 3D painted resin kit, which was a very enjoyable build that will find a use on some airfield diorama.

Meanwhile, back at the harrier factory, the AV-8A crossed the line

Whilst the third harrier was inching to completion ( I was starting to tire of kinetic Harriers) the Riich Models 1/35 Universal carrier MkI was completed, followed closely by Calum’s pick of the Airfix 1/48 Folland Gnat T1

Prior to finishing these two I realised I could probably crack a double digit completion rate for the year. Blinded by this, these two kits were completed in a rush with a view more to a quick completion rather than quality. Well as much as you can rush sticking together 348 metal track links!

That left the third Harrier to complete, and I had completed my Kinetic Harrier triple build

The third harrier being the Kinetic 1/48 Bae Sea Harrier FRS1

So, ten builds. I’m pretty happy with that, as my usual rate is 5 a year.. of course the lockdown helped as it meant interstate holidays were off the agenda. Looking back, the 105 is probably my favourite. I really took my time with this and I think it paid off. A lesson there I think. I didn’t get to the Hornet or the Phantom due to going a bit off-piste with the harriers and universal Carrier. There was also a dalliance with a Blenheim that ended badly.My

Spreadsheet tells me I purchased 20 kits and sold 10. Next years builds haven’t been decided yet. There’s an Eduard Spitfire and Accurate Miniatures B-25 to finish first. See you all next year

Bruce

The second of my Harrier builds this one was a far more enjoyable build. Kinetic have moulded new fuselage and intake halves for these boxings. the result being a nicer build experience with better fit. The cockpit, to me anyway also looks more in scale than the undersized Sea Harrier Cockpit tubs and seats. There is also sidewall detail moulded into the fuselage halves.

The wings still have to have their trailing edges thinned to avoid a step with the control surfaces and small triangular fillets cut away from the tips so the halves properly mate. On this model, I drooped the flaps as I like doing on a lot of my models. The seat was detailed up with the Eduard PE seat belts for this particular kit and we were ready for paint. Although not specifically mentioned in the instructions, the kit also contains all parts to make a late post upgrade 8C with slime lights, different antenna fits and a later type stencel ejector seat.

It had to be a hi-viz scheme for me, same as the Airfix 1/24 scale Superkit of the Harrier, I built as a teenager.

As these jets were originally built in in the U.K they were finished in R.A.F colours, so Gunze dark sea grey and green were sprayed through my old faithful Badger 150. A DN Models mask set being used to delineate the camouflage pattern. A.K Real colours Light Aircraft Grey being used for the undersides.

Naturally being a marine jet, it needed some air to ground ordnance. Brassin providing the rocket pods.

Im pretty happy with this build, more so than the FA2. With The FRS1 just about done, its looks like I will get through my Kinetic Harrier trilogy fairly painlessly. Should you desire, there is plenty of resin and P.E aftermarket goodness to suit this kit.

I enjoyed this kit so much I’ve kept Kinetics GR1/3 boxing in the stash to build as a R.A.F GR1 jet tucked away in its little forest clearing. To me, the early pointy nose is the classic shape of the Harrier and I am glad Kinetic finally got around to releasing these boxings.

Hawker Siddeley AV-8A Harrier U.S.M.C VMA-513 Det. B 1982