1:32 AV-8B Harrier II Plus cockpit set

AV-8B Harrier II Plus cockpit 1:32 — a resin accessory (Aires)

This set holds a complete resin cockpit for the American AV-8B Harrier II Plus aircraft in 1:32 scale. It is not an aircraft kit but a detail accessory replacing the cockpit of the base plastic model; sets of this kind usually bring a cast cockpit tub, instrument panels, side consoles and an ejection seat, together with photo-etched parts. It is made by Aires, a Czech brand.

The real subject

The Harrier II is a combat aircraft with a short take-off and a vertical landing. The AV-8B Harrier II Plus version is the improved form fitted with a radar, which broadened its capabilities. A faithfully detailed cockpit under an open canopy is one of the most closely watched areas of a model.

Building and painting tips

Wash the mold release agent off the parts, separate the casting blocks and sand the parting lines. They are bonded with super glue (cyanoacrylate). The cockpit usually calls for adapting the fuselage; after laying down a primer, paint the cockpit shades, pick out the instruments with a wash and a dry brush, and use the supplied panel decals if any.

Who the set is for

• For modelers building the AV-8B Harrier II Plus in 1:32 scale.
• For a faithful rendering of the cockpit under an open canopy.
• For more advanced modelers used to working with resin and photo-etched parts.

This is a resin accessory, not an airplane model. The base model, glue and paints are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.