Reviews : Hasegawa AV8B Harrier II Plus Ace of Spades USMC Attacker

The Hasegawa 1/48 AV-8B Harrier II Plus Ace of Spades kit #07228 was initially released in 2004 according to the Scalemates Website. After building this kit, I was impressed with the high quality of the plastic and the recessed panel line details found on all of the parts. Although some builders of this kit reported fit issues related to wing/fuselage assembly and air intakes, I did not experience any of these issues with my build of this kit. If the builder takes the time to follow all of the building tips provided in the instructions and test fits the parts methodically, seam filling is not necessary. I only had some gaps between the fuselage and the rear area of the gun/ammuntion pod assembly for the 20 mm gun. I used Micro Krystal Kleer to fill those gaps. This kit includes two underwing fuel tanks and two AIM 9L missiles for installation on the underwing pylons. A AN/AAQ Litening II Targeting Pod is also provided as an option for mounting on this model. The aircraft can be built with or without the gun/ammunition pod. There is no option for posing the control flaps in the lowered position. There is no photo etch seatbelt/harness or seatbelt/harness decal provided in the kit so an aftermarket set should be considered here. No pilot figure is provided so the builder is not able to hide the lack of seat harness/belt detail using this option. For my build, I used a photo etch seat belt/harness part out of my Kitty Hawk 1/48, F-35B kit. In order to load up the empty pylons on my model, I added two AIM 120B missiles from an Academy 1/48 F-15E kit. This kit has two different decal options for the builder to select from. I decided to build the Ace of Spades version as the tail markings were more interesting than the other option. To paint the model, I used an assortment of Acrylic Paints from Mission Models, AK Interactive and Vallejo. I initially primered the entire model using flat black acrylic paint and then I highlighted the center of the fuselage/wing panels using flat white paint. However, this effort was somewhat a waste of time as the effect was somewhat obliterated with the subsequent layers of paint. All paints were applied using an Iwata HP-C Plus Airbrush at 18-20 PSI. This kit required no extra nose weight to prevent it from being a tail sitter. I also used the Montex Canopy/Wheel Mask set for this build. The only significant drawback of this kit was the marginal fit of the rear canopy section to the canopy frame and the aircraft wind screen. This was more of a problem for me as I prefer to close the canopies on my aircraft models. The decals provided in this kit were thick, requiring copious amounts of Micro Sol and Micro Set. There were many stencil decals that went unused as the instructions did not indicate where to place them on the model. Also paint color call outs for some detail parts such as the tip of the fueling probe are not provided. My model was only slightly weathered using a panel wash with Tamiya Dark Brown Panel liner. Due to some of the issues mentioned in this review, this model kit is recommended for intermediate to advanced modelers with patience, airbrushing and decaling skills.

This kit is not for a beginner. It took me several attempts over the past few years to actually be able to complete one of these kits. The fit between the cockpit section and the rest of the fuselage is tricky, along with the wings. You have to dry fit pieces several times, and do quite a bit of sanding to make things line up properly. Even then you are left with gaps, and steps between pieces. It is still possible to have a nice looking build when finished, but be prepared to put the work in to it. Decals went on fine, detail is good, and I like that it has recessed panel lines. Even with the issues I still like it more than the old Revell kit.

GREAT KIT,,,WONDERFUL DETAIL,,,COULD USE AFEW MORE DECALE CHOICES,,,AND MAYBE A PILOT,,,,BUT A GOOD SUBJECT,,GREAT FUN TO BUILD,,,,,IF YOU LIKE TO BUILD MODERN US AIRCRAFT IN 1/48,AND DO NOT HAVE THIS IN YOUR AIRWING,,YOU NEED TO ADD IT....

Horrible fit between wing and fuselage, decals ripped immediately (was looking forward to the Ace of Spades version, had to repaint and buy new decals). Was disappointed with this Hasegawa kit; switching to Hobbyboss or Trumpeter

Well their's couple reasons for three star #1 haven't opened it yet #2 was told this kit has couple issues with fit and gaps we shall see who knows they may have improved on it.

Detailed body and cockpit. Easy to follow instructions if u know what u r doing. You can build sever options. Doesn't have VMA-542 Flying Tigers decal though.