The second week of the Harrier build was mostly spent on scratch building the fuselage modifications . The nose was changed to a point instead of the sensor. I used a grey styrene rod and shaped it then used putty to blend it to the nose. The sensor was relocated to just above the nose in front of the canopy windscreen. I used a styrene square rod and trimmed it to fit then drilled a hole in the front to house the sensor lens.

On the tail section I used a styrene tube cut in half lengthwise to extend the tail vent. I then made the CHAFF blocks and used putty to shape them. It is taking layers to build them up. I still have a layer or two and then use sanding sticks to shaper them correctly. While the putty was drying I assemble the jet nozzles, rear stabilizers, and nose gear. I will be making one change to the aircraft. I will be removing the gun pod and installing the lower shrikes. This is because the client wants to add a Litening targeting pod which is mounted between the shrikes and takes the place of the gun pod. I am using the Eduard Brassin version of the AN/AAQ-28(V) Litening pod. I also assembled the main wing assembly. I am working on the upper CHAFF pods and then I can install the wing assembly and possibly get the base coat of paint on it.

You can see all the photos and details from the start in my build log at: https://davidsscalemodels.com/build-log/1-48-av-8b-harrier/

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