Wip - Jasdf Sea Harrier

[Ian the Kiwi Herder]

Been sitting in the 'pending' pile for a number of weeks, finally decided to throw paint at it about two weeks ago, then masked it yesterday whilst being forced to take time-off to recuperate. (See thread in 'Everyday Chat'). This afternoon I hobbled out to painting shed this afternoon and sprayed the first topside camouflage colour.

Will post those pics tomorrow. Thanks for looking.

Ian

[Damian2]

I can't wait to see more!!!

[Allan]

Looks promising Ian.

I'll keep my beady eye on this one for sure.

Allan in Canberra

[BlackOps]

Ian, your paint schemes are always worth waiting for

[Captain Canada]

Yes....the above posts say it all !

I just love Sea Harriers !

   

[Ian the Kiwi Herder]

Told y'all I'd post some updates....






So after the Light aircraft grey, I sprayed Xtracolour Dark Slate Grey, then masked it off ready for the next shade. I have used the standard Harrier camouflage pattern - Well think about it, If Japan ordered their Harriers and Sea Harriers direct from Dunsfold, then they (probably) would use the existing paint templates and British paint colours.












And to finish off, I threw PRU Blue at it.

The theory being that the JASDF Sea Harriers, apart from a small training cadre based at Kadena AFB, were based in pairs on 'Helicopter Cruisers' a class of vessel broadly similar in size and concept to the Soviet 'Kiev' and Italian 'Vittori Venito' ships. Therefore an overwater scheme, would be most appropriate.

Thanks for looking.

Ian

[Scooterman]

Time for a cold shower.

Oh and.......


AIR

PLANE

PORN!!!![/size]

[Supertom]

"Pain/mask?"  Slip o' the tongue there, Ian?  

By the way I just might have a story arc for your JASDF Sea Harrier backstory.    

[anthonyp]

SWEET!!!  I am diggin' this plane's paint scheme and backstory!

Tell me, will the ships they fly off of be Skyhook equipped? Because that would just make them even cooler!  

For some reason, I can just see the Japanese embracing the idea of giant robotic arms attached to their ships...

 

[ysi_maniac]

I just love this camo       . I think I will steal some ideas for my MiG-27Sh. BTW: how do you design the shape of each colour area? I must confess that I am not good doing it.

       

[John Howling Mouse]

Ian, your paint schemes are always worth waiting for

Exactly.  While I become one with the putty, it is nice to see that someone out there is demonstrating superb painting skills on an assembled model!

[Howard of Effingham]

ACE!

makes yer wonder what other masterpieces are being planned in the DPRM!

t.

[DPRM = democratic peoples republic of merseyside]

[Brian da Basher]

Wow Ian another paintjob that's a real feast for the eyes! Stunning!

Brian da Basher

[Martin H]

to quote my great uncle in Neath. "Now theres posh!" (use a suitable welsh accent)

looks great ian

[Ian the Kiwi Herder]

ysi_maniac: "how do you design the shape of each colour area? I must confess that I am not good doing it."

In this case it was easy since I just copied the existing and well documented Harrier camouflage pattern. British built military aircraft tended to emerge from the factories in pristine and clearly laid down patterns unique to each type. For this project, the colours I wanted would represent an overwater scheme, using British colours (as in my mind, the SHAR's would be painted at the Dunsfold factory to the customers specifications). So I used two 'Sea' colours and a contrasting 'Wave' colour.

PRU Blue is a greenish blue, almost turquoise in some lighting conditions:

Dark Slate Grey, although no longer found on the RAF pallatte, is a very greyish green and (IMHO) a perfect overwater colour.

Light Aircraft Grey is a very light colour and was deliberately used very sparingly (approximately 25% of the upper surface camouflage), as a counter to the 'sea' colours.
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Thanks all for the kind words. It looks VERY different now with it's changed aerials, black radome and re-sited pitot head etc. There will be a back-story but not till it's completed and sitting on its' base. 'Till then, I'm off to pore through my carefully hoarded selection of Japanese unit markings - most of which came from the good folks on this here site - for something appropriate. Decalling over the weekend and into next week, then some pics.

Once again thanks for the kind words & encouragement.

Ian