1/48 Tamiya Sea Harrier FRS. Mk.51

Indian Navy

by Raja Bose

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The Indian Navy was the only export customer for the BAe Sea Harrier which was designated the FRS. Mk.51. They operate as part of the No.300 White Tigers squadron out of INS Hansa, Dabolim Airfield Goa and are also stationed on India's sole aircraft carrier INS Viraat.

This particular kit denotes IN 619 which crashed within a year of it's delivery in 1992. Inspite of being involved in a few accidents the Sea Harrier has proved to be extremely rugged and most aircraft have been returned to active duty after necessary repairs.

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The Tamiya kit was in it's usual crisp form with excellent details and fit. Since this was my first 1:48 kit and also had a nicely detailed engine it allowed me to do some extra detailing with fine wires and scratch built parts. Apart from the engine I also did some detailing in the landing gear and the undercarriage wells.  The final result was exactly what I wanted.

Raja

Photos and text © by Raja Bose