Webmaster's note: We are honestly unsure what to call this test shot other than a Harrier. Judging from the different sprues sent to us, it seems Trumpeter covered the AV-8B early variant, a converted "night attack" Harrier/Harrier II plus, and a Gr. 5/7! We'll update you later on how they will be boxed; bet on having 2 or 3 different boxings for this bird!

 

Click on the images to enlarge. You can also view these pictures in the Trumpeter 1:32 Harrier album in the gallery by clicking on this link.

 

The British Hawker Harrier is primarily used for light attack or multi-role tasks, typically operated from small carriers, or from unprepared off site bases close to the frontline. This is made possible by the unique Vertical/Short Take off & Landing capabilities of the aircraft through its Rolls-Royce Pegasus Engine. This meant that it can provide potential tactical response as required by ground forces. First introduced in April 1969, the Harrier proved its worth in the Falklands War and was procured by the US Marines. By 1971, Hawker began studying how to develop the Harrier and the Pegasus engine, which was later picked up by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing). The result is the Harrier II.

There are several variants of this aircraft. The “day-attack” AV-8B, the “night-attack” harrier, the Harrier II plus, and the GR5/7 series. These different versions of the Harrier II are currently serving in Spain, Italy, United Kingdom Fleet Air Arm & RAF and the United States Marine Corps.

With its V/STOL abilities, the Harrier became a popular model. Up to now, most kits are usually in 1:72 or 1:48 (although there is a 1:32 Revell kit of a Harrier I, it’s currently OOP). FINALLY! Trumpeter has given us a kit we wanted so much in large scale. The test shot did not include decals or instructions, but from the looks of it, the sprues are composed of no less than the 3 major 2 or 3 variants of the Harrier.

 

Let’s dive in shall we?

IPMS Baguio successfully concluded its 2nd IPMS Baguio Invitationals and 4th Scale Model Exhibit at the venerable Baguio Country Club.  The event was inaugurated on 21 February by Atty. Damaso Bangaoet (founder of Panagbenga Flower Festival), Cathy de la Rosa (grand prize sponsor), Amboy Guevarra (Chief of Staff, Panagbenga Secretatiat) and our very own Anthony de Leon, GM of Baguio Country Club.  This event is now officially a part of Baguio’s annual Panagbenga Festival. (picture of ribbon-cutting, activity Board of BCC)

At stake were two round trip tickets to Hong Kong for the Best in Show – Aircraft and Best in Show – Armor, courtesy of Ms. Cathy de la Rosa, President of NAITAS Baguio.  This is, most likely, the first time in Philippine modeling history that such awards were given, a milestone for IPMS Baguio. This is also a landmark for IPMS Philippines Bert Anido, a fitting start to celebrate its 40th year!

 

 

There were a total of 193 models on exhibit, 79 of which were competition entries.  The quality of entries has improved which didn’t make it easy for the judges to choose the winners.  The judges made a collegial effort in selecting the Best in Show from the First and Second placers of the Aircraft (fixed and rotary wing) and Armor categories.  The big winners were Atty. Allan “Buck” Agati for his extensively modified 1:72 Kaman Seasprite and Karl “Fritz” Nualla’s very accurate 1:35 Char Bi bis.  Here’s wishing you both a pleasant trip to Hong Kong!  Don’t forget to bring us some pasalubong.

 

 

Because of its very short development period, it is always believed that the Hellcat was designed to counter the Japanese Zero after the US entered World War II. But the design actually started in 1938 when Grumman’s XF4F-2 Wildcat lost to the Brewster F2A-1 Buffalo.

Grumman wanted to improve their Wildcat by installing an engine with greater power and the Wright Aeronautical 14-cylinder 1,600 hp R-2600 that was soon to be available. Installation of this engine in the Wildcat showed two problems: it didn’t have the reliability Grumman wanted and the larger prop diameter plus higher takeoff power will mean the redesign of Wildcats narrow landing gears and a larger fin and rudder. This Wildcat with Wright XR-2600 was called Design 35.

But by late 1938, the Navy wanted to mass-produce their redesigned Grumman XF4F-3, which means the new design has to be shelved. It was later called Design 50 in 1941, after incorporating many other design changes.

The Hellcat has been a popular scale model subject, thus has been released in many scales and kit manufacturers. Latest are Hasegawa’s 1/48 and Trumpeter’s 1/32 scale. Also, I remember building Matchbox’s 1/72 kit when I was in High School (that was a long time ago…) and Otaki’s and Hasegawa’s 1/48 kits. Now comes Eduard’s offering in 1/48 scale.

The International Plastic Modelers Society of the Philippines - Bert Anido, as part of its 40th year anniversary celebrations, honored eight members of the club, selected by peers, for their time-tested loyalty, dedication, commitment and invaluable contributions to the club.

 

From L-R: Jojo Anonuevo, Mel Silvestre, Allan Agati, Aaron Ronquillo, Frank Ching, Ting Aquino,
Bullet Aycardo (receiving the award in behalf of Michelle Tambasen) and Jim Gonzales

 

To signify the recognition, the club awarded each one a Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.

The awardees of the Knights Crosses are the following:

The Ritterkreuz which were graciously provided by Vladimir Sulcz of Eduard, were awarded during the club meeting last February 17.