Last weekend I invested a fiver in this large HM Forces Harrier Jet. It came with a modern Action Man but it actually needs a 10 inch figure, which I haven't got.
No matter, I wanted to clean it up anyway.
I took the wings off and gave them a wash
I wiped down the whole body.
To mock-up a canopy blister I swiped a plastic half-dome from the garden. I tied string round it to compress the sides and placed it in a bowl.
After pouring boiling water over it I ended up with this.
It sat on the jet quite nicely.
I then made a hinge extension for the blister so it would open and close.
and glued the extension to the blister
So far so good.
I then decided it needs a collar. Bad idea!
The original is grey so I purloined an oil bottle from the shed and cut it into shape.
I created a sort of grey collar but it didn't fit.
I then tried cardboard but that was rubbish too.
In then end I ditched the idea of covering the gaps and went for a simple trim around the blister using an elastic band coloured black. I suppose I could have used a wider rubber band but hey ho, I was severely harriered!
Anyways my blister's next to my new 1999 Thunderbird 2 [that needs repairing! oh no!]
On location it's a passable blister I guess, though not what I'd hoped for.
Maybe I should stick to colouring small cars!
The big jet itself is great.
Before.
After.
Dome is where the heart is!
A very nice toy. Missing or broken clear parts are always a problem. The Harrier looks to be based on a late model RAF aircraft - a GR.7 or GR.9.
ReplyDeleteCheers Paul.
DeleteI love this range of toys, I wish I could have picked one of these babies when I had the chance, I've actually got the tank from this range to customise to a Dark Knight Returns style Bat-tank, I'm doing it on the cheap too, so expect lots of matte black and the turret in reverse!!!!
ReplyDeleteA black tank would be impressive Marky!
DeleteAn impressive jet with an ingenious improvisation. Are you going to paint it, Woodsy?
ReplyDeleteTa Tone. No, I'm leaving it as it is now. Got it covered with a towel to keep the dust out.
DeleteVery nicely done - HM Forces were a good range that deserved more success than they achieved.
ReplyDeleteFenton
Yeah, it's a range I'm only really noticing recently Fenton. I'm looking for a figure now at outdoor sales.
DeleteA marvelous “save”! It’s fun to salvage a beautiful toy. SFZ
ReplyDeleteCheers Zigg! I do love rescuing toys!
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