1:48 UMa Hobby AV-8B Harrier II Plus

[Fran]

 

1:48

UMa Hobby

AV-8B Harrier II Plus

 

Catalogue n.º D1001

Available at Artscale for €70 (just click here)

 

The UMa Hobby 1:48 scale AV-8B Harrier II Plus (D1001), marks an impressive debut for the new model kit manufacturer.

This model kit is making a big impact in modelling world, with high-quality components, innovative engineering, and comprehensive inclusions. If you check Scalemate (today, 17-8-2025) is in the first place of the Hot Kits.

The box has arrived and we already made some unboxing videos of the beautiful model kit that you can see here:

 

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1ApYzMtQQN/

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1GETMhJ5Df/

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1F8tRyvR37/

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1EEykoeHWC/

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1B3ZGBf6Qh/

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/14QtQao58eb/

 

Now, let`s open the box.

The kit comes in an eye-catching box featuring a low-flying Harrier with realistic condensation effects from high-speed maneuvers. The box sides provide additional details, including 3D renders of the built jet, paint options for VMA-214 Black Sheep and VMA-311 Tomcats, and logos for Cartograph decals and Lambo 3D cockpit.

 

 

All in the box!

The first thing that is on this first models to get ot is a letter from Uma Hobby thanking for supporting them in their start in the modelling world.

And I must say, just now, what a start! It`s “almost” like WnW in jet aircraft…. I just need to build it to said if is or not a “almost” WnW” start!

UMa’s AV-8B Harrier II Plus sets a new standard in surface detail. The recessed details and raised detail are superb. The plastic quality is top-notch.

 

The plastic features finely engraved panel lines, multiple rivets, access hatches, and a full ordnance to be include.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Several options are included like the inlet in open state or close state, with two different parts, and also different parts from the open by tubing or close by tubing.

 

 

As for ordnance, its all here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To updated the cockpit the Lambo 3D prints cockpit are simply fantastic and a great add on directly from the box.

 

Yet te cockpit even without then, is fantastic.

 

 

 

 

The wheels are made in 3D print! Nice.

 

 

 

A very small Photo-Etch (PE) fret is also present for with cockpit head mirror and front “visor” scoop on the cockpit.

The clear parts, including the main canopy, are of high quality with minimal distortion. UMa employs an innovative approach by replicating the metal frame of the real canopy in standard light gray plastic, while the transparent sections are made from clear material.

 

 

 

 

The decals are top noch either in quality either in schemes offers. The decals are offered by Cartograf Decals so quality is guaranteed and it notice of the color pigmentation and thinnest of all.

 

 

 

Speaking of schemes, the kit offers three US Marines AV-8B paint schemes, all from the 21st century:

1. VMA-214 Black Sheep (2016, USS Bonhomme Richard).

 

 

1. VMA-214 Black Sheep (2003, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base).

1. VMA-311 Tomcats (2019, Isa Air Base, Bahrain).

 

A full stencil diagram:

 

 

And if masking is the worse part for you (even minor works) UMa thought about you. Mask are also present provided for the canopy, intake, and vertical stabilizer (for C scheme) simplifying a lot all the masking and saving a lot of time to the modeler.

 

 

 

Checking the instructions, first of all, the construction sequence is not the usual one as it is quite separate. First is the cockpit and that`s is normal. But then you have assembly sequences for the nose, the for part of the fuselage, then you pass for the belly fuselage, then tail. Next step is all wings… and air-intakes. and then for the wings that will be fixed on the central fuselage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The engineering appears modeler-focused, with thoughtful additions like a missile fin alignment tool and options for flaps (up/down) and AGM-64 and AIM-9M missiles in maintenance or ready-to-launch positions. Also GBU12 is in the box. Them fuel tanks and LANTIRN pod. Everything is in the box indeed.

 

As for the painting guidance, at first, I didn’t see it but after checking the color chart and the ID paint, is quite easy to see along the steps and the paint used in all parts. So, the painting indication are very good indeed.

 

This model is all in box, as net the 3D cockpit detail from Lambo are very good and add a lot of fantastic detail.

 

 

Conclusion

The UMa Hobby 1:48 AV-8B Harrier II Plus it is a “WOW””. It is a remarkable debut from UM Hobby offering fantastic surface detail, quite innovative engineering in the construction and all in box since ordnance to aftermarket products. In fact, it always space for aftermarket but with this kit is a much hard for then.

This model kit is right on the top of the to do pile!

 

My truly thanks to Uma Hobby to make this fantastic Harrier!

 

 

 

[Count0]

Sent my money off after one.