Does anyone know of a Falklands-era Harrier in 1/48 scale? I seem to only find late-model Harriers and US AV-8s, but I'm not sure you could back-date those - There seem to be a lot of differences.

Funny you should inquire, this guy recently did a bash of Monogram and Airfix into a GR.3.

http://www.modelingmadness.com/reviews/mod/gb/mahoneygr3.htm

I've collected some 1/48 Harriers for Falklands Conflict subjects. Airfix produced a 1/48 GR.3 and FRS.1, both out of production, but occasionally available from the usual auction sites for not unreasonable prices if you are lucky. Not the best of kits, with simple details and raised panel lines. There are plenty of accessories and decals easily available, so if you can find the base kit you'll be able to overcome the shortcomings.

Tamiya's Sea Harrier is widely available, but has some shape and fit issues from what I've read. I no personal experience of the kit.

Other than that you are 'kit bashing' like the guy in Harry's link, who has done an excellent job all round.

Tamiya's Sea Harrier is a good kit. Typical of their 80s line. I.e, similar to their Zeros of that period, if you've built any of those. Decent fit, fairly good surface detail for its time, but a bit sparser cockpits out of the box than we're used to today. I'd say it's on par with Hasegawa kits of 10 years ago. And it looks decent, so it's the best starting point for a Falklands Sea Harrier.

Thanks guys, gives me something to go on.

What an engaging build, liked the narrative as well.