Building and Painting the Airfix RAF Red Arrows Hawk Model Kit: A Step-by-Step Guide

by Matthew Silver October 24, 2024

If you’re new to model building or looking to add a sleek, iconic aircraft to your collection, the RAF Red Arrows Hawk model kit by Airfix is a fantastic choice. In this guide, I’ll take you through my process of building and painting this beautiful jet, with tips for modifications and achieving a stunning finish. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced modeler, this guide will help you get the best results.

Why Choose the Airfix Red Arrows Hawk Model Kit?

The Airfix RAF Red Arrows Hawk model is perfect for both beginners and experienced modelers. With just 20 parts, it's a straightforward build, but still offers plenty of opportunities to make modifications if you're looking to add a personal touch. The kit itself comes with all the basics, including paints, but I decided to upgrade a few things to create a standout version of this classic airshow favorite.

Getting Started: Tools and Materials

Before diving into the build, it’s important to have the right tools at hand. Here are the essentials I used, which you can find through the links below:

Side cutters for removing parts from the sprue
Extra thin cement for gluing (I used Tamiya's blue-capped variety for precision)
Evergreen styrene sheet and rod for scratch-building details
Copper wire for hydraulic lines and cables
Aftermarket cockpit set from CMK for a more detailed interior
Airbrush, primer, and paints from AK, MRP, and AMMO for the perfect finish

If you're a beginner, don’t worry—many of these tools and modifications are optional. You can still achieve a fantastic result by following the basic steps outlined here.

Step 1: Assembling the Red Arrows Hawk

The kit’s parts are easy to work with, making assembly a breeze. I started by removing the parts from the sprue using side cutters, then glued them together using Tamiya extra thin cement. This glue is ideal because it flows into the joints, creating a strong bond without making a mess.

For the first modification, I used Evergreen styrene sheet to create front gear bay doors, adding more realism to the model. I then focused on the rear landing gear bay, which was a little bare, so I used 0.5mm styrene rods to build the structure based on reference photos from my Pinterest page.

Step 2: Adding Extra Detail

If you’re looking to enhance the look of your Red Arrows model, adding detail to the landing gear and cockpit is a great place to start. I used copper wire for hydraulic lines and electrical cables, drilling small holes to secure them for a more realistic appearance. For the hydraulic struts, I opted for brass rod, which gives a more convincing look compared to plastic.

The cockpit in the kit is basic, so I chose an aftermarket set from CMK for better detail. This part is a bit more advanced, so if you're just starting out, feel free to skip it. However, if you're looking for a challenge, it’s worth the effort!

Step 3: Painting the Red Arrows Hawk

Once assembly was complete, it was time to paint. I started by priming the model with AK’s Black Primer, spraying it at 20 psi. For the cockpit, I used AK Real Colors Medium Gunship Grey, which is close to the RAF’s standard Dark Admiralty Grey.

For the aircraft’s signature red color, I applied MRP’s Signal Red, which is pre-thinned and ready to go straight through the airbrush. The key here is to build up thin layers of paint to avoid over-saturating the model. A mist coat followed by a few heavier coats will give you a vibrant finish.

Step 4: Decals and Final Touches

After the main painting was done, I added the decals. The kit doesn’t include decals for the underside of the aircraft, so I masked it off and painted it white to match the real Red Arrows Hawk. Before applying the decals, I coated the model with Mr Color GX100 lacquer varnish, thinned 50/50 with leveling thinner, to protect the paint.

To help the decals conform to the model's surface details, I used Tamiya Mark Fit, gently heating them with a hairdryer set to 80°C. Once the decals were set, I sealed them with another layer of gloss varnish.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Finally, I sanded the model with 2000 grit sandpaper to smooth out the gloss coat and decals, then polished it back to a high shine using Tamiya’s polishing compounds. For extra realism, I added some slight weathering to the undercarriage using AMMO’s oil brushers and a grey wash for the hydraulic lines.

Conclusion: A Beginner-Friendly Model with Room for Customization

The Airfix RAF Red Arrows Hawk model kit is a fantastic build whether you’re just starting out or looking to create a custom version of this iconic aircraft. With some extra detailing and careful painting, you can turn a simple kit into a stunning display piece.

Thanks for reading! If you found this guide helpful, be sure to check out my other builds and tutorials. You can find links to all the tools and materials I used below. Follow me on Instagram for build updates, and don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more content!