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  1. Hi Modellers My F-14 Tamiya in 48 scale Managed to squeeze an Eduard Cockpit fitted with Quintadecals into it. Eduards Cockpit is not meant to be built into a closed model, thats for sure. Alpha probe and camera underneath the nose aftermarket, exhaust a mix from reskit and KA models. Decals a mix of furball and modelkasten and homemade (because i f... up) Paints Gunze, Tamiya and Oils from various art material suppliers. Took me a looong time and since this wish started in 1995 i kept the Jolly Rogers theme. But in all grey as i am myself now. Thanks for watching.
  2. No it's not a joke. Great Wall Hobby (GWH) is also preparing a 1/48th Grumman F-14A Tomcat kit - ref. L4823 Sources: http://www.moxingfans.com/new/news/2018/0928/5025.html https://tieba.baidu.com/p/5896435363 V.P.
  3. So my son asked me to build him a “combat helicopter” which I did at work at my desk during my lunch hours. As I was building it a work colleague said he had something for me and gave me the Revell kit telling me he was never going to build it and that if I wanted it it was mine. The kit is from 1980 and fairly simple, but there were some fit issues, filling and sanding to do and the decals had yellowed. I hit Hannants for some new decals, Master Detail for a couple of pilots and scrap pieces of wood and metal to make the base. No, this is no Tamiya kit, but then it doesn’t cost anything like a Tamiya (yes I know this one was free, but you know what I mean) and you get one big good looking aircraft at the end.
  4. Finemolds is to release a 1/72nd Grumman F-14A Tomcat kit and a dedicated weapons set - ref. FP30 & FP-31 Release expected in December 2017. Source: http://www.finemolds.co.jp/iroiro/2017THS-new.html Reports as being the "Air Graphix/FineMolds" F-14D kit with changed parts: https://www.scalemates.com/kits/958331-finemolds-mg-789-2015-grumman-f-14d-tomcat V.P.
  5. Hi there I understand that VX-4 was the US Navy evaluation sqadron for the Tomcat but I have not yet seen a picture of the Black Bunny F-14 on an aircraft carrier. Were they ever deployed to a carrier during their test duties? Regards Toby
  6. Hello all, Here is a bit of a side project I'll shortly be starting to run alongside an entry for an upcoming Group Build... Tamiya's 1/48 F-14A Tomcat, this time marked as BuNo 160665 'Ghostrider 114', flown by none other than Maverick and Goose. It's been done before, but sure, what's not to like?! After seeing Top Gun Maverick twice, and re-watching the original, a plan quickly formed! 160665 was delivered new to the Navy in 1977/78 and was serving with VF-51 at the time of Top Gun being filmed. It was transferred to VF-101 when VF-51 was disestablished in 1995 before being scrapped in 1997. The kit: Extras: I'll be using a Quinta cockpit set, Quickboost ejection seats, Quickboost chin pod with bullet fairing (the TCS was still relatively new around this time and those pods were rotated through the deploying squadrons), Furball tail stiffeners, Furball walkway decals, Tamiya detail set for the canopy mirrors and nose probe, Galaxy mask set and the wonderful Fightertown 'Best of the Best' decal sheet (which will be utilised for a further Top Gun themed build!). Scheme and some references: Great balls of fire! Dave
  7. Academy is to release in 2019 a new tool 1/72nd Grumman F-14A Tomcat "VF-143 Punkin Dogs" kit in the MCP (Multi Color Parts) serie - ref. 12563 Source: https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235047967-academy-catalog-2019/&do=findComment&comment=3218086 Box art V.P.
  8. In preparation for sending F-14 squadrons VF-21 and VF-154, Tomcat airframes were being selected that wouldn't need depot maintenance in the short term. The candidates were collected at Naval Air Station Miramar in August 1991 for inspection. This procedure took place next to the flight line spaces for the resident F-14 squadrons so it made for a pretty good sized gaggle of Cats... F-14A, Bureau Number 159844, VF-51 F-14A 159850, VF-1 F-14A 160667, VF-154 F-14A 160680, VF-21 F-14A 160892, VF-51 F-14A 160930 wearing the markings of the previous owner, VF-154. Ten days prior she was officially transferred to VF-111. F-14A 161603, VF-2 F-14A 161606, VF-21 F-14A 161617, VF-111 F-14A 162594, VF-111 F-14A 162602, VF-51 F-14D 163418, VF-124 F-14D 163893, VF-124 F-14D 163896, VF-124 F-14D 163897, VF-124 F-14D 164340 - previously of VF-124, awaiting VF-111 markings F-14D 164341, VF-124 Thanks for looking, Sven Old Viper Tester
  9. In November 2013, AvantGarde Model Kits (AMK) generated some buzz announcing a new tool 1/48th Grumman F-14 Tomcat kit project for 2014 ( http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234950051-avant-garde-2014-list/). Most of the rumourmongers - including myself - considered this project as dead. But some hours ago AMK has changed its Facebook introduction picture. The new one - rather grainy! - is a F-14 Tomcat taking off full AB. A sign or not? Time will tell. Source: https://www.facebook.com/avantgardemodelkits/photos/a.321594134672087.1073741835.279694855528682/485385101626322/?type=1&theater That said in my opinion a new tool 1/48th F-14 is like a new Me.109 or Fw.190: not necessary! To be followed. V.P.
  10. Just finished building this puppy. I know it's been said before, but what an amazing kit. You only realise how good it is when you start putting it together. Without doubt the best engineered and fitting kit I have ever built. I've got the new Phantom in the stack for the next build which might be even better! Yes it is the 1/48th version! Thanks for looking Nick
  11. My newly completed F-14 Tomcat VX-4 'Vandy One'. The kit is Revell 1/144 scale and the model is brush painted with acrylics. It was a very nice kit, original Revell moulds that went together easily and a very detailed set of decals that really brings it to life, which you don't always get with 1/144 scale. The hardest part was painting the black plastic white for the undercarriage and missiles, I lost count of the number of coats I painted. I've also incuded a picture with the Revell 1/144 MiG-31 as a fun size comparison. Thank you for looking!
  12. Hello folks, This is the now old Hasegawa F-14, the fitting was terrible, putty was extensively used. The Iran Air Force still fly the tomcat but nowadays it looks more like a flying museum rather that a lethal weapon. Anytime Baby!
  13. Hello, I am keen on building one of these Tamiya Tomcats, but I am torn with the paint scheme. I like the weathering opportunities offered by the later, ghost grey f-14s, which get nice and dirty, probably on account of the matt paint. But I prefer the earlier high vis color schemes in gull grey with the white control surfaces. Since these were painted glossy, they likely wouldn't get as dirty, and despite looking a lot, I can't find a single example of an early, hi-viz f-14 with the heavy weathering found on the later planes, which is a bummer, because that's what I want to do. Does anyone have such an image? Or would these early tomcats simply not get that weathered? I would commit a weathering crime.
  14. Some of the participants in the 1990 Naval Air Station Point Mugu air show. The locals.... ERA-3B 144841 of VAQ-34 HH-46A 152501 of the NAS Point Mugu rescue flight HH-46A 152522 of the NAS Point Mugu rescue flight TA-7C 154507 of the Pacific Missile Test Center. A-6E 155698 of the Pacific Missile Test Center with a “buddy” refueling store on the centerline station. F-4S 155740 of the Pacific Missile Test Center carrying an ALQ-167 electronic threat simulator pod. She would be converted to a QF-4S drone the following year. NF-14A 161865 of the Pacific Missile Test Center. Loaded with AIM-9H (shape), AIM-7M (inert) and AIM-54C (inert) AIM-54C (inert) loaded on F-14A 159853 (Vandy One) of VX-4 Visitors... EA-6B 161349 of VAQ-134 AV-8B 162969 of VMA-513 RC-12M 163847 F-111D 68-0179 of th 524th Tac Fighter Squadron, 27th Tac Fighter Wing out of Cannon AFB. Scaled Composites ARES (Agile Responsive Effective Support) N151SC out of Mojave Airport Thanks for looking, Sven
  15. Hobby Boss has just re-released its Tomcat kit (link) as 1/72nd Grumman F-14A Tomcat "VF-1 Wolf Pack"- ref. 80279 Source: http://www.hobbyboss.com/index.php?g=home&m=product&a=show&id=1445&l=en V.P.
  16. Most of the build aspects of this were documented in my WIP thread that can be found here, but my F-14A 162603 HIP Killer Wichita 103 is now complete and ready for inspection. I’ve posted a number of photos to illustrate various aspects, views and details and I’ll happily take any questions. Overall, it’s a nice build; a well engineered kit that gives a good level of detail with crisp panel lines and not an overly complex build; it’s a good compromise. Gripes are few. I’m sure the nose leg still looks a little long and I do wonder if measurements were taken from either a very light weight aircraft or one with an over pressurised oleo. It doesn’t detract too much, but I think it’ll look odd if you hung 6 phoenix missiles from it. The horizontal stabilisers have a clever means of attachment – well, nearly. There’s a nice little bit of frame just inside the rear fuse to support the inner section of the stab pivot, but it’s on the lower half rather than the upper half, so there’s nothing to support the weight of the stab when it’s right way up. Did I forget anything? Not sure – take a look at the WIP if interested. Anyway... a first photo to illustrate what’s been tackled, and then some general views. F-14A Wichita 103 Academy 1/72 - details by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Overview to scale by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Wichita 103 and crew by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr USNavy deck crew. Reedoak figures now painted by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Painted kit seats with painted Reedoak pilot and RIO (still awaiting helmet details) by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Underside by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Starboard nose close up by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr The hot end by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Short range goodies by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Pointy end close up by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Cockpit detail by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Nose details by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Canopy rail detail by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Canopy details by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Nose colour variations by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Nose gear bay by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Main gear detail by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Rear fuselage/beaver tail detail by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Underside details by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Upper surfaces details by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Wing upper surfaces by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Wichita 103 nose profile by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr No.1 intake by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr F-14A Wichita 103, VF1 Wolfpack by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Wichita 103 by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Wichita 103 with crew by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Feel the need... the need for speed by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Thanks for reading... Jonathan
  17. Hello all, first post so hope this works. Thought I'd share with you this recently completed build of a Tamiya 1/48 F14a Tomcat. Most of it is OOTB with only Eduard wheels & decals by FCM added. Painted by mostly Vallejo acrylics, with various enamel & oil washes/effects by AK & AMMO Mig. I've had a bit of a love/hate relationship with this one, as it has turned out a but different to what I originally planned. I've made a lot of mistakes, some of which will be fairly easy to spot, such as the decals on the missiles. It has ended up a lot more weathered, due in part to covering up botched varnishing sessions mid-way through the painting stages, & frankly horrific decals that were just as likely to split as soon as you looked at them (for info, if you've seen these decals on ebay & thought about buying a set, be like Zammo and just say no). Most I've managed to patch together, a few like the names on the canopy, I've had to put down to heavy scratching. However, this is only the second aircraft I've painted in my adult life, my background being in Games Workshop miniatures, and despite all the various obstacles, I have loved putting this together, and eager to start on my next one (likely to be a 1/48 SU-35 by GWH). Be great to hear your thoughts & opinions, good or bad! Thanks for looking.
  18. Recently finished f-14D 1:72 by revell. Nice fitting model. Good detail. Only issue being the main fuse upper paint seemed a bit dark so needed lightening up, especially since all the pictures available seem to be old and faded aircraft. Otherwise a nice kit.
  19. Well, it’s time I started to write up where I’ve got to with my first Tomcat build having spent the last few weeks pre lockdown, and the most of the time since lockdown, gathering information, drooling over others’ work and finally (I wish I had one)... set about and went and bought some. Intial (re) inspiration was an Airfix world mag article (Nov 2019) describing building the Finemolds F-14A as a Sundowners bird (was always my favourite) and it reminded me of when I’d made my last F-14A in “about” 1986 when I’d used some xtradecals to present the Hasegawa kit as a low viz sundowner. It suffered the problem that, as several have since, with the overall gull grey being a bit dark making the markings more low-viz than expected... but I made it nonetheless. However, that was lost n moves ago, and it wasn’t that brilliant. The Finemolds kit article looked interesting, so I found one on line and looked at a few additions to go with it. I then started conversing with a mate who also expressed an interest in the big Grumman feline and between us we started to investigate various other offerings (the new Academy one had just become available – or not), and Tony Oliver’s legion of Tomcat articles of seemingly all models proved so useful in admiring what could be done. Yup, it’s all inspirational stuff indeed. So, before I really start – thanks to all on here that have provided gen on the type and the kits, especially Tony Oliver for his monumental works and detailed threads on here, and to my mate Brian who, whilst living about 200miles away, has been a source of ideas and inspiration too... especially in these unusual times we find ourselves in at the moment. So, what better way to keep the motivation going than to have a good read on here, compare notes and ideas with a good mate or two and then crack on with a kit or two. It’s a great distraction from everything else that’s going on around us. So... a few books were acquired – the Detail and Scale two-volumes on Kindle (for inspiration), the Daco book (needs no introduction – does it) and the SAM MDF F14 book. A few older books were dug out of the loft from the 80s... and armed with these and the internet... I hoped I’d have enough references. No, probably not. In the end I ordered a GWH A model (and just order a D last week), a Hobbyboss A and D and a Ka A model. Despite the huge amount of detail offered my the FM and GHW kits, I thought that a simpler model might be best to start with so I opted for a Hobbyboss A model, and my chosen scheme would be of VF111 BuNo 161621 painted up with Miss Molly nose art. Yes, I know it’s a “bit bling” and I’ll probably produce something more tame with later models, but given that the HB kit lacks the pilots steps and doors, I thought that it offered a good clotheshorse to hang the simple scheme on... and give me something with a bit of a wow factor once finished (I hope). I still have questions, but I’ll either look into them as I go, or hide my ignorance somewhere. e.g. I’m sure that somewhere there’s a description of the differences in intake paint demarcation (grey-white) ... but I’ll guess for this one as the intakes will be fitted with blanks. I also plan for this to be my first model painted in acrylics, having previously stuck (doggedly) with enamels that, whilst I was comfortable with these, I often found myself swearing at them (and my poor attempts) when trying to get a good finish. My Phantom FG1 had been persevered with and got there in the end, but blimey it took a while. So, I thought I’d have a go at these new-fangled paints; which ones ... well, more of that to come. And again, it was useful to read a number of articles on here, as well as seeing Tony O experiment with a few different suppliers’ paints. The chosen bird is simply overall light gull grey... so how hard could it be? Having found a few “oddities” with the HB kit – more to come, one very noticeable point was that the fin was a little smaller than the decals that I’d acquired that were sized for the Hasegawa kit. Why are all the fins different sizes.... is it really that hard? Anyway, the Furball tail markings will be a bit wide, so I might opt to use the kit transfers for the fin... although they’re just the red bits (with the right ray shading) but on a grey fin (clear decal). So, I’ll paint my fins white first. Should work... I hope. IMG_20200508_080127304 by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr There were a few items to improve upon ... so I bought a few aftermarket items that are spread out here, and more were to follow. Masters probes; Aires exhaust and seats (not shown here); Quickboost nose gear doors, ECM/TCS chin pod (as it wasn’t in the kit although I noticed there’s one in the D kit after I rdered) and ventral fins (latter two not shown here); Eduard internal, external PE and mask set; Armory weighted wheels, and; Flighpath access ladders and intake screens. I won’t be using the access ladder on this kit, but I can save it for later. I may use the intake screens (or the ones in the eduard PE set to make up for the lack of details inside the intakes... but we’ll see how it goes. Finally, the colourful Furball decal set... lovely. I’ll not express too much of an opinion on the Eduard sets just yet, but in the build so far, I’ve used fewer bits that I thought I would simply because some of them seem a little pointless... but more to come. I started off just be looking at the kit parts, starting with the forward fuselage halves, but comparing what Hobbyboss gives us in comparison to Finemolds (my GWH one was still in the post). Quite striking really... the Finemolds one really is rather fine... but showed what I could do to the HB one to perhaps add a little detail before starting. Forward fuselage Tony O had highlighted the reinforced RIO side step, so that was sanded off and re-engraved (not as cleanly as I’d’ve liked, but I managed it to a degree. The next item that caught my eye was the Vulcan cannon nozzle; it looked a little crude, and just a hole. I looked at this wondering if it could be improved and settled upon a representation made from two pieces of plastic rod (that I really struggled to photograph); one for the cannon and one for the shroud inside the port. IMG_20200508_112500605 by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr IMG_20200508_113359012 by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr By tidying the coaming outside and cleaning up after, it looks reasonable... but we’ll wait for some paint and look again. Note that the hole in the face is a quarter arc rather than a single circular hole; it doesn’t really show up in the photos... it might look better with some paint. IMG_20200509_134333465_HDR by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr I drilled out the smart probe hole to fit a new one (shown test fitted before going back in the bag for the time being) and drilled out the shell case ejector chutes too. IMG_20200509_143147827 by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr In comparing the kit parts with photographs (and primarily the FM kit) it was clear that a little additional detail on the outside, especially the forward fuselage may be appropriate. I set about adding fastener “holes” with a needle in a pin vice (my standard tool for such) and with careful attention to photos, I added marks where I thought they would be worth doing. Once applied, I gave the whole a brush on Tamiya thin to settle any edges. Once it’s got some primer on, I’ll take another look. IMG_20200510_125441821 by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Main body One point that Tony O notes is that the external fuel tanks are mounted too far forward; I couldn’t find where in his thread he’d mentioned by how much, but with some measuring (once realising that the fuel tanks’ tips should align with the engine intake lips, I estimated that they needed to move about 4mm aft, and about 1mm outboard. I made up a small plasticard template and marked where the existing holes would fall, drilling these out, then added a further pair of holes, 4mm aft and 1mm “out”. By placing this carefully over the half holes on the inside of the trunking, I was able to mark (and drill) the new holes. For the other side, I just flipped the template over. I think they’re ok... I guess we’ll see. IMG_20200511_140934226_HDR by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr The ventral fins lack any detail, no NACA intake nor panel lines (why oh why?) So I opted for the Quickboost ones (that still needed the panel line engraving on the opposite side to the NACA duct). I removed the existing fins and files smooth, replacing lost panel lines carefully. I drilled two 0.4mm holes in each fin (you’ll note that they’re different spacings – so that once I get one aligned, I wont mix them up. Each has a 0.4mm wire piece added, and a corresponding hole drilled in the body underside. Once one hole is in, I can “scribe” the spot for the other hole with the shorter wire piece in the other hole, and drill to fit. IMG_20200515_150249904_HDR by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Paint Then some paints arrived. I plan to give the Mission Models paints a try as they’ve had some good reviews and the system seemed quite well explained on websites, others’ threads and with all the videos on YouTube... I felt comfortable enough in trying these as my migration from enamels. I ordered some suitable colours, the thinners and polyurethane additive. IMG_20200516_124341524_HDR by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr I tested my clumsiness and ineptitude at airbrushing on some spare phantom wingtips, testing the black primer and a mix of the greys once that was dry. It seemed that no matter how I tried to abuse it, the paint flattened quite nicely. That’s good. IMG_20200517_191212407_HDR by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr IMG_20200518_181430920 by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Nose gear bay I decided to try to improve the detail inside the nose gear bay; normally a plethora of pipework, hoses, pistons and boxes, the kit offering was a little basic. The Eduard bits added some items, but it was still a relatively empty box. I know that normally, nobody will see this... but I thought I ought to try something... just to lift it a little. The most obvious omission was that big pressure vessel (Air tank? Hydraulic reservoir?) that I fashioned from some sprue turned in a minidrill, cut with a scalpel... still in need of finishing in this photo. IMG_20200520_185337578 by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr A bit crude and rough, but size wise it’s probably about right (compared to the FM kit item) and bulks out the bay a little. The brake units were made from bits of plasticard and various wire pieces added along the sidewalls and in the roof of the bay. My first attempt used the wrong size wires, so I replaced these and started again. It’s still a bit crude, but a little weathering will help blend all the bits together. IMG_20200522_161626403_HDR by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr IMG_20200522_161638963_HDR by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr At this stage, I popped the cockpit tub and bay into the fuselage halves just to see how it sat. It seemed ok. Oh, and the additional piston was fashioned from sprue like the reservoir/tank... with a bit of wire added for the sleeve. I guess this is linked to the undercarriage doors (?) Oh, and I removed those... I’ll either use the quickboost ones, or the Eduard ones if my sanity wants to be tested on their assembly. None of this is perfect... but I think it’s better than an empty bay. Main gear bays Having done the nose gear, I thought I ought to do the mains too. The Eduard bits replace the upper roof of the bays, but lose the wire harness mouldings in the process (is it really worth it then?) The inside of the bay is open to the kit inside; the bay is not blanked off. I added plasticard inner walls and then held the two parts together and marked the plasticard with a pen where it lined up with the kit’s ribs. I then added microstrip pieces to continue the ribs on the vertical faces. IMG_20200523_095243050_HDR by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr IMG_20200523_135147145 by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr IMG_20200523_141014829 by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr As the rear bays were a bit basic, I added some additional ribs to these too, again with microstrip IMG_20200523_163256076 by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Then with a series of small holes drilled into the sidewalls, I added lengths of 5A fusewire to represent the pipework and harnesses, along the inner sidewalls and across the bay roof. Looks untidy (and needed tidying up so as not to foul the wings when test fitted but again hopefully something a little better that the plain bays provided in the kit. Well, I hope so. IMG_20200523_164408070 by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Wings Yup... I put these together and needed to fill that seam. Took a couple of attempts, but got there in the end. I was going to add the PE access covers... but there’s no point. These just go over the markings made on the kit and, as far as I can tell, the access covers on this kit are a work of fiction. The GWH and FM kits seem fine in terms of number of covers and positions, but these are just wrong. I will live with them and just try not to draw attention to them too much. Yes, I could fill them and rescribe the right ones if I had the patience and skill... but nah; I’ll have other F-14 kits with better wings that can show them off. For now, I’ll pretend I didn’t mention it. IMG_20200526_180801587_HDR by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Glove Vanes OK, they’re not the easiest part of the kit... and cutting the recessed slots from the leading edge was a bit of a faff, and in the process of opening the forward edge of each, I managed to break the locating pin; thus a new one was made from a small piece of wire, for each side. Getting the “hole” square required a bit of back filling and re-cutting ... again, a fiddly bit. Ok, it works... but a transfer for the holes would probably be easier. IMG_20200531_151718570_HDR by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr First Paint I applied a light dusting of Halfords primer to the intakes, and then white (and then light gull grey) using the MM paints. Black primer went on the insides of the upper and lower main fuselage halves (especially in the wing areas to hide any light areas once the kit it complete) followed by some white to cover the gear bays. Engine disc was black primed and then treated with Alclad II Stainless Steel (for shine), after which a dark enamel wash was applied, and the spinner painted a light grey. The opportunity was taken to prime and “grey” some other buts including cockpit parts. Now, for the cockpit grey, I used some MM Dark Ghost which seemed about right in colour. Maybe a little light, but maybe that’s right “for scale”. Unfortunately, the bottle I had turned out to be full of little lumps and took ages to re-shake and mix with thinners to get a little that was lump free. The foil seal had also not been stuck properly when I came to remove it. I got in touch with the shop as I’d intended to buy some more colours anyway, and they sent me a replacement foc with my next delivery. I’m pleased to say that the new one is fine... as are all the others I’ve tried so far. IMG_20200601_201516590_HDR by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr IMG_20200602_180855099 by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Cockpit details OK.. so every kit begins with the cockpit... (?) so time to start with this then. I fabricated the part that sits behind the RIO seat from plasticard and microstrip – oh for a resin one of these (hint hint)... fiddly, but it’ll do for now. I based it on the GWH and FM kits and will work out how to fit it later. IMG_20200525_163154284_HDR by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr I’m using the Aires GRU-7A seats rather than the kit parts, but will add Eduard bits as I go; I assumed they’d fit – and per below... most did (with some fettling). Given that the seats in the kit sit a little low, I wanted to test the Aires seats in the tubs before committing to them. A quick test. I think they’re slightly high, so I removed some of the inner tub frame to let them sit lower. They’re tight, but they do go in. I had similar issues with my Airfix Phantom seats after I’d fettled and added scratch details to those. Actually, the RN Phantom has MB Mk7s, and it’s interesting comparing the two seats... the similarities are evident. IMG_20200522_162128135_HDR by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Some colour went on the seats first, and it seems that I finally found a use for Humbrol 30 as it suited the seat base and back, with a mix of Humbrol 30 and 29 (dark green and dark earth) to make the colour for the cushions (chute). Some of the resin details were picked out in the appropriate colours (silver, red, yellow, white, etc) and these were set asides overnight to dry. IMG_20200604_151759042 by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr The Eduard etch “bits” were applied using Bob Smith Industries Odourless CA glue, patience and a donation to the swear box. I didn’t use all of the bits, but most went on. Reference to the Daco book was very useful during this part of the build. IMG_20200604_195646651_HDR by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr The cockpit tub got its Eduard PE added in stages... The first bits had gone in before paint – the rudder pedals. Yes, these were fun and probably invisible, but I put them in anyway. Then, I started with the bigger bits covering the sidewalls and instruments panels one at a time. Take your time... there’s no rush. Some colour was added where it would enhance the moldings, such as around the throttle box, and a thin dark wash at the rear of the forward cockpit. The coamings got some paint too. I initially applied a light covering, using Humbrol dark earth, but then noticed in photos of BuNo 161621 in the Detail & Scale book that the coamings were dark green/olive drab and thus not faded at the time. I’m not sure how long the aircraft carried the nose art for, but I thought I ought to depict it per photos, so I applied a mix of Dark Earth, Dark Green, Black and French Blue and added darker and lighter shades of this to depict variation in the texture. The black was re-done with some matt black (may be tyre black). Later, I added a light dusting of satin/matt varnish to unify the appearance, which helped. These still need some wear added to the surfaces (worn metal) and the reflector dish for the head-up projector. IMG_20200606_151403238 by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr IMG_20200606_151424641 by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr IMG_20200606_151520644 by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr At this point, the central coaming and IP are just balanced in place. The sticks got some paint .. again, making as much use as possible of the Daco book. They do look oversize... but not much I can do about that now. IMG_20200606_152324272 by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Finally, I added some of the little etch bits. The throttle top, gear lever (down selected) and hook lever (up selected). Yes, they’re a fettle (and they’ll probably break off) but they’re there for now. I added the canopy pull lever for the rear cockpit (to the instrument panel) but haven’t photographed it yet. The front one will have to go in once the upper coaming is in place; that will be fun. Again, all parts secured with BSI odourless CA and then a little Klear added to provide a clear potting to the little bits. Seems to be holding, for now. Again – with apologies for the poor photos throughout – and this last one is just awful.. but the bits are there – just. IMG_20200606_160341518 by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Anyway... that’s all for now. Now that I’ve started with the build properly, it feels as though I’m getting somewhere; it’ll be nice to join the major components together and crack on with detailing the other parts and the project progresses. Thanks for reading. Jonathan
  20. Hi everyone, This is my latest model: Academy’s new 1/72 F-14A depicting “Wichita 103” in 1985 using DXM decals. This is an excellent kit and my favorite that I have built. The engineering is very good and the exterior shape perfect to my eyes. The DXM decals were also quite good, but missed a few things: the gear door placards used by VF-1 were missed and the anti-skid walkways looked a tad off in shape. I used the Furball-Aero VF-111 and their VF-41/VF-32 set for these details. The kit went together very quickly and was built in 2.5 months with most of that time spent post-construction on painting, weathering, and dilly-dallying . Aftermarket details include Quickboost intakes and ventral fins (to spare ejector mark filling), Master pitot, DXM VF-1 decals, and seats/throttle, control stick, and canopy details from an Aires cockpit set. The cockpit is very nice, especially with a few small editions. I wouldn’t bother adding the whole Aires set, definitely not worth the effort given what can be accomplished with the base cockpit. I also detailed the nosegear wheel well with lead wire and a few parts from the Hasegawa kit. The kit was painted with Mission Models acrylics with MRP for the metallics. MRP’s new acrylic metallic for brush painting are really nice, by far the nicest that I’ve tried. Weathered with oil paints. I highly recommend this kit to anyone with an interest in Tomcats or USN aircraft. It is a joy to build, takes to detailing well, and looks great once finished. The cockpit was hard to see in the winter light today, so I included a construction shot and another photo taken with a flash. Detail is very nice for an injection kit if you add aftermarket seats and a few details like a better stick and throttle. All comments and feedback welcome. Best, Nick
  21. Hi all. Just a few shots of my last build. Was started not long after I finished my Tamiya F-14D, as a comparison build. Wish I had built them the other way around. Despite the AMK kit having more OOB options than a Tomcat fan could ever want from a kit, I find the kit falls short when compared to Tamiya's offering. The shape issues on the AMK kit have been well discussed already, but although I realise it's unfair to compare the fit of this kit to the Tamiya kit, I find the biggest shortcoming is the over-engineered approach AMK have taken. By giving literally every pose option you could think of, the fit of the kit suffers, and as a result, this kit fought me every step of the way. The Tamiya F-14D is maybe my favourite kit on the market right now, and I plan to build many more of them. If I were to add another AMK kit to my stash, I would be tempted to use it solely as a donor kit to add the wings to a Tamiya build. The dropped wings in the AMK kit are the real stars of the show. Still, it's a big, well detailed Tomcat with a million options from the box. I built mine OOB, with the exception of the decals which came from the Tamiya kit. Speaking of which, a debt of gratitude is owed to @exdraken who really saved this build by parting with the decals from his kit after a rather embarrassing accident with mine. Finished with Vallejo model air paints and weathered with Windsor & Newton oils/varnishes. C&C welcome as always. Hope you enjoy! Cheers Daryl
  22. Hello! Here is another my model! In assembly it was a very nice model. I would say perfect. As additional sets i used Aires ejection seats Eduard PE set Eduard GBU-31 bombs Reskit BRU32 with ADU-703 Reskit AIM-9M "Sidewinder" Reskit wheels set Reskit open exhaust nozzles Painted the model with Hataka paints. Weatherig- oil paints, pigmets ad washes.
  23. Hi all, here is the third installment of 'pictures edited in lock down', this time from the amazing National Naval Aviation Museum at Pensacola which I was lucky enough to visit during November 2018. Sadly the tour of the storage area wasn't available that day as the volunteer who drives the buggy was unwell, which meand I'll just have to go again I took loads of shots which are all here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/65364952@N06/albums/72157703428076121/page1 SabreLiner by tony_inkster, on Flickr B-25 Mitchell by tony_inkster, on Flickr SeaKing by tony_inkster, on Flickr A-4 Skyhawk (Blue Angels) by tony_inkster, on Flickr F-14 Tomcat by tony_inkster, on Flickr Bearcat by tony_inkster, on Flickr Douglas SBD Dauntless by tony_inkster, on Flickr AF-2S Guardian by tony_inkster, on Flickr RF-8 Crusader by tony_inkster, on Flickr S-3 Viking 'Navy One' by tony_inkster, on Flickr CH-53 Sea Stallion by tony_inkster, on Flickr F7U Cutlass (2) by tony_inkster, on Flickr F3H Demon by tony_inkster, on Flickr TV-2 T-33 Shooting Star by tony_inkster, on Flickr A-1 Skyraider by tony_inkster, on Flickr F11F Tiger by tony_inkster, on Flickr Photo Banshee by tony_inkster, on Flickr F2H Banshee by tony_inkster, on Flickr Prowler by tony_inkster, on Flickr
  24. This is the Revell F-14D Super Tomcat 1/72 kit. I've been waiting to do an F-14 since I got back into modelling a few years ago. The last one I built was the Airfix one in the late 1970's, I remember it was white plastic and was one of the first models I actually painted with the intentions of it being a model for displaying rather than a toy. This kit had a lot to live up to as it was competing with fond childhood memories of a kit that by todays standards, would probably not be nearly as good as I remember it being. Revell have nothing to worry about as far as the build goes. It went together very nicely, and although I'm not an F-14 expert, it was accurate enough for my liking. It was completed straight from the box using the kit decals and painted with Vallejo Model Air paints (which I'm now used to after the switch from Humbrol enamels and love). I managed to get some outside photo's the other day, hope you enjoy.
  25. Howdy all, I am a new member here and just getting back into modeling after a 20 or so year hiatus. I am open to any critique, tips, tricks, etc. Cheers! On the workbench at the moment is the new 1/72 Academy F-14A Tomcat, but I will be building a (D) version as Academy has supplied all the necessary parts for almost any version you want to build. I will also be setting this one up for in-flight display. This is not an option OOB and will likely provide some challenges, but should be fun. First up is putting the cockpit together. Nice amount of detail and decided to just use paint rather than the supplied decals for the instruments. Cockpit coming together. As I am building the F-14D I utilized the alternate dash panels provided in the kit. Cockpit assembled into the nose cone. This kit really goes together beautifully with hardly any fuss. Major sub-assemblies completed. Also bought some resin pilots and bang seats as the kit does not come with pilots and this will be displayed as in-flight. Starting to come together. Most seams are non existent. The interior side of the intake trunk will need some cleanup. Now to figure out how to piece the landing gear doors closed. Gear doors in-place. Will need a bit of putty and sanding but came together better than expected considering it wasn't designed this way. Vertical Stabs and various weapon pylons are in place. And this should bring us to current. Weapons loadout - 2x 2000# external tanks, 2x AIM-9M, 3x AIM-54, 2x GBU-12, and Lantirn Pod. That is one plus to the Academy kit, they have supplied so many different parts for displaying almost any Tomcat version you would want. Including various weapons and targeting pods. Thanks for taking a look and as always, I welcome any feedback!
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