FerretViking

The Academy is very much a refined copy of the Monogram. The landing gear, cockpit etc. are direct copies. However, Academy made some error when molding the fuselage, leading to a weird fat nose section which is a dealbreaker for many. I've learned that tweaking the framing of the windshield helps a lot for the overall appearance. Good enough for me anyway. Personally, I feel the angle of the intakes(or lack of angle) is a bigger issue than the nose, but that's me. Anyway, only built one of those, but would gladly do another🙂

Hello SouthViper! The Academy afterburner parts are indeed a drop fit for the Monogram F-14. Have used them on at least one Monogram. However, the kit in question is the old Revell mould, which is a totally different kit from the Monogram(now Revell) kit. I found no other solution, so ended up glueing together the broken original parts, and left it at that. //Lars

Having built both, I feel The Fujimi has(much)better overall detail, but worse overall shape imho. If I was slightly mad, i would get one of each to perhaps combine them into one (possibly) presentable model. But that is not going to happen. It is what it is, and I will not make this a giant project. Only wish some better looking exhausts would be available, but alas... Regarding the Monogram, I 'm only speaking from personal experience, having built 4 of them(2 of them 2 times over if that makes any sense) + 3 more in the stash. I have a few Hasegawa's, and the nozzles are much too large, hence the Aires you're referencing will also be the same. I also would like to build the Italeri one day. As far as i can tell, it seems to be within help from some aftermarket parts, unlike others..... New wheels & seats should be a great improvement.

Both are from 1978 acc. to scalemates, so yes, I assume it was all they had at hand when the photographer knocked on the door. And, yes the F-14 could be called hamfisted without anyone taking much offense I believe. Haven't tried their F-15. Still, I love to try to make lesser kits presentable, (within the levels of my skills and patience)

Correct on all points. Fun fact: The one you linked to actually has the Fujimi model as the box-art. Which tells you a little something about how proud Revell must have felt about their product.. Not the first or last time a manufacturer takes some liberties with their box art, but ooof, that's a whopper 🙂

Hello Exdraken! If I understand your question correctly; Yes, the one I'm building is the original Revell model, not the reissued Monogram. The one you link from scalemates is the one I have. The Maverick one is a reissued Monogram. A different beast all together. The Monogram just so happens to be my all time favorite F-14 model, but ''sadly'', it's jet nozzles don't fit the Revell one very well. Best regards //Lars

Thanks for checking Giorgio! I can only assume the Tamiya and Hobbyboss are also larger. Why wouldn't they be. Oh well, no luck then. Will try to either use the original exhausts, crappy as they may be, or possibly convert some Monogram ones. So, pictures to be taken from the side and front only then 🙂

Hello Giorgio! I can’t decide which is worse, Revell or Fujimi. They both have their ups and downs. I’m pouring as much love as I can muster into this one, without going crazy on aftermarket additions. There would really be no end to the possibillities going down that route. Replacing several parts with leftover Monogram parts will do fine for this build. We’ll see how it turns out. Anyway; yes the diameter where the nozzle meets the fuselage(the largest outside diameter of the nozzle) 🙂

Hello! Long time lurker, but this is my first post. I’ve posted this on a few fb-pages, but no luck so far. Hopefully someone here is able to help🙂 I’m currently restoring an old Revell 1:48 F-14(Revell old mould- yes,I’m a sucker for punishment) It’s coming together ok, but the afterburner nozzles are pretty much destroyed. Not that they looked good to begin with….. Anyone know which other brand might fit? They measure 22,8mm at the base. The ones from Monogram/Academy and Hasegawa are much larger. Does anyone here know, or can measure the dimensions for the Hobbyboss, Tamiya or Italeri? Edit: for the ahem..metrically inclined, 22.8mm = 0,8976 or 57/64 inches according to the grand interweb🕺 Best regards Lars