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This is the thread for the continuation of my tomcat STGB fail: http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234957812-revell-1144-f-14a-vf-84-the-final-countdown-cat-shot-update-12-5/ Updates to follow. . . .

In the Tomcat STGB1 I built this from the early revell kit, it turned out ok but at best it's a little rough around the edges. For the USN GB I built this santa catfrom the dragon kit and the fightertown decals. So I've spent plenty of time mulling over what I'm going to build for this GB; with the release of the res-im flap and slat resin kit it seemed appropriate to dig out the dragon carrier deck. I've both the revell A & D kits but after watching the "The Final Countdown" on Netflix I'm going to do the early Jolly Rogers film scheme in the A kit. So here's the revell F-14A and the dragon carrier deck kit, the resin wings, some reference material and a pair of Ozmods pilots to finish it off. If I get all this lot finished I may have a go at either the F-14A in the flanker scheme from Fightertown decals or black lions F-14D with a TARPS pod.

I thought I'd cover all bases by doing the F-14 in A, B & D variants. The kits I've chosen are Revell's F-14A and Ace Corporation's (Revell mould) B & D. I bought a set of Super Scale decals ages ago and I'm going to use the Bicentennial markings of VF-124 for the A. The B comes with markings for VF-103's 1996 "Santa Cat" and the D has markings for VF-2's "Last Cruise" bird. So I should have three colourful Tomcats when I'm finished.

F-14D Tomcat Front Undercarriage Covers 1:72 Quickboost by Aires In 1:72 scale undercarriage doors are one item which can look overthick. If you are building a 1:72 F-14D Tomcat then Quickboost are here to help with their resin replacement set for the front gear. These are direct replacements for kit parts and should look the part on your finished model. These are listed for a D model Tomcat, but Quickboost do another set listed for the A model. While they say they are recommended for the Hobby Boss kit, I see no reason they will not fit any 1:72 scale kit. Highly recommended. Review samples courtesy of distributed in the UK by Hannants Ltd.

Hi My first post, but long time lurker. This is my 1/48 F-14 Jolly Rogers Tomcat - CDC Armour/Franklin Mint mold under the 'Mack It' brand name. This was a diecast metal kit I had rattling around the loft before I took it out and painted/made a few mods- adding a little more detail to the cockpit- pull ejection seat handles and a few instrument changes. Arrestor hook fell off.... All humbrol airbrushed, alcad shades, airbrushed weathering, with Flory washes. A heavy paperweight for sure. Have an F-117 in kit form also so will be doing that one soon.

Hi everyone, Haven't posted in what seems like ages - a combination of the Christmas holidays and the recent death of my Mum after a long and dignified battle with Alzheimers. Life is finally getting back to something like normality so have started on my first F-14 for 2014. Yep, I'm going to build just F-14s for this year in a kind of one-man-single-type-group-build way. I don't know why (or how many pints of the blackstuff I had) but it seemed like a good idea at the time in the pub to commemorate the last of Grumman's long line of great Naval fighters - afterall, it is 40 years since the first combat cruise of the Tomcat in 1974. I've got about 6 up in the stash and judging on my build speed (and the complexity of some of the kits), I don't know how many I'll get done! I will also build one for the F-14 GB here on Britmodeller later this year. For some reason, I also thought I should blog about this.......my ramblings are on the link below. So first up, I decided to start with an easy one - the first Hasegawa kit from the early '70s (?) I knew those magazines from my childhood would come in handy some day (that's the DCOS in the background, by the way) The kit was a standout in its day and while newer kits have replaced it, it still looks the part and I'm really looking forward to getting stuck into it.The cockpit and seats are very early-70's though so out with some scrap plastic.... That's all for now. Thanks for looking and enjoy your modelling. Dermot

Hi, My latest creation, been over 5 years since I made a aircraft so the finishing touches are almost there. Thanks for looking Scott.

F-14 Tomcat 161134 Valiant Air Command Museum, Titusville, Pics thanks to Bootneck Mike

Just thought I'd share a few pics of my latest build. I watched Top Gun too much as a kid, and as a result, I've got a real soft spot for the F-14. Trouble is, I don't have the time (or money) at the moment to sink into an elaborate quarter scale build like I'd like to. The solution? Revell's nice little 1/144 F-14A. I picked it up on the cheap and figured it'd keep me occupied for a few nights. I never venture into the world of braille scale, but I have to say, I really enjoyed this. The build is far from perfect - I'm sure you could all pick more than a few faults with it - but I'm happy with the outcome, considering the time put in. All OOB, the only things I did to the kit were (attempt to) cut out the flaps on the wings to lower them, and modify the forward landing gear to have the 'Cat crouching in the takeoff position. Finished with Revell Acrylics through my dodgy £15 airbrush. Weathered using Tamiya Weathering Master sets and PITT artist pens. Depicted as a VF-142 (Ghostriders) F-14A aboard USS America ~1976. Comments and criticisms more than welcomed! Thanks for looking. Daryl.

My Hornet GB entry has stalled as I'm waiting for resin parts, however I have some modelling time available this week so a quick rummage in the stash has turned up this: The carrier deck will wait for another day. I've some aftermarket decals on order but more on them later. So quick build, no messing about I'm just aiming for a nice clean build.

Grumman F-14A Tomcat "VF-211 Iraqi Freedom" Hasegawa 1:72 Limited Edition The Grumman F-14 Tomcat was a supersonic twin engine / seat variable sweep wing fighter aircraft developed for the United States Navy. Grumman designed the fighter to fill a gap created by the collapse of the then FB-111B programme. Grumman were able to produce the unique swing wing design fairly quickly due to their earlier experiments with the XF10 Jaguar. The aircraft first flew in 1970, with the first deployment in 1974. By the late 1980s the Tomcat was starting to show its age. The first major upgrade at this time replaced the Tomcats engines with GE F-110-400s and an ALR-67 Radar Homing & warning system was fitted. Initially called the F-14A this was later re-designated F-14B. In the late 1990s 67 of these aircraft were further upgraded to extend airframe life, and to improve both offensive and defensive avionics; thus becoming known as F-14B Bombcats. The final upgrade to the Tomcat was the F-14D or Super Tomcat, the first being delivered in 1991. The original engines were the same as the F-14B, the GE F110-400. The F-14D featured new digital avionics including a glass cockpit. The original AWG-9 radar was replaced with a newer APG-71 system. Other upgrades at this time included new NACES Ejection Seats, an Airborne Self Protection Jammer, Tactical information System; and an Infra Red Search & Track system. Despite the F-14D being considered the definitive Tomcat not all Squadrons received them. The programme was subject to considerable political infighting. Some considered the aircraft basic 1960's technology and in the end the project was cancelled with only 37 new D models being built, and 18 A models being upgraded; where as the Navy had asked for a total of 132 aircraft. The US Navy retired the Tomcat finally in 2006. Grumman F-14A Tomcat "VF-211 Iraqi Freedom" VF-211 In 2003 VF-211 deployed for their final cruise with the F-14 to take part in Operation Iraqi Freedom, , flying mostly reconnaissance, "show of force" and ground support missions. The squadron flew the F-14A due to the decision to move all F-14Bs to Atlantic Fleet Squadrons. The Kit This A model Tomcat is one of Hasegawa's later toolings and as such features finely engraved panel lines. On opening the box the first thing that grabs your attention is that the box is packed with plastic. You get five large sprues in one bag, five smaller sprues in a smaller bag, the canopy in its own bag, and a small sheet of photo-etched parts. The main parts of this kit are exactly the same as those reviewed earlier by my fellow reviewer and can be seen; HERE Hasegawa have included one extra small sprue in this kit. This includes an AN/AAQ-14 targeting pod and a pair of F-14 LAU-138 Launcher rails for use in this kit. Canopy The large canopy of the F-14 is on a fairly comprehensive clear sprue. The parts are very clear, but due to the limitations of the moulding technology there is a larger centre seam in the main canopy which will need to be removed. Other clear parts include the HUD glass, nav lights, and nose camera lenses. Some of these parts are very small so care will be needed. The photo etch in the kit will really enhance the canopy should you wish to display it open. Photo Etched Parts A small fret of photo etched parts is supplied with the kit. This contains canopy rails, cockpit instrument panels, engine parts and ejection seat handles; along with some airframe grills. Decals Decals are provided for two aircraft from VF-211, the Commanding officers aircraft, and the CAG(Commander Air Group). Conclusion While there maybe a little flash on the parts this is still a good model of the F-14. Decals for one of the last combat uses of the Tomcat are a plus. Recommended for the modeller and the Tomcat fan alike. Review sample courtesy of UK distributors for

Guys, Anytime Baby!...... Forgive the pics, camera went on strike so my phone had to double job...very hard to photograph a gloss black aircraft (any tips?) the famous F-14A Black Bunny of VX-4, painted with Humbrol gloss and matt black with Humbrol metalcote on the wing seals and exhausts and tamiya clear on the HUD. As always all advice gladly accepted.

1/72 F-14A Tomcat (Tentative) 1/72 F-15E Strike Eagle (Tentative) listed here: http://www.tamiya.co...12THS_index.htm