DaveJL Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 (edited) Hello all, Here is my first entry for this GB; A 1/48 Hasegawa F-14, dubbed the F-14E, or Tomcat F.1... Based on the D model Tomcat, the RAF ordered 46 new build jets from Grumman in 1993 for delivery from 1996 onwards. The jets were to supplement/replace the Tornado F.3 fleet and provide the RAF with the best interceptor available at the time. The F.1's were modified with a new communications suite, defensive aides and the ability to carry the AIM-120 AMRAAM missile. BAE systems wanted a monopoly on the jets to include installing new ejection seats, fire control system and radar warning receivers, but the MoD said no, and only allowed the minor modifications mentioned above to be added to the finished Grumman product. 56 Sqn was the first to receive the new jets and had its full compliment of 12 by early 1996. The squadron was deployed on Operation Northern Watch, Southern Watch and policed the skies over Kosovo along with her sister squadrons. In November 1999, one 56 Sqn jet successfully engaged and destroyed three Iraqi Air Force MIG-23's that had violated the Northern 'No Fly Zone' in Iraq with the potent AIM-54C+ Phoenix missile. Two were direct hits at a range of 85 miles, while it was believed the 3rd MIG crashed into the ground while trying the evade the Phoenix. Deliveries of the Tomcat F.1 were completed by 1998 and eventually equipped 3 frontline squadrons, two for QRA and one for operational deployment (although the jets were pooled for the latter). A single training/OCU was also established, with the crews regularly deploying to both 'Red Flag' at Nellis AFB and 'Top Gun' at NAS Fallon, both in Nevada USA. One aircaft was lost in a 'bird strike' flying out of RAF Coningsby. The crew ejected safely. 4 jets were rotated through 1345 Flight at RAF Mount Pleasant on a yearly basis. The QRA jets regularly intercepted Russian TU-95 Bears and TU-160 Blackjacks off the UK coast. From 2004 onward, the Southern QRA was handed over to the Typhoon, freeing up another 12 jets for operational deployment as and when required. The Tomcat remained in place for the Northern QRA out of Leuchars. Current plans have the Tomcat F.1's remaining in RAF service until at least 2025 and there are plans in place to convert a few airframes for the SEAD or 'Wild Weasel' role, although budgetary restraints may force these plans to be abandoned. (A bit far fetched but, well, you know....) The kit: Extras: I will be using Royale Resin fuel tanks, possibly Royale Resin wheels, Dr Pepper GE-110 exhaust nozzles, Wolfpack NACA gun vent, Master brass pitot tube and i've also ordered Quickboost seats and FOD covers. Decals are a mix of donations and parts from the spares box. Any additional modifications will be scratch built and she'll be fully loaded with 4x AIM-54, 2x AIM-120 and 2x AIM-9. More to come. Dave Edited October 10, 2012 by DaveJL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Col. Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Those decals make me think this isn't going to be another grey Tomcat. One more for the 'cat collection Dave? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arnobiz Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 Looking forward to seeign your latest Tomcat Dave! Arnaud PS What on Earth are these enormous flames??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-32 Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 This is going to be great! Those flames are from the 56sqn F3 display bird right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveJL Posted October 4, 2012 Author Share Posted October 4, 2012 (edited) Yep, the flames are from the 2000 display Jet, but I doubt I'll be using them on this build, same with the sharks teeth, but this is subject to change Dave Edited October 4, 2012 by DaveJL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveJL Posted October 4, 2012 Author Share Posted October 4, 2012 Those decals make me think this isn't going to be another grey Tomcat. One more for the 'cat collection Dave? It will be grey, but colourful at that! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 I LIKE the sqn choice! Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will Vale Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 That's a fine collection of bits for one of my fave planes, should look good with roundels too. If you're a Tomcat fan you probably know this already, but the photography in "Bye-Bye Baby" is amazing. I keep picking it up and getting lost in it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philp Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 Looking forward to this one. Seen an Eagle done in 56 Sqd markings before but not a Tomcat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kev1n Posted October 5, 2012 Share Posted October 5, 2012 watching.....watching...watching.....c'mon dude get this one built !!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveJL Posted October 5, 2012 Author Share Posted October 5, 2012 Thanks guys. Will be making a start next week all being well! Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Col. Posted October 5, 2012 Share Posted October 5, 2012 watching.....watching...watching.....c'mon dude get this one built !!!!! Easy there Kevin, still a few minutes to go before we get started! Ha ha. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveJL Posted October 6, 2012 Author Share Posted October 6, 2012 Easy there Kevin, still a few minutes to go before we get started! Ha ha. Will hopefully be making a start this coming Wednesday! Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveJL Posted October 7, 2012 Author Share Posted October 7, 2012 (edited) Made a brief start this morning. Firstly, assembling all the missiles: Then moving on and assembling the cockpit. The Tomcat F.1 has a new MFD on the lower right of the pilots instrument panel and an updated missile control system for the AMRAAM: The tub is the same as the F-14D: The F.1's were fitted with a HUD repeater on top of the RIO's coaming, one of the additions BAE made to the jet: That's all for now. Dave Edited October 7, 2012 by DaveJL 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveJL Posted October 10, 2012 Author Share Posted October 10, 2012 A bit more done this afternoon. Built up the forward fuselage first: Along with the HUD repeater, the Tomcat F.1's were fitted with a GPS system, fitted to the front left of the Pilots coaming: Possibly the biggest change to the basic D model Tomcat was the installation of a 27mm Mauser cannon in place of the 20mm M61 Vulcan. Grumman only had to modify the magazine and feed system in order to install the Mauser: The muzzle was pinched from a Tornado kit. Note also the NACA vents have been attached, with their customary poor fit. I then moved on and constructed the main fuselage. The new communications suite that was installed required a new set of antennae to the upper fuselage. Behind it, part of the new countermeasures system was fitted: A new RWR was also installed on each of the tail fins: Next up is to tidy up the main fuselage and attach tail fins, engines etc. More to come. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Col. Posted October 10, 2012 Share Posted October 10, 2012 Coming on well there Dave. Good progress and very realistic. You going to have fun mating the two fuselage sections soon? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warris Posted October 10, 2012 Share Posted October 10, 2012 Coming along nicely there Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveJL Posted October 11, 2012 Author Share Posted October 11, 2012 Thanks guys, glad you like her so far. Col, joining the two sections is always an interesting fit!! Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveJL Posted October 18, 2012 Author Share Posted October 18, 2012 A bit more done. Firstly, assembled the engines and attached the shrouds. To bring the latter up to GE-110 spec, one must fill and sand all the panel lines on the kit part as these are only representative of the F-14A's TF-30 engines: Front and rear fuselage attached and engines installed: Next up is to tidy up all the filler, add the AIM-54 missile pallets and a few bits and pieces. More to come. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Col. Posted October 18, 2012 Share Posted October 18, 2012 Glad I'm not the only one who needed a load of filler in that kit! Good to see it coming together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveJL Posted October 18, 2012 Author Share Posted October 18, 2012 Glad I'm not the only one who needed a load of filler in that kit! Good to see it coming together. Every one of my Hasegawa 'cats needs a tonne of filler, just the nature of the kit! But i wouldn't change it for a thing! I've come to love the old Hasegawa kit, despite the problems it has. Think i've got the build of them close to a T Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveJL Posted October 19, 2012 Author Share Posted October 19, 2012 Only a little bot done today. Added rear missile pallets first; Added the chin pod. Part of the new communications system required a new antennae, which was fitted beside the chin pod. This antennae allowed the F-14 and it's powerful AN/APG-71 radar to communicate with other jets while tracking targets. It also allowed the F-14 to act as a 'lead' and direct other, less potent aircraft, to launch their missiles under the F-14's guidance. The remaining blisters of the new defensive system are located just fore of the main landing gear bays: The other parts I ordered arrived today: Upper fuselage is just about complete. Filler needs tidied up and that's that. More to come. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TaiidanTomcat Posted October 21, 2012 Share Posted October 21, 2012 Really nice, I like the choice of AMRAAMs and the small antennas you are adding. nice work! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveJL Posted October 21, 2012 Author Share Posted October 21, 2012 Really nice, I like the choice of AMRAAMs and the small antennas you are adding. nice work! Thanks mate. Should have some more to show later in the week. Dave 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveJL Posted October 24, 2012 Author Share Posted October 24, 2012 A bit more progress today. The majority of the filler has been sanded and smoothed: Added the forward Phoenix pallets. They aren't a great fit: Just need to tidy up the filler around the pallets and she's ready for primer. More to come. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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