Jump to content

F-14A "VF-31 Tomcatters" - Tamiya 1/48


Ale85

Recommended Posts

I had lot of fun building the Tamiya's Cat in 48th scale, so... i made my decision: i will build another Tamiya's Cat! This time i will build a colorful VF-31 bird with the iconic "Felix the Cat" carrying a bomb. This is one of my favourite livery on a Tomcat. 

 

originale.png

(just for discussione purpose)

 

The box

scatola.jpg

 

Decals came from an unbuilt hasegawa kit

decals.jpg

 

I ordered some goodies to upgrade my Tomcat, others (wheels, beaver tails and CHIN pod) are on the way to my lab:

accessori.jpg

 

I hope to start working on it soon, so stay tuned

ciao

Ale 

  • Like 13
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

You will love this kit. I've built it a while ago and I've enjoyed every singe minute during the build.

 

I actually wouldn't change the exhausts as they are really good from the box, but the wheels should be changed for the resin ones. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just a very small update: i started from the weapons, so i assembled the missiles:

- 2 x AIM-9L
- 2x AIM-7F

- 4x AIM-54C 

 

armamento.jpg

 

The box offers both the early and the late version of each weapon; i used the D instruction sheet to orientate me and choose the right parts

now sanding and filling then i'll start to paint and decaling the missiles.

Stay tuned

ciao

Ale

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

First of all: yesterday i received the last detail item for my Tomcat, def model wheels and quickboost bits

accessori2.jpg

 

In my stash i found this resin mascot... i think it could be cute next to my Tomcat

mascotte.jpg

 

And now let's talk about building progress: time to paint the cat's claws.

sparrow.jpg

 

sidewinder.jpg

 

phoenix.jpg

 

next step: gloss clear, some washing in the lines and decalling.

ciao

Ale

  • Like 6
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Started with cockpit
base color: H307 FS36320
panels and instruments: flat black Lifecolor
rear bulkhead: XF-85 rubber black by Tamiya
cockpit.jpg

For the IP i used the decals form Fightertown. Simply amazing! 
panelli-strumenti.jpg

 

ciao

Ale

  • Like 7
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

I have to follow this build as I'm planning a very similar one.

 

I'm a big fan of VF-31 "Topcatters", have already done there F-14D and have decals for the F/A-18E and LoVis F-14A. In planning are their F-4J (decals on way) and F3H-2 Demon.

 

I'm trying to get the "Red Tail" set for the F-14A as I'd prefer them to the LoVis ones. I do like your plan to use the Fightertown ones.

 

Be careful with the Hasegawa ones as they are the wrong shape when compared to the Tamiya tail. I had a bit of a job to get mine to fit, besides splitting as well!

 

Look forward to following this build with lots of interest! :popcorn:

 

IMG_2607-L.jpg

  • Like 6
Link to comment
Share on other sites

A little progress on my Bandwagon 202. Painted with gloss white the wheel bays then i washed it with Tamiya Panel Line dark grey shade.

lavaggi.jpg

 

carrello-anteriore.jpg

 

fusoliera-posteriore.jpg

 

Quickboost's "beaver tail" in it's place! 

 

coda.jpg

 

Next step: air intakes them i will join the two fuselage part!

 

fusoliera-anteriore.jpg

 

ciao

Ale

  • Like 7
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 10/21/2019 at 6:28 AM, trickyrich said:

I have to follow this build as I'm planning a very similar one.

 

I'm a big fan of VF-31 "Topcatters", have already done there F-14D and have decals for the F/A-18E and LoVis F-14A. In planning are their F-4J (decals on way) and F3H-2 Demon.

 

I'm trying to get the "Red Tail" set for the F-14A as I'd prefer them to the LoVis ones. I do like your plan to use the Fightertown ones.

 

Be careful with the Hasegawa ones as they are the wrong shape when compared to the Tamiya tail. I had a bit of a job to get mine to fit, besides splitting as well!

 

Look forward to following this build with lots of interest! :popcorn:

 

IMG_2607-L.jpg

 

Super work on your Cat! I'm a big fan too of the VF-31, i have the same project as you: doing all the jet of this squadron! :D

Ciao

Ale

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just a very small update: i joined the two parts of the fuselage. Now it really begins to looks like a Tomcat.

fusoliere-chuse.jpg

 

I used a hasegawa's Cat as donor of the ecm blisters parts
ecm2.jpg

 

ciao

Ale

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Some updates on my cat. I installed the reinforcement plates on the tails

derive.jpg

 

Assembly almost completed

montato.jpg

 

Decal from Fightertown on the windshield

parabrezza.jpg

 

ciao

Ale

Edited by Ale85
  • Like 10
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

I'm almost ready for paint but due bad weather i have to suspend working waiting for better times. So, a little update: 

montato.jpg

Wheels (Def. Models) are painted and weathered, the metallic zone is provided by Molotow's Liquid Chorme, it's amazing. 
ruote-e-carreli.jpg

Fightertown decals detail for ladder steps bay
vano-scalini.jpg

Aires ladder steps 
scalini.jpg 

 

ciao

Ale

  • Like 7
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

The base coat is done! I used H-325 by Gunze for the Gull Grey. 

Radome: gloss black H-2
Anti-glare panel: XF-69 Nato Black 

verniciato.jpg

verniciato-muso.jpg

 

that's all for now, hope you like it

ciao

Ale

  • Like 9
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...
  • 3 weeks later...

Some updates on my Tomcat. I made a mistake painting the red zones on the tails, so i have to repaint the whole parts. Meanwhile, i start the assembly of the other parts like landing gears, weapons, ladder etc.

 

assemblaggio-1.jpg

 

assemblaggio-2.jpg

 

Hope you like it!

Ciao

Ale

  • Like 10
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Looks great so far Ale. I just about remember seeing these in person on the Forrestal in Marseilles 1989, was only 6 then! 
 

I did one of those mascots a while back - They look good however you need to drill and pin the arms for strength, that solid resin ‘bomb’ is heavy! 
 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...