Jon020 Posted November 1, 2020 Share Posted November 1, 2020 My 1/72 Hobbyboss F-14A is now complete. The build was chronicled in a work in progress thread that allowed me to voice some of the frustrations that the build presented and for the fabulous support from the membership here to help maintain my enthusiasm for the build, which had become a little strained on occasion. So, thank you all for that. This started with a number of early lockdown messages back and forth with a old friend, realising that we shared other interests to the ones we knew, and started a good lockdown-relieving ongoing discussion surrounding F14 kits’ accuracies, oddities, benefits and shortcuts. As a result, the stash of to be built models increased so that most of the “modern” offerings are now sat on the shelf awaiting attention. Whilst initially inspired by the Finemolds kit articles that had appeared in mags earlier in the year, and falling back in love with the colourful scheme of Fighter Squadron 111, and eventually acquiring a FM kit, the details it offered looked as though some practice would be needed elsewhere first if I was to achieve a finish that I was satisfied with. Having read plenty of articles, I realised that to achieve the type of finish I sought, moving from enamels to acrylics might be useful. I’d always used enamels for railway (railmatch and precision enamels) and humbrol enamels on aircraft (even back in the 80s when I last built them), so it was what I was familiar with. But the results and subtle effects that seemed potentially achievable with acrylics seemed too good to ignore. On this, I’d read up on a number of paint systems, realising that there’s a need to deal with the paint, thinner and airbrush cleaner almost as a set. Tony Oliver’s impressive Hobbyboss Tomcat thread (which was an inspiration) covered a number of different paint systems and it was the Mission Models paints that I eventually decided upon. When it came to colour matching the red of the Furball transfers, the MM Insignia red didn’t suit, and I ended up trying some MRP acrylic lacquers whose insignia red was a perfect match. So, in order to try out the paint systems and experiment a bit, a simpler kit than the FM one was sought. The Hobbyboss kit was seen as one of the simpler modern offerings, and therefore a good place to start. On inspection (and following Tony Oliver’s thread) a number of improvements and fixes were identified ... and a selection of aftermarket bits purchased, some prototype bits tried and some scratch building using plasticard, stretched sprue and some metal wire were incorporated. Whilst simpler and cheaper than most kits, I suppose that by the time I’d finished, the cost was comparable to a GWH kit, and the difficulties experienced meant that the swear jar contents would probably fund the next few builds. Anyway, I need to finish the WIP thread with the last assembly shots (I must do that) but a summary of the alterations and new bits follows. If I remember anything else after I’ve posted this, I’ll update the post. 1. Rear Ventral fins removed and replaced. Initially with Quickboost bits that were fragile and finally with GWH kit fins (each kit has two sets) 2. Quickboost IR/TV optical and ALQ-100 undernose antenna. The F-14A kit only has the original ALQ-100 antenna and whilst I noticed that the optical unit is available in the F-14D kit (that I had in the stash too), the Quickboost one was crisper. 3. The pilot seats sat quite low and looked a little simple; replaced with Aires seats. Detailed with Eduard painted photoetch parts. 4. Cockpit tub detailed with Eduard painted photoetch parts 5. Front and rear outside cockpit step reinforcement removed (sanded down and re-engrave) 6. Scratchbuilt and then sourced resin replacement triangular frame for aft of RIO’s seat. 7. Canopy and cockpit frame detailing per Eduard photoetch parts 8. Masters turned brass alpha probe and AOA probe 9. Additional spine antenna removed (not needed for 161621) 10. Fuel tanks repositioned by about 4.5mm aft and 1mm outboard of provisioned holes 11. Eduard external photo etch parts set – where appropriate. 12. Eduard internal photo etch parts set – where appropriate. 13. Wheels: Armoury nose wheels and True Details main wheels 14. Undercarriage doors (resin quickboost hybrid) and originals with Eduard PE 15. Scratch built tail cap fairing 16. Aires engine exhausts and cans; reheat ring Aires/Eduard combination 17. Transfers by Furball, adapted to suit dimensions of Hobbyboss model and some from the kit. 18. Paints a combination of Mission Models and MRP, metal sections using Alclad II and some interior details using Humbrol enamels. Misson Models and Alclad (Aqua gloss) varnish. ... and probably some bits I forgot. Some bits I’ve ignored, such as the inner glove stiffeners being too short, the intakes lacking any form of detail and the wing access cover engravings being a work of fiction. So, without further ado, or waffle, here’s some photos. Tomcat Miss Molly study by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Sundowners CAG Bird rear quarter by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Cockpit and canopy detail by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Cockpit details by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Tailpipe and reheat rings detail by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr undersides by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr F-14 top side by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Sundowners CAG by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr It was a build that I'm pleased is finished... and now time to ponder some crew (I've some Reedoak ones that arrived) and then the next Grumman Cat. Jonathan 59 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heart Failure Posted November 1, 2020 Share Posted November 1, 2020 Very nice build. Love the attention to details. Its always a pleasure to see the tyres with simulated weight as it gives more life to the model. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swralph Posted November 1, 2020 Share Posted November 1, 2020 Stunning work all round. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
binbrook87 Posted November 1, 2020 Share Posted November 1, 2020 Wow! Absolutely cracking Tomcat! In one of the best colour schemes too. The photography is just sublime. Outstanding 👍👍👍 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SAT69 Posted November 1, 2020 Share Posted November 1, 2020 It's obvious a lot of time, effort and expense went into completing this one and it's an outstanding outcome you've achieved. Congratulations! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sky Keg Posted November 1, 2020 Share Posted November 1, 2020 My golly Jonathon . Your Tomcat is absolutely beautiful!!!! Mike 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vultures1 Posted November 2, 2020 Share Posted November 2, 2020 Excellent work! Superb attention to detail, outstanding work on the cockpit, great finish and weathering - very well done 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMCS Posted November 2, 2020 Share Posted November 2, 2020 Superb 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaminCam Posted November 2, 2020 Share Posted November 2, 2020 Great work Jonathan, that's gorgeous! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kapam Posted November 3, 2020 Share Posted November 3, 2020 My word! That is perfect! The details, markings and finishing are simply awesome! 😮 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-32 Posted November 13, 2020 Share Posted November 13, 2020 One of the very best I've seen 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luka Posted November 13, 2020 Share Posted November 13, 2020 Good Golly! That 72 kit looks like a 32 model, very impressive! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry1954 Posted November 13, 2020 Share Posted November 13, 2020 Absolutely lovely F-14, beautifully finished. Terry 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lightningboy2000 Posted November 13, 2020 Share Posted November 13, 2020 Fantastic work & the photography's excellent! I reckon I'll be coming to you for advice when I start my Hobbyboss D version one day! Nice to see your list of detailed changes to it. Martin 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon020 Posted November 13, 2020 Author Share Posted November 13, 2020 Thank you all for your kind comments. I've added a few more photos for good measure: rear undersides with chaff flare dispenser details Underside details - rear by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Nose gear details - mostly scratch built Nose gear details by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr A view looking down into the tub... Upper details - cockpit by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Rear cans Upper rear details by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr A couple of poses of the completed model, whilst I paint up some Reedoak figures F-14A-125-GR Miss Molly by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr I had a play with the sky replacement tool in photoshop. Sundowners' Miss Molly by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Thanks again everyone Jonathan 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon020 Posted November 13, 2020 Author Share Posted November 13, 2020 (edited) Upper view... just prepared. F-14A Upper view by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Edited November 13, 2020 by Jon020 updated image link 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
russ c Posted November 13, 2020 Share Posted November 13, 2020 Beautiful Tomcat, looks superb 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zorglub Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 It's so beautiful: your work is fantastic! I'll keep it as an exemple to follow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kentavros76 Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 This is high quality modelling and it shows in the result! Well done! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon020 Posted November 15, 2020 Author Share Posted November 15, 2020 Thank you all for your kind comments. Whilst my work in progress thread will show how I documented my build, if you're looking to start a hobbyboss 1/72 Tomcat, I'd recommend a read of Tony Oliver's complete thread building a number of these... it was my inspiration for tackling his model first as it showed what could be achieved, and the model to good effect, warts n all. So, please take a look at... I had promised myself a couple of figures to accompany the model, and purchased a handful of Reedoak Composites products ... which are delightful. I think that to do the detail proud, you need to be working in at least 1/48 as painting these at 1/72 was a challenge, given the level of detail offered. But I gave them a go. I painted just the two for now. Tomcat and crewmen 3 by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Tomcat and crewmen 1 by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Tomcat and crewmen 2 by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr and a standard "to scale " shot as some disbelieve it's 1/72 Tomcat and crewmen 4 by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr thanks again all... and take a look at Tony's thread. He, is the Tomcat master Jonathan 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cessna Posted November 15, 2020 Share Posted November 15, 2020 Very nice job! One of my favourite fighter planes! Wonderfull!!!! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brigbeale Posted November 15, 2020 Share Posted November 15, 2020 Cracking job on that Tomcat. Exceptional work. 👏👏👏👏 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon020 Posted November 22, 2020 Author Share Posted November 22, 2020 Thanks for you kind comments... whilst I plan the work on the Academy kit, I couldn't resist the occasional further shot of this one. As angles go, I don't think you can beat the rear quarter view. The Ironworks' big cat by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr thanks Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fewr9fkr9595 Posted December 1, 2020 Share Posted December 1, 2020 . 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon020 Posted December 1, 2020 Author Share Posted December 1, 2020 1 hour ago, Tony Oliver said: Great pictures mate Cheers Tony. I was personally unhappy with that last one above; spent ages trying to get the WB correct and eventually gave up... and shot a similar set up with more control on the lighting - single overhead LED lamp with colour set on daylight... and some good ambient natural light too. This image is made up of about 10 photographs with different focus points combined in photoshop selectively to give the best depth of field. I must get myself a proper macro lens. So... I prefer this one Sundowners' Miss Molly by Jonathan Hughes, on Flickr Anyway, enough of this now; time to concentrate on the Academy kit and improvements 😉 Thanks all Jonathan 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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