SaminCam Posted January 31, 2021 Share Posted January 31, 2021 Hello all! I'm really pleased to present my latest completed build: Revell's 1/72 F14D which I have modelled to represent NE106 of VF-2 "Bounty Hunters". I chose this scheme because I wanted a model with a full load out and after a bit of browsing found this fantastic site: www.seaforces.org/usnair/VF/Fighter-Squadron-2.htm which shows VF-2 in action aboard the USS Constellation in 2003. These photos have provided lots of inspiration and reference as I've gone along. There's lots more to say about this build but thought I'd show you the photos first: Of course looking at the photos I can still see lots of little mistakes and imperfections (and blasted dust!) but overall I'm really happy with how this has turned out. The F-14 is one of my favourites and I like the look of this well-used, armed to the teeth Tomcat. On to the build, the Revell kit goes together without hassle, the only step that really fought me was the join between the nose section and fuselage but that was ok after much filling and sanding. The only major hiccup was when it took an unplanned vertically downwards flight and landed on the nose. This popped the canopy and a few seams which were never quite as good again... The modification I've made to the basic kit are split into things I've scratched, things I paid for and things that @Tony Oliver (who hasn't been seen around these parts recently) incredibly kindly sent me in the post. Scratched: - 100s of little holes on panels all over the fuselage - Scored an extra panel line on wing LE - some cockpit details - navigation lights on fins and wings - inside of exhaust nozzle to make them more interesting - probes either side of cockpit - detail in the wheelbays - detail on the undercarriage I bought: - Resin ejector seats - Resin wheels - Resin front wheelbay doors - Vac formed canopy (a must, the Revell effort with the kit is pretty bad) And sent from Tony (THANKYOU!): - Sidewinders - Phoenix - Sparrows - Bombs, Lantirn and bomb racks - GPS dome - Improved nose Pitot (I cut the Revell off early in the build) A few snaps of the cockpit: The paints were a mix of airbrushed Tamiya, Mr Color for the TPS greys and Alclad for the shiny bits. The weathering combined an airbrushed pre-shade and black, white and brown oil paints, plus white spirit to blend it all together. Thanks for making it this far! I'm sure I've forgotten something so if you have any questions or comments please don't hesitate to ask. The WiP is here: Cheers! Sam 26 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete in a shed Posted January 31, 2021 Share Posted January 31, 2021 Beautiful work Sam, thats a fabulous low viz scheme. All that lovely extra detail as well. Pete 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swralph Posted January 31, 2021 Share Posted January 31, 2021 Excellent build and paintwork Sam.😀 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SAT69 Posted January 31, 2021 Share Posted January 31, 2021 Looking at the cockpit I'm bound to confess I don't do that well in 1/48 scale and you have it looking stunning in 1/72. Very well done, sir. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMCS Posted January 31, 2021 Share Posted January 31, 2021 Fantastic 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaminCam Posted February 1, 2021 Author Share Posted February 1, 2021 @Pete in a shed @swralph @SAT69 @RMCS Thankyou, glad you like her! One thing I should have mentioned is that I used the printscale decals. As others have mentioned these are very thin but I used cold water to get them off the backing and was very careful when applying to stop them folding back on themselves - they worked out well! One thing to note is that the instructions are not very clear: there are lots of useful markings included (e.g. for missiles) which aren't referred to, while on the other hand I couldn't find any references showing the "no step" warnings they suggest you put all over the wings and rear fuselage. I also don't think they've represented the TPS scheme very well in the drawings so use reference photos rather than printscale's interpretation. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vultures1 Posted February 1, 2021 Share Posted February 1, 2021 Really lovely work Sam. All that extra attention to detail really shows and the standard of finish is excellent - well done! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James G Posted February 1, 2021 Share Posted February 1, 2021 Stellar job Sam! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kapam Posted February 2, 2021 Share Posted February 2, 2021 You've done a fantastic job on that. If I correctly recall my own readings on 1/72 F-14's, the Revell kit is not exactly at the top of everyone's list. That speaks for how well you have accomplished this build, as it really looks awesome! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-32 Posted February 2, 2021 Share Posted February 2, 2021 That's a beautiful big Cat, looks awesome 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exdraken Posted February 6, 2021 Share Posted February 6, 2021 The Bounty Hunters lower viz High viz scheme is the best of all of the Tomkittys schemes! fantastic rendition! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brigbeale Posted February 7, 2021 Share Posted February 7, 2021 Amazingly turned out Tomcat. One day, I’ll get around to buildIng my Revell (and maybe my old blueprint boxed Airfix one) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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