F-14 VF142

[Linus]

Hi mates,

one question, did the VF 142 in the first year of service on the F-14 carry the AJ code? I only found 2 photos on the net, and I'd like to know more!!!

Thanks Linus

[AntPhillips]

After transitioning from the Phantom to the Tomcat in 1975, the Ghostriders were first assigned to CVW-6 (Tailcode AE) aboard USS America, they did 3 cruises with CVW-6 between '76 and '78, before transferring to CVW-7 (tailcode AG) aboard the then brand new USS Dwight D Eisenhower for its initial 6th fleet deployment in '79, this cruise also coincided with the tone down orders  and they ditched their bright yellow markings for the more subdued hooded skull Ghostrider marking.

[Phil Evans]

Hi Linus,

 

I can't really help apart from finding 3 photos via google. I put "F-14 AJ-202 VF-142" and it came up with an image of it in the air. If you change the code to AJ-205 and AJ-206 there are images that look as if they were taken at the same time, one has USS America titles on the fin and the other doesn't. HTH

 

Regards

 

Phil

[Phil Evans]

In a piece of synchronicity, not a minute after posting my response I opened the newsletter from Hannants and CTA (Cut Then Add) decals have a 1/72 sheet for early F-14s and includes AJ-205.

 

Phil

[Giorgio N]

Yes, VF-142 transitioned on the Tomcat when part of CVW-8, so carrying AJ codes. However the unit was soon reassigned to CVW-6, so codes changed to AE. For this reason the Tomcats of VF-142 carried AJ codes for a very brief time 

[Linus]

Thank you mates, I remember the matchbox kit which had the AJ code about 40 years ago now there was no internet and finding documentation was not easy, AntPhillips yes what was part of the CVW6 and CVW7 I knew, but here is the mystery, as Giorgio N said when I transit from the f-4 on the first F-14 the VF-142 was part of the CVW8 and even if for a short time it maintained the AJ codes, thanks Giorgio N I did not know this. The CVW8 rightly carries the AJ code, and as Phil Evans says, the prolific firm CTA has made a sheet dedicated to the first F-14s, with code AJ. A heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped me in this research. Thank you.

Cheers Lineo

[Silverkite]

One or maybe two pictures can be found on Tomcat Colors & Markings from D&S book, I don't know when and where and why Matchbox made the decision of adding those stripes on wings and stabs but be aware cause a certain manga, then a game and OAV called Area88 had Micky or Mickey F-14 depicted with similar stripes it can be an error due the manga or it can be something Matchbox added because VF-124, VF-32 and I think one VF-24 bird had stripes on wing and stab surfaces

 

Luigi

[Giorgio N]

The first Tomcat delivered to the squadron, 159433, had black/yellow/black stripes on the wings. A picture appears in the book "Tomcat Alley", pg. 45.

Markings are however quite different from what Matchbox proposed... there were no stripes on the stabilators and none under the canopy (these later appeared on all VF-142 Tomcats), AJ codes were on the tail outer surfaces with bolts on the inner (Matchbox suggested the opposite) and the ventral fins were white, not yellow. 

[Linus]

guys, you have given me a lot of information, very interesting that I didn't even know, a big thank you to everyone!!!

Cheers Linus

[Xavante]

Matchbox could draw anything, just like all the other manufacturers. Nobody limits their imagination. If you need true info, you should find this yourself.
As for the AJ code, it was used for a short time, when the VF-142 was being prepared for flights with USS America. Then there was a change of wing and the code became AE.
I will make my VF-142 with my decal - "AJ". 
Yes, "Cut then Add" it's Me. 

PLus, some photos from my Twitter