An OEF 'Diamondback' - 1/48 Grumman F-14B Tomcat (HobbyBoss)

[Ghostbase]

My finally completed build of the Hobby Boss 1/48th scale Grumman F-14B Tomcat marked as BuNo 163225 as 'AB-102' operated by VF-102 'Diamondbacks' in Operation Enduring Freedom between October 2001 and March 2002. The loadout is 2 x GBU-12, 2 x Mk83, 1 x AIM-7, 2 x AIM-9 and the AN/AAQ-25 LANTIRN target pod. Decals by Fightertown Decals. Paints Vallejo Air War acrylic color series. Easily the most complex kit that I have ever made, I started it in autumn 2019. Still needs a coat of satin varnish maybe some weathering but, yes, done!

 

20220728_165235 by Ghostbase, on Flickr

 

I decided to build her with the M61A1 20 mm 'Gatling Gun' bays open which adds more complexity to an already complex model (to me anyway).

 

20220728_165128 by Ghostbase, on Flickr

 

This angle shows how wide the wings are when fully extended and I decided to build her with dropped slats and flaps too.

 

20220728_165012 by Ghostbase, on Flickr

 

The reason this build has taken so long (apart from two lockdowns, three holidays, catching Covid and severe mojo-loss) is because I failed to plan the build. I really rushed into it with lots of enthusiasm and built far too much without really thinking about painting and weathering. Effectively I stitched myself up! So it has spent a lot of time on the shelf-of-shame while I wondered how to put it right.

 

20220728_165102 by Ghostbase, on Flickr

 

A rear view showing the 'turkey feathers' of the General Electric F110-GE-400 turbofans. The TR code on the inside of the vertical fin is for the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt.

 

20220728_165252 by Ghostbase, on Flickr

 

This is probably the most detailed cockpit that I have ever put together. I still forgot to paint the backs of the ejection seats!

 

20220728_165433 by Ghostbase, on Flickr

 

This top view shows the size of the mighty Tomcat, a significant proportion of the lift is provided by the 'pancake' body shape.

 

20220728_165523 by Ghostbase, on Flickr

 

The Tomcat in 1/48th scale is an impressive sized kit! I think I need to start another of these as a winter project and build upon the learning I have had from this project.

 

Michael

 

Edit: I forgot to add the 'slime lights'!!

 

 

Edited July 28, 2022 by Ghostbase
'Slime lights'

[Luke1199]

Looks great Michael, I have a Hobbyboss Tomcat on the way I'd be happy if it turns out half as good as that.

[Parabat]

A fine build of this magnificat!

Careful, they are addictive! Good to see you're contemplating building another. The Hobby Boss Tomcat can be a little fiddly in places, but is still miles easier (you don't need three extra hands) than the Hasegawa Cat.

[Ghostbase]

1 hour ago, Parabat said:

A fine build of this magnificat!

Careful, they are addictive! Good to see you're contemplating building another. The Hobby Boss Tomcat can be a little fiddly in places, but is still miles easier (you don't need three extra hands) than the Hasegawa Cat.

 

Thanks 😎  I do have a 1/48 Hobby Boss F-14A in the stash and that would make a good autumn project, in light gull grey over white, with a full load of AIM-54 / AIM-7 / AIM-9 missiles. Maybe one from the  'Final Countdown' film. 😊  Michael.