Best 1/48 F-14 kit.

Thank you. As I have always said options are like elbows everyone has got one. Or maybe not! I must say I didn't have any fit issues from my hobby boss big cat.

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As was stated, the "best" kit is variable, because everyone has different criteria for what makes a good kit. All I know is that with what we're being asked to pay for Models these days, I prefer something that has good detail, and comes equipped with everything I need. I've never built the hasegawa kit, it out the gates. I'm already looking at having to fight with the fit (which makes a build "not good" for me), plus I've been done with hasegawa recently due to their nasty habit of rehashing old plastic with new (overly thick and out of register) decals, and still changing me the same rate as if it was brand new. Sorry, but of I've got to spend three hours of the build just cleaning up flash from 20 year old tired molds , I damn sure dont think I should be charged 70 dollars. Let's not forget the fact of the scarce weapons included. A lot of folks complain that the hb kit is 10+15 dollars more, but you get full weapons, plastic in excellent shape, and modern detail that would be considered close to aftermarket quality. If you'll look,there's not a lot of aftermarket stuff available for the hobby boss kit because it's pretty decent out of the box. Once again, the rivets and intakes got folks ready to burn this kit out of the gate, but look at the overall finish of the kit, and these items are minor at best.

absolutelly agree!

The F-14 has been my favorite aircraft ever since I went to my first airshow (right after seeing "The Final Countdown"). All my F-14 kits are Monogram 1/48 jobs. I love these kits. They can be a challenge until you have built one or two, but with a little effort and determination, it can be made into a gorgeous model.  The other offerings are just to expensive for me. However, I do have one Hasegawa F-14B that I picked up for 75% off which I may build eventually...

Bronto

The shape and angles of the engine intakes are off on the Hobby Boss kit.  The Hasegawa kit is the most accurate shape-wise of all of the 1/48 F-14 kits.  

That is a huge issue for me right there. Seems like a trend with HB (A-7 kit has misshapen intake as well). I thought the OP said the kit was "spot on"? Does not sound spot on to me.

Yeah, I kinda thought the same thing... The "best" of any kits are very subjective to each person. It could be price, fit/engineering, detail, weapons, markings, or some other criteria that puts one kit over another for the person. It's all good in my book as to what makes you think a particular kit is best. I know what I like and will accept.

Am I just too cynical, or does the OP sound more like some form of underground marketing?

Apologies if it isn't, and for what it's worth, I have the Hasegawa kit, have built the Monogram and very much want the Hobby Boss.

I haven't built an F-14 in probably 25 years and I've recently been getting the itch to build one again.  The last one I built was the Monogram offering.  I've been wondering which one to get recently but I think Plasticjunkie just sold me on going back to the venerable Revellogram kit.  I couldn't care less about raised or recessed panel lines.  All I know is that with my Hobby Lobby 40% off coupon, I can snag the kit for $12.  That works for me!

Eric

I'll agree. HB is more modern, more detailed, and the intakes aren't that much of a reason to sell it short as a great looking Cat.

Hasegawa hands down.

HB is pretty decent and builds up nicely with a smaller parts count. I have built several F-14's for a Tomcat fan, both in 1/48 and 1/72 and the Hasegawa is the king in both scales IMHO.

I have also built several Revell Monograms for him, about 6 of them approximately and though they have raised lines and a slight fit issue in a couple of places they still make an excellent model for just about peanuts.

I agree with Bronto. The Hasegawa kit is the most accurate in terms of shape. It's definitely not shake the box easy, but if you take your time and test fit before gluing, it's not that hard either. When it's finished it surely looks like the big cat.

Just my opinion, every body is entitled to their own,

Tom

The shape and angles of the engine intakes are off on the Hobby Boss kit.  The Hasegawa kit is the most accurate shape-wise of all of the 1/48 F-14 kits.  

I had a real hard time with the Hobbyboss,it looks great in the box,but it's now a shelf queen for the time being.It really beat me up.