Here kitty kitty... (Updated 8/18/09 w/ Academy 'cat)
Hey FSMers,
Just thought I'd show off some pix of my latest build. This is the Monogram 1/48 Tomcat that I started as one of two for a Tomcat GB. My plan was to build them as high-viz VF-1 jets. One was gonna be this Monogram ‘cat done using an old Superscale sheet (that I don't know how it ended up in my decal pile), and the other was gonna be the Academy -A ‘cat with the Eagle Strike decals. Unfortunately, I didn't get ‘em done by the deadline.
Still, I pressed on...
I had some Tomcat parts in my box-o'-pieces, but I don't ever remember building an F-14. Ever. (That would explain the pieces and not a complete jet, and the decals.) Although after running across FTD's Test Cats sheet and thinking it was just too cool, I figured I'd use these jets to build my own "test ‘cats." Having never built a Tomcat before, I thought they'd be good projects to try some new techniques on, and thus, worthy of their "evaluators" markings. (Especially since I got the kits dirt cheap.)
Anyway, enough blah-blah-blah. How about some pix?
I started by opening up the boarding steps and ladder.
Then, despite not being obvious in some of the pix, I cut the stabilators free to position them in a more relaxed position. (Thanks FEDE!)
I also tried my hand at rescribing. I went ahead and rescribed the whole airframe. (Cover your eyes rivet counters! I used the kit's raised lines as guides.)
I also made an attempt at painting a distressed TPS scheme. I went to use the "tutorial" that was pinned in the ARC Jet forum, but couldn't find it. (Guess I shoulda printed it when I had the chance.) So, I just winged it.
As a few more "firsts" on this jet, I used Steel Beach's intake covers and fuel tanks. I had a couple of small problems with the tanks though. One, the pylons were too short. They weren't tall enough to extend beyond the height of the tank, attach to the intake, and still leave a bit of a gap between the fuse and tank. As a result, I had to scratch my own pylons. Second, there were loads of bubbles marks in my pair. I started to fill ‘em, but there were just too many. I figured if I filled them all and sanded the tanks smooth, I'd loose the engraved detail. So, after filling a few, I just left ‘em.
Lastly, since I hid the disasters that are the intake trunks with SB's covers, I figured I'd hide the inside of the burner cans with homemade FOD covers. I was gonna use SB's resin "covered cans," but the diameter was significantly smaller than the fuse opening. So, I ended up using Academy's burners. They fit a little better, but are still noticeably smaller. Turns out SB's resin fits the Academy kit better anyway.
I tried to mix a custom color to get ‘em as close to the intake covers as I could. Looks good enough to me, so I'm fine with it.
Anyway, I know that there is obvious/significant silvering with most of the decals, so you don't have to point that out in your criticisms. I don't know why, but I had the toughest time with the decals. Sorry...with the decaling. Let me clarify...A little while ago, when I was starting the decaling process, I had some issues with the sheet I had. FTD came to the rescue and provided me with some replacements. Thing is, the problems persisted. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get the decals to give me that painted on look. The kit was glossed ice smooth, and I followed FTD's decaling directions to the "T." I still had major shriveling and silvering, and some of the decals would just fall off after they dried. I even got to the point where I tried using Future and even diluted white glue in an attempt to get them to stick. Different water temps were tried. No love. Even after going back and doing the "prick-and-flood" trick, with MicroSol/Set, Solvaset, and even Future, I still couldn't get the all decals to snuggle down. I don't know what it is/was. Anyway, this isn't a knock on FTD. I have nothing but praise for Brian and the FTD crew. He went above and beyond in helping me with my issues. (Thank you FTD!) I only wish I knew what was going on with these decals. Very likely, it's user error.
Beyond that, this build was a lot of fun. I learned a lot. I have much more confidence in my scribing and finishing abilities. I finally acquired a Hase' Tomcat that I'd like to either finish with another FTD sheet that I have, or maybe the Superscale VF-1 colors. We'll see.
So, the Monogram kit is finished, but the Academy kit is waiting a generous parts donation from SonyKen. He's helping me with some parts I lost to the Carpet Monster. Once the Academy's done, I'll update this thread with some photos of the pair.
Please, drop you two cents in the bucket. Feel free to shoot me your questions, comments and criticism. I look forward to your thoughts, and thanks for taking a peek!
Cheers,
-O