Best F-14 kit?

Well, i'm still around here, so this topic really catch my eye (What th heck, it is about the Cat, isn't it???)

For me, the best kits i've ever seen are the Hasegawa one's, but i've also seen some Monogram, and i think they're as good as Hasegawas, and better, a little cheaper!!!!

If you don't bother with money, i would advice you to go to the Hasegawa or Monogram...
Some Revell's are very rough (mainly at 1/72 scales), so it all depends on what scale it is you want to build it...

Anyway, what matters is that you can enjoy the Cat, and also building it...

The F-14 is a ver impressive kit to build in any scale!
Due to it's design there have a couple of different approaches that the manufacturers have tried to achieve a "nice build"
However in any scale it is not any easy kit to build.

1/72nd-The Fujimi and Hasegawa kits are the best, both with nice detail, both have photo etch both are expensive. The Fujimi kit also has an engine that you can display as well. $30.00USD

1/48th-3 choices
1. Revell/Monogram F-14A- raised detail some fit problems but have seen built and builds to a nice model but it is not an easy build. $10-15.00 USD
2. Academy-F-14A-similar if not a copy of Monograms in engineering, engraved detailing, fit problems, some say the nose is off a little, I have built this kit and had to wrestle with it but did like the way it came out in the end. $20-25.00 USD
3. Hasegawa-F-14A/B/D-best detailed, but again not an easy build,(get the picture) wheel wells have issues,intake trunks,alignment, but when it's finished very attractive and impressive and expensive. $40-50.00 USD[:0]

1/32nd-
Revell/Monogram-Actually not a bad kit, builds as nice as the Tam F-14, better cockpit detail though I would update it anyway for this scale. Again you will wrestle with it but a satisfying build when completed. Bargain at $25.00 USD

Tamiya-The hoopla began when 1st released in the late 80's and at the time it was $100.00 then. (ok you could find it for $69.00 or so). The forward nose is engraved but the main body has raised panel lines. And for this scale decals for instruments for a kit at this price!...And recent updates to the kit has not resolved this oversight from Tamiya, why? I have this kit in the 1994 version, but at $100.00+ with detail sets, It sits next to the Academy Bug, and for less that I found it for, you get so much more, and yeah ok so the Bug is new tooling, so what, Tamiya should update the cockpit. Oh well, Tamiya is not always the best!.

Fly Navy!

QUOTE: Originally posted by toadwbg 1/48 scale: Monogram/Revel is OK.

That is probably the biggest compliment that kit has ever received! You're far too kind!

1/72, Hands down, Hasegawa. The fujimi is not as detailed and some parts of the tooling seems soft. The Tamiya 1/32 Tomcat is horrible compared to their other recent 1/32 offerings. The F-4's are incredible. I'd like to see Tamiya retool the Tomcat.

1/72 scale: Hasegawa or Fujimi

1/48 scale: Hasegawa hands down, they make every version. Academy's is very good. Monogram/Revel is OK.

1/32 scale: Tamyia is excellent, but it is very expensive and suffers from a lack of cockpit details. I don't know about their recent re-release. Revel's offering is good and at a palatable cost.

What scale are you lokking for? Yes, Tamiyas are good, but what about the 1/48 market? Hasegawa has the best kits, but expensive.

BTW, garyfo, I spent 4 years of my life working alongside the Cats on an aircraft carrier. Some of the best years of my life. If you need pics or other none-such, just ask.

demono69

If Tamiya makes it, then it's the best kit. Yes, Tamiya makes a 1/32 F-14, so naturally it's the best in the market.