F-14 Tomcat Group Build idea...

Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, January 3, 2005 7:56 AM

i had another look at the way he built up the base, and i dont think thats an undertaking that im willing to undertake - so i might just print out a piece fo paper and glue it to a wood board. It ought to be good enough. hahaha, im saying all this when i havent even broken the plastic parts bags of the kit !

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, January 3, 2005 1:39 PM

armorman: Typically, how many people place their aircraft on a display base? I've seen quite a few that look like a tarmac, or a section of a carrier deck, etc.

I was thinking of displaying my bird on display at an airshow, with a blue wood viewing deck. I don't know, that may be too corny.

I know - I'll put it in a parade, a famous parade, like the Rose Parade. Or New York's St. Patrick's Day Parade, or Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade...oh, the possibilities are endless!

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, January 3, 2005 1:40 PM

Uh, guys, that last post was a JOKE!

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bstrump

Member since
March 2004
From: British Columbia,Canada

Posted by bstrump on Monday, January 3, 2005 3:42 PM

MACooke: A razor saw would be best to remove the dielectric panels from the beaver tail,IMHO. Since you have a kit designed to be an early Tomcat, to get the late beaver tail, you'd have to either scrounge the proper parts from somewhere or you can fill the piece you have with epoxy putty and then file it to shape. Actually, you could just remove the dielectric panels and leave it as this would be correct. This was an interim production change for a small group of Tomcats up to BuNo159024. So you could model Cats in the "lower viz" scheme of overall Gull Gray from the early eighties. Since you want to do later Cats, you'll have to make the change I described to be accurate. But I don't think there's any accuracy police on this GB , so you might as well leave it and have some fun! Hope this helps! Smile [:)]

Not much progress to report today. I'm still cleaning my bench of other projects, including my "pre-GB" Tomcat project, which BTW, just got it's coat of Gull Gray. Tonight, I should have the black areas painted.

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, January 3, 2005 4:53 PM

to bstrump: thanks for the tips!

Heck, I may end up using some F-14B or -D model decals, because they've got colorful markings that I'd like to use.

But I'm sure that would arouse suspicion amonst the GB police.

Another question: what are the major differences between an A model and a B model Tomcat? I know that the engines, and hence outlets, are one difference.

Anyone got a 1/48 -B or -D model w/ spare parts they don't want? Anyone got piles of cash lying around they don't want??

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GA.modelmaker

Member since
November 2003
From: savannah ga.

Posted by GA.modelmaker on Monday, January 3, 2005 5:26 PM

if anyone gets the history channel they have on the tube right the history of the F-14 Tomcat its 620 eastern time Big Smile [:D]

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fighterguru

Member since
February 2003
From: north carolina

Posted by fighterguru on Monday, January 3, 2005 5:37 PM

Iv always loved the Tomcat its one of my personal favorites. When it has its wings back it looks like a totally different plane I just can't get over the Lines on that Jet!!!!!!!

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armorman

Member since
April 2003
From: Charlotte, NC

Posted by armorman on Monday, January 3, 2005 5:57 PM

Don't be bashful Daniel- I've seen your work, pal.
MACooke- accuracy is up to you, I'm in more for the fun and historical good of the project.
I have decided just to scratchbuild any detail and go for a good build.

Next Up: 1/35 Tamiya Merkava 1/48 Tamiya King Tiger 1/35 Dragon M1A1 AIM

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, January 3, 2005 6:03 PM

Progress report: got inside seamsof intake duct-to-trunk filled and sanded, waiting for 2nd coat of Future to dry (testing for smoothness) before I paint white. Got beavertail joint to fuselage filled and sanded.

Wings assembled, less forward slats. I'm going to do those in NMF, and leave off until AFTER plane is weathered and final sealing.

Can't wait to get aftermarket cockpit set...anyone got a Black Box or Aires set laying around they don't want? Laugh [(-D]

Hope you all are having as much fun as I am.

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armorman

Member since
April 2003
From: Charlotte, NC

Posted by armorman on Monday, January 3, 2005 6:04 PM

I'm actually going to go through the process of replicating that display base on that website to see if I can make it as good as Mr. Narita. Lot's of process but I think it'll be easy. I'm taking it easy tonight and watching the tube. Tomorrow I'll finish up the cockpit. How's everyone coming along? Remember, fellas, we got 3 months so you don't have to rush it.

Next Up: 1/35 Tamiya Merkava 1/48 Tamiya King Tiger 1/35 Dragon M1A1 AIM

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, January 3, 2005 7:33 PM

THREE MONTHS??? I thought we had three DAYS.....(the look of dawning comprehension has my family all rolling on the floor, laughing, at my expense, as usual)

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GA.modelmaker

Member since
November 2003
From: savannah ga.

Posted by GA.modelmaker on Monday, January 3, 2005 7:36 PM

i am glad we got 3 months on this build because i havent even started mine yet. i had a snasu on my helo so its thrown me a day back in the painting part of it. why do certain paints give u a fit like yellow and white paint do Big Smile [:D]

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fighterguru

Member since
February 2003
From: north carolina

Posted by fighterguru on Monday, January 3, 2005 9:05 PM

Its raining here and its cold. I haven't even statrted my cat either ill be progressing to it very rapidly.

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, January 3, 2005 10:22 PM

fighterguru: cold and rainy is great model building weather! On the 22nd-23rd of Dec. we got a big winter storm, we got a foot of snow. Now, it's been raining for several days, temperatures are in the mid 50's, all the snow has melted, and our backyard looks like a lake. I swear I saw an F-14 on approach to my backyard, hook down and all...

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bstrump

Member since
March 2004
From: British Columbia,Canada

Posted by bstrump on Monday, January 3, 2005 11:18 PM

MACooke: Depending on the time period, the visible differences between the A and B are minimal. As you said, the engines are one. The other is on the nose of the A/C by the gun. The gas purge ports are grilles on the "A" and NACA ducts on the "B". The cockpits are the same. If you are doing a very modern F-14B with LANTIRN, there is a change in the rear cockpit. The radar screen is changed to a large MFD and a control stick for the LANTIRN is added on the left side console. I was going to post a link to a photo but the link no longer works. Bummer!
The "pre-GB" Tomcat ( the one I started 2 weeks early) has had the black applied to the fins and cockpit. Almost time for decals! Party [party]

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, January 4, 2005 7:57 AM

ECK ! i am started on the hasegawa 1/48 cat tonight, i am working on the main wheel wells first because im contemplating adding some AM stuff for the 'pit. anyway - my problem is that there are 4 vertical pieces that are supposed to interlock and form the vertical detailed walls of the gear well wall. having read David Aungst's article on building the has 1/48 cat i am terrified to put glue to plastic yet for fear of permanently mucking things up big-time. he states that the gear well walls need to be fitted perfectly or else there will be problems with the intake trunk. he suggested using sparing amounts of glue. anybody have any suggestions ? what kinda glue should i use ? CA or tamiya extra thin or normal cement (the think-ish kind with some resin filler)

help is much appreciated Smile [:)]

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, January 4, 2005 9:19 AM

reg: Fear not! The main gear wells aren't as difficult as they seem. Shock [:O]

What kit do you have? Hasegawa's first two 'Cats were the ones Aungst reported as having fit problems; then they re-did the pieces. If you look at the bottom rear fuselage half, where the opening is for the main gear wheel, there is a "ridge", sort of. Use that and test fit two wall pieces at a time. You can lightly glue the two pieces together at the joint, then place them into the fuselage half, align everything, then glue those to the fuselage.

It really wasn't that difficult for me; my kit is a 1989 copyright, I believe it's the first of Hasegawa's reworked 'Cats.

One other thing, reg: if you want, I can e-mail you a couple of photos of the main gear bay, althought it's already assembled. You can get an idea of how everything fits. I haven't yet figured out how to post photos, so until then, I'll e-mail anyone who wants them.

Good luck!

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, January 4, 2005 9:25 AM

Oh, reg, you asked about glue: I use Tenax, the liquid stuff, and lightly dab it on with a Microbrush...here's a link to someone who sells them:

http://www.micromark.com/

Enter "microbrush" for keyword. I'm sure there are other places to buy these.

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armorman

Member since
April 2003
From: Charlotte, NC

Posted by armorman on Tuesday, January 4, 2005 8:29 PM

I agree with MACooke reg, those wheel wells are not as bad as Mr Aungst says. Alas, the new kits rectify that issue. I think he was actually just stressing caution in assembly. Dry fitting you can see what he means. No assembly work done tonight I'm afraid due to the brother in law insisting on a trip to the pub.

Next Up: 1/35 Tamiya Merkava 1/48 Tamiya King Tiger 1/35 Dragon M1A1 AIM

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armorman

Member since
April 2003
From: Charlotte, NC

Posted by armorman on Tuesday, January 4, 2005 8:48 PM

By the way, pingtang I finally got my own membership to photobucket so many thanks for you letting me park some pics at your behest. Thanks again, mate. The offer is likewise should you need to use mine.

Next Up: 1/35 Tamiya Merkava 1/48 Tamiya King Tiger 1/35 Dragon M1A1 AIM

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, January 5, 2005 6:27 AM

bstrump: I did it, I tore into the beavertail! (Uh, wait, that doesn't sound right......) I'm 35 years old, been model-building since I was 6, airbrushing from the ripe age of 12, and this is the first time I've ever used a razor saw to remove part of an aircraft.

Time to open a tall, cold one!

The intake ducts are starting to clean up...'course, as much putty as I'm using, by the time I get the cleanliness I'm seeking, they'll be choked down so small the engines would NEVER run. Maybe I'll put ground covers over the inlets. Don't they call those "FOD" covers or something?

Hey, all, can I get feedback about my "airshow" idea for displaying my 'Cat? Is that too lame? If I could get some 1/48 figures of curvaceous women in skimpy bikinis, I'd pose them with a photographer or somehting.....

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, January 5, 2005 6:35 AM

i think the airshow idea is a very very cool one but its gotta be blatant to work, or else the effect will be too subdued to be fun. good luck in looking for 1/48 babes though Tongue [:P]

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DanCooper

Member since
March 2004
From: Belgium

Posted by DanCooper on Wednesday, January 5, 2005 12:43 PM

QUOTE: Originally posted by reggiethedorf

good luck in looking for 1/48 babes though

Personally I always go for the 1/1 scale... Wink [;)]

On the bench : Revell's 1/125 RV Calypso

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, January 5, 2005 2:01 PM

Well, I would do 1/1 scale, but:

1. I don't have a 1/1 scale F-14 (or a real one!)
2. I don't have enough real estate to park the 1/1 F-14 that I don't have
3. My wife won't let me put her in a diorama wearing a bikini (well, OK, she'll wear a bikini next to my imaginary 1/1 F-14 but she won't let me take photos)
4. If I had enough real estate, we have a neighborhood association rule specifically prohibiting the parking of Grumman carrier-borne aircraft on residential lots.

Number 4 is the tough one...I have a 1/1 scale F-4, but since it's McDonnell-Douglas, I can park it.

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bstrump

Member since
March 2004
From: British Columbia,Canada

Posted by bstrump on Wednesday, January 5, 2005 2:20 PM

Hey MACooke! Thumbs Up [tup]

At least you tore into the beaver tail only! The first time I used a razor saw, I tore into my skin!

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, January 5, 2005 2:49 PM

I'll be in haitus for awhile. An unfortunate accident befell the rear fuselage assembly of my F-14, so it will be until I can get several replacement parts from Dragon. I tried piecing it back together, but it's in vain.

But a friend says he has a BB cockpit that he's going to give me. Yup I said give.

What a friend!

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Zone V Afterburner

Member since
June 2004
From: Oklahoma City

Posted by Zone V Afterburner on Wednesday, January 5, 2005 7:06 PM

I think the airshow Idea is a good one.....on a recent airshow I went to last year a certain fighter group from Tulsa,Ok had one of their F-16's on display and on both sides of the aircraft they also had alot of the weapons that the Viper carried, only they were all inert (of course) and on a stand that also included specs of each weapon and what it was used for.I figure the spec sheet could be easily replicated by just doing some browsing around the web and printing out specs to the missles and then reducing the page down to size to make it suitable for your 'static' display.......... just an idea....

Later on.........

Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you........ Jesus Christ......and the American soldier..... One died for your soul......... The other....for your Freedom!!

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armorman

Member since
April 2003
From: Charlotte, NC

Posted by armorman on Wednesday, January 5, 2005 8:38 PM

I think it's a great idea. Look at it this way, with all those blah, stealth like aircraft there, your model will be the best. The bikini clad chicas will be a plus!

Next Up: 1/35 Tamiya Merkava 1/48 Tamiya King Tiger 1/35 Dragon M1A1 AIM

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GA.modelmaker

Member since
November 2003
From: savannah ga.

Posted by GA.modelmaker on Thursday, January 6, 2005 9:51 AM

well tomcat builders i hope to get started on my cat tonight after work, still got two builds that are on going but i had a major snag with one of the builds ihad to reorder one of my builds because of a little dog making it a midday snack of it. Big Smile [:D]

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, January 6, 2005 1:30 PM

Hey Ga.Modeler, that's what you get for building a model out of Snausages dog snacks! I tried carving an airplane out of chocolate, but my wife ate it!

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