F-14 Tomcat Group Build idea...

MA Cooke

Member since
February 2005
From: Cincinnati, OH

Posted by MA Cooke on Thursday, March 24, 2005 5:47 AM

Chuck:

Great looking progress so far! One thing I wanted to pass along, on the Tomcats w/ GE engines (A+, B & D) the area around the afterburners is actually black. I've seen several photos that show this. Check out a couple of these sites for reference photos:

http://www.anft.net/f-14/

http://www.topedge.com/alley/alley.htm

Hope this helps. Just my My 2 cents [2c]

On Bench: AM P-51B, Tamiya 1/48 F4U-1A On Deck: Hasegawa F-14's (too many); Tamiya P-47D; Academy P-47N;

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, March 24, 2005 6:49 AM

thansk amour, mitch ping. i just got back from outstation.

the color i use is tamiya, joscasle, XF19 medium grey mix with XF23 light blue. i just follow the color from a tamiya 32 scale tomcat. The more grey it is mix less blue, the less grey with more blue mix more blue. the front strip is light grey mix with blue and some flat white .

reojn the canopy u mentioned is it more narrow then the sitting . i try to use hair dryer to blow it to soften it and open it up a bit to fix it on. i do it to my mono cat before i slam it out. it seems ok but becareful as the hot air might damaged it. but then now sure if u have the same trouble as mine.

thanks for the site on the gear mitch.

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armorman

Member since
April 2003
From: Charlotte, NC

Posted by armorman on Thursday, March 24, 2005 7:08 AM

Chuck- both cats look like they are coming along nicely! I know what you mean about something a bit more 'simple'. I have a Tam 1/48 P-47 that is going together like a dream. When I finish the F-14 I'll get back to it. This build has been a bit of an 'emotional' one hasn't it. Looks fantastic - can't wait to see the final product.
No problem sentry! Keep up the excellent build.

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 Thursday, March 24, 2005 8:55 AM

okay- more progress and a huge sigh of relief- I sprayed the Dk. Ghost Gray today over the pre-shaded top panels and Lt Ghost on the bottom. At this point I am VERY happy with the results. A little dark umber wash in the panels and this baby will be great. Has this been aggrivating? Hell Yes. Do I want to do this again? HELL YES. (Not for a while....;)
Once this dries (I'll give it 48 hours) I'll shoot the black on the canopy and spine and vert stabilizers. After that comes the coat of Future- dark umber wash- decals- seats and cockpit detail- wheels- phoenix pallets- and TADA. Lets hope that the final leg goes well. I think this calls for a Guiness- oops it's only 10am- Hell, I'm on vacation!

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

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Zone V Afterburner

Member since
June 2004
From: Oklahoma City

Posted by Zone V Afterburner on Thursday, March 24, 2005 12:02 PM

Thanks for the OK Chuck and Jon... I will definately have something to post this saturday.I didn't realize you guys were this close to being done !! Shock [:O]

You guys are posting some excellent progress pics !! Last night I spent the evening taking out the inside of the boarding steps and replacing them with sheet plastic to make room for the resin cockpit.I should have the cockpit painted by tomorrow and hopefully completed by Sunday.I also took a real close look at my RIO's console and it looks like Aires has named their cockpit set a 'B' when it is actually a 'D' and so far I can't find any pics of 'B's' with the round CRT on the RIO'S panel.So I may end up building a 'D' if I can't get any confirmation.Anyway everyone take care! 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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Zone V Afterburner

Member since
June 2004
From: Oklahoma City

Posted by Zone V Afterburner on Thursday, March 24, 2005 5:28 PM

I won a set of 'D' decals on E-Bay last week and got'em in the mail today.Man they are SWEEET!!! Check'em out here:

http://www.vf-decals.com/images/decals/48-101.jpg

Very impressive stuff..So if I can't find any shots of a 'B' with the round CRT screen...then my subject will be a 'D' from VF-101...well I off to the bench to squirt some paint...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 Thursday, March 24, 2005 5:37 PM

Are you doing the high-vis or low-vis? Those decals look great!

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

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bstrump

Member since
March 2004
From: British Columbia,Canada

Posted by bstrump on Thursday, March 24, 2005 9:04 PM

Wow! I haven't been around in a couple of days and look what I miss! uscusn, armorman, great looking progress! A68T, wecome back and congrats on the new job! Now about the cockpit stuff, the B and D are almost the same in the back seat. If the set has the round CRT in back, then it is for an early to mid '90s non-LANTIRN B or D. They are almost the same except that the D has a slightly bigger screen above the main display. The early B RIOs office is the same as the A. The big difference is up front. The D has the two CRT s side by side on the IP. Check out this site: anft.net/f-14 and and click on "walkarounds". Hope this helps

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, March 24, 2005 9:22 PM

Armorman that looks great! The subtle shading is key. My pre-shaded lines all but disappeared under the color coat! That is what I get for using Testors gloss Gull Gray! Oh well. This build has been a stress point! But everyone is looking great! Lets' get this thing done!

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armorman

Member since
April 2003
From: Charlotte, NC

Posted by armorman on Thursday, March 24, 2005 9:31 PM

movin' along, Mark- movin' along! I messed around with different colors for the pre-shade. I ended up using Polly Scale 'Scale Black'. Not too dark, not too light. I was fortunate it ended up just perfect. I am very happy with the results. With the umber wash it should look great. Thanks for the kind words fellas!

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

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Zone V Afterburner

Member since
June 2004
From: Oklahoma City

Posted by Zone V Afterburner on Thursday, March 24, 2005 11:27 PM

Hey Bstrump...thanks for welcoming me back and giving me all of the specifics. I found all kinds of pics but none of them really explained it in detail as you have.From the previous info I had gathered the RIO's office in the 'B' came with the square CRT's but the 'D' models came with round OR square CRT's depending on date of manufacture.And I read that some squadrons had both types of aircraft,so in the interest in accuracy you almost have to get pics of the EXACT A/C you are going to build.Anyhow....I guess now it's down to which decals to use...VF-103 'B' model or VF-101 'D'...suggestions anyone?

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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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, March 24, 2005 11:40 PM

Scot, I have that set as well on the VF-101 Grim Reaper decals. Will be using them on the D build. Very nice set. I will be doing a full color bird.
Armorman-That Acadamy Cat is coming right along. You've got that preshaded paint job down pretty good. Can't wait to see more images as you get to the decal stage.

Chuck
Fly Navy

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bstrump

Member since
March 2004
From: British Columbia,Canada

Posted by bstrump on Friday, March 25, 2005 4:03 AM

QUOTE: Originally posted by A68Trans-AmMustang
I guess now it's down to which decals to use...VF-103 'B' model or VF-101 'D'...suggestions anyone?

I really like like that VF-101shark-mouth show bird but it's a tough choice.

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, March 25, 2005 7:18 AM

which decal set do you have for 103? Is it the final cruise decal set? If so, I would do that one.

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Zone V Afterburner

Member since
June 2004
From: Oklahoma City

Posted by Zone V Afterburner on Friday, March 25, 2005 11:30 AM

The decals I have for VF-103 are the 60th Anniversary scheme.You can check them out here.

http://www.twobobs.net/en-us/p_486.html

They are really nice....I got to looking at some of their other decals....man I wish I had some money !! I could spend at least $50 bucks just on decals...can't wait till I get an authentic paycheck again! LOL

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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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, March 25, 2005 11:53 AM

a68, I would go with the 103 decals. I think you will be happier with the outcome. Those are some nice looking decals.

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bstrump

Member since
March 2004
From: British Columbia,Canada

Posted by bstrump on Friday, March 25, 2005 7:04 PM

Some progress to report on the F-14B build. I have applied decals to the exhaust cans to get the black stripe effect, the wash has been applied overall and the gear is built as well. Tonight I should have the flat overcoat on the model. Almost there!

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Zone V Afterburner

Member since
June 2004
From: Oklahoma City

Posted by Zone V Afterburner on Saturday, March 26, 2005 9:32 PM

Well I guess I will go with the VF-103 'showbird' decals....(see signature pic) It's now 9:20p.m. on Sat. and I have the cockpit painted the base color and I am in the process of detailing the instrument panels.I'll post pics of the cockpit upon completion.I am in the process of trying to make a set of GRU-7 seats from Verlinden fit the Aires cockpit,because they are way more detailed.Anyhoo...you guys take it easy..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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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, March 26, 2005 9:53 PM

Today was a great day, good deal of progress made today. 1st on the Fujimi F14A, painted the canopy frame black. On the Revell Delta Tom, corrected the exhaust fairings by squaring them off. Couple of sharp eyed ARC GB Tomcat pointed that out. Thanks for their input. So that was an easy fix. Images forthcoming tomorrow. Happy Easter everyone.

Chuck
Fly Navy

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MA Cooke

Member since
February 2005
From: Cincinnati, OH

Posted by MA Cooke on Saturday, March 26, 2005 10:04 PM

Easter, Chuck, Easter. The single most significant observance in Christianity, the crucifixion death and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Chuck, I hope you didn't take that the wrong way. I figured you were joking, what I posted was by no means an admonishment. At least you didn't say "Halloween".

On Bench: AM P-51B, Tamiya 1/48 F4U-1A On Deck: Hasegawa F-14's (too many); Tamiya P-47D; Academy P-47N;

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Zone V Afterburner

Member since
June 2004
From: Oklahoma City

Posted by Zone V Afterburner on Saturday, March 26, 2005 11:38 PM

QUOTE: Originally posted by MA Cooke
The single most significant observance in Christianity, the crucifixion death and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

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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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, March 27, 2005 4:10 PM

I have to go to the LHS to get some more Gull Gray and they are closed today! Oh well. I am also pounding on a 1/48 F-104C in natural metal and white wings. Something to get my mind off the pain in the can F-14 for a while. Hobbytown is having their Spring Model Contest on the 2nd. I was hoping to have the F-14 done for that, but I do not see that happening. I should have the F-104 ready for the show. I may take several Century Series jets to it. They are always a hit. Sounds like quite a bit of quality building time was had my many this weeekend. Great progress!!!! Everyone enjoy the holiday.

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armorman

Member since
April 2003
From: Charlotte, NC

Posted by armorman on Sunday, March 27, 2005 7:25 PM

Well, not too much done today. I finished spraying the wings and horizontal stabs. Has anyone ever noticed that all the lines on the Academy kit are recessed EXCEPT the horizontal stabs? It's not a big deal.
A little heads up: Great Models has the Hasegawa 1/72 Low-Vis and Hi-Vis(Sundowners) F-14A's on sale for 13 bucks and change. I grabbed one yesterday. My LHS is selling them for $25. Thought yall might wanna know in case the Tomcat bug continues to bite after this GB.
This week will probably be minimal in build time. I might get the second coat of Lt Ghost Gray over the bottom. I have the Phoenix Pallets pre-shaded and ready for paint.
I'll try to finish the gear detailing so all that has to be done there is just to attach them at completion.
Hope the builds are progressing well!

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 Sunday, March 27, 2005 9:37 PM

Today did some minor work on the Delta Tom. Doing the correction of the exhaust area where it is tapered when it should be squared off.
Before:

After:

Again thanks to Dave Walker and Skull Leader for the heads up.
Not much on the Fujimi kit other than painting the canopy framing black.
Did get some painting done on a GR.1 Tornado just for a change of pace.

Chuck
Fly Navy

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, March 28, 2005 6:44 AM

i think im quite stuck up with those F14B , anyone knows where can i get one of those hasegawa B cat in 48th scale . i really like the one in mustang photo. niceeee.

i din do anything ever since my last post .May consider to draw some of those panel lines using pastel diluted with water, as i cant obtain future in my side here, no such item for sale here, thus i don do well in oil wash somehow sighs

nice one usucsn keep it coming

anyway happy easter everyone

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MA Cooke

Member since
February 2005
From: Cincinnati, OH

Posted by MA Cooke on Monday, March 28, 2005 11:42 AM

sentry: e-Bay has a couple of 1/48 Hasegawa Tomcats, but they're both A models:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=50298&item=5965297689&rd=1&tc=photo

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2587&item=5965329502&rd=1&tc=photo

Squadron has the Hasegawa 1/48 F-14D:

www.squadron.com

Do search, then enter 1/48 aircraft kits, type F-14, you should get it.

Hope this helps.

On Bench: AM P-51B, Tamiya 1/48 F4U-1A On Deck: Hasegawa F-14's (too many); Tamiya P-47D; Academy P-47N;

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MA Cooke

Member since
February 2005
From: Cincinnati, OH

Posted by MA Cooke on Monday, March 28, 2005 11:51 AM

Hi everyone.

I'm having a bit of trouble, and would like some advice, please...

I'm trying to mask the area on the upper forward fuselage, around to canopy, it's going to be black (or dark dark blue). I'm using 3M masking tape, carefully cut into 1/8" strips, and this is working well EXCEPT that I can not seem to get the two sides to be symmetrical.

Anyone run into this problem? Anyone have any suggestions? I'm going to post this in the "techniques" section, too.

Thanks everyone.

On Bench: AM P-51B, Tamiya 1/48 F4U-1A On Deck: Hasegawa F-14's (too many); Tamiya P-47D; Academy P-47N;

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bstrump

Member since
March 2004
From: British Columbia,Canada

Posted by bstrump on Monday, March 28, 2005 5:50 PM

I run into this all the time. You just have to keep eyeballing and re-applying the tape until both sides look right. You could try increasing your decal placement guide to the scale of your model in a photocopier and then using that to cut out a mask.

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armorman

Member since
April 2003
From: Charlotte, NC

Posted by armorman on Monday, March 28, 2005 9:24 PM

I use draftsman dividers. They seem to work well and keep me from screwing up. I am notoriously bad at symmetry.
On a bummer note... Work has re-scheduled my second week of vacation for my convenience and is sending me to frickin' Dallas for a week. Gotta go and show some folks a new program we are offering. Anyways, I'll have the lap top with me so I can keep up with the build progress. I hope to see more pics! Everyone have a good week.
Jon

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

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osjohnm

Member since
October 2003
From: Cape Town, South Africa

Posted by osjohnm on Tuesday, March 29, 2005 3:28 AM

Hi all

What is the correct grey colour for the inside of the cockpit?
Dark Gull Grey or Light Ghost Grey?

Thanks

John

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