"Grumman F-14 Tomcat" Revell (1981)

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
Figures from masterdetails.com

Es-haq Khosravi
Very nice!

Holger Kranich
Oh the old revell offering! I´ll take a seat, Gareth! I´m eager to see what you make of it!

Holger Kranich
I´m exited how this will turn out! Nice start with the pit!

Kerry COX
You might have some difficulty shrinking that full size seat to fit mate. :-O Good luck 🙂 LOL.
(I know it's only a photo) ;-/

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
I wasn't expecting to cut so much out of the cockpit. I think the work will be worth it in the end.

Holger Kranich
Ist a lot of work, yes! But it will pay out, i´m convinced!

Clifford Keesler
Looking very impressive.

Kerry COX
Holger, It's developing nicely mate, and no doubt it will keep you busy for a while yet. 🙂

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
Is it ever keeping me busy Kerry. Nothing actually fits in the cockpit so more trimming. I have also removed the pilots arse and still he sits too high. :-/

Kerry COX
Remove his balls. LOL
THAT should get him to "Comply". 🙂

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
Maybe, it worked for my dog.

Clifford Keesler
Tell him to adjust his darn seat. LOL. I was thinking about maybe putting pilots in mine when I build it,but you are giving me second thoughts. I bought the Tamiya PE set to use in mine also. Just the zoom set.

Kerry COX
Lots of high pitched yelping from all over the place LOL.🙂

Clifford Keesler
That's what happens when you build old kits, there MR. Kerry sir. LOL.

Kerry COX
Don't I know it !!!! LOL 🙂

Clifford Keesler
I guess I like many others am a glutton for punishement. LOL.

Kerry COX
And the membership to that "Oldies" club is getting bigger too Cliff. I think it's because there is a tad more skill bought to bare on them to get them looking pretty. 🙂

Rui S
I'm a member. "Oldies" and "Cheap" Club, for ever hehehe. Sorry mates I couldn't resist... 😄 👍

Clifford Keesler
So am I,can't help it! I finally have all of the "Goodies" for mine, so it will be my next project after the Mig-29GT.

Clifford Keesler
The pit looks awesome!

Kerry COX
I was just saying to Rui S, The pe is so much a part of all kit builds today, but the results are always spectacular. 🙂

Clifford Keesler
That is true Kerry. There are no PE sets for the Mig 29GT,so I had to use decals and paint for the IP's but they turned out nice. I scratch built the throttles. Now just need to add some sidewall detail to the pit.

Clifford Keesler
Gareth, Sprue Brothers sells a 1/32 1/48 and 1/72 U.S. Missle decal sheet if you want markings for your Phonex, Sparrow's and sidewinders.

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
Thanks Clifford that sounds like a good idea, it would be a shame to put the detail into the plane and leave the missiles untouched. I also have the Mig-29 UB/GT (another cheap kit Kerry), Revell have done quite a nice job on this and the after market metal undercarriage looks good and maybe a couple of PJ Russian pilots. Although I may have to have it being chased by this Tomcat across my son's ceiling…….Might have to create the launching Sidewider with "pipe cleaner" smoke.

Kerry COX
Pipe cleaner smoke !!!!That sounds amazing mate. How is it done. ??

Speaking of chasing things, I have always wanted to do an "In flight refuelling dio", Imagine THAT. !! 🙂

Rui S
Gareth and Kerry, both excellent ideas...👍

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
Think you are on to something there Kerry. I have two Airfix Sea Vixens and a photo of them refuelling each other, that could look fantastic. As for the smoke...drill out the back of the missile so you can stuff the wire from a pipe cleaner in it.....then.....stuff a pipe cleaner in it....ta da...but seriously, start it like that then build up the smoke volume by adding more pipe cleaners (wind them around each other). Spray yellow and orange to create the blast at the missile, and then grey into white. Make sure the "smoke" envelopes the missile rail and goes back past it. This won't work for a sparrow missile on my F-14 as they ignite away from the aircraft.

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
Kerry, Just found a picture of a Sea Vixen refuelling an American F105. That could be a different diorama.
forum.keypublishing...6-F105-and-Sea-Vixen

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
Missile decals are in my Hannants basket Clifford.

Kerry COX
Lets hope the postal strike doesn't make you wait too long. :-/

Clifford Keesler
That's good to hear. I am going to order the F-14 Detail set for Tamiya for mine, I bought the zoom set, but then found out the other set has all the canopy details, so will get that so I have the canopy sills, canopy locks etc. Plus still need to get a set of resin wheels.

Choppa Nutta
Nice !!
this kit is going on the wish list 🙂
are those panel lines recessed or have re-scribed them all ? 🙂

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
Thanks Choppa. This model is turning out to be a lot of work so thankfully the panel lines and all recessed, I can't imagine re-scribing an aircraft this size (well I can which is why I am not re-sribing my Martlet). There really isn't much to this kit and having looked on line at what other people have done you can really go to town and test your scratch building skills. I am having fun with it, but as I am getting back into the hobby I am using it to gently test myself with a little bit of scratch build and some detailing kit.

Kerry COX
Scratch building is just the best therapy for overcoming any doubts about all your other modelling skills you may have, as you, (As Clint Eastwood said) 'Adapt, improvise, and overcome'. Creative juices get you high in the nicest possible way. 🙂 👍.
And the big cat is certainly developing into a great build Gareth, for sure mate. 🙂

Clifford Keesler
Gareth, are you using the kit exhaust nozzels? or aftermarket ones? The Aires ones are 45.00 and I know my wife isn't about to let me spend $45 on a set of exhausht nozzles.

Choppa Nutta
$45 on a set of exhausht nozzles !!!
thats obscene !!!

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
Thanks again Kerry. I probably would have just built this kit straight out of the box a while ago, but looking at some of the builds on this website makes you want to do a little better and literally think outside the box (loving the sprue caster wheels Kerry). And yes Clifford, I am using the original exhausts. A few reasons for this, first is that I am building the aircraft "in flight" so I don't have to worry about the "relaxed port exhaust". Second, with the eduard detail inside they look pretty good, although not deep enough. Thirdly I am going to experiment painting these. I saw a Star Wars StarDestroyer with the engine glow painted in. I am going to try painting the white and orange blast inside and last but not least……I ain't paying that for resin exhausts, I still have kids to feed and a wife to keep moderately happy.

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
And today I realised that it would have been better the first time to fix thing inside the canopy with Kristal Klear not super glue. Good job I have a micro mesh kit.
"Every day is a school day"

Clifford Keesler
I have found if I dip my canopies in future and use superglue in small amounts I don't have any problems. I will defenitley be using resin wheels,and the kit exhaust. I like you have a wife to try and keep happy. My kids are all grown and gone.

Holger Kranich
Great progress, Gareth! Love the tissue as dustcovers!

Clifford Keesler
It's looking great Gareth.

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
Thanks Holger, Clifford. The toilet tissue worked quite well in the end. I've seen a build where a guy used modeling clay for the covers, but the tissue is thinner and has a nice fabric look once it's painted.

Clifford Keesler
I will try that with mine. I used that techinique for soundproofing on my Testor's 1/32 Huskie helicopter.

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
Bet that looks good in the Helo Clifford. The technique comes in quite handy especially for making canvas covers and scratch built tents etc (one for you Kerry). I tried dipping my canopy but the future just ran off or pooled so I gave up. What's the trick to this? I need to learn it as I have just bought my third Phantom and I think this will come in handy.

Ivo Fanczi
Holy sh.t, is the Plane so big or comes it from the photo?☺

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
lol, the plane is big Ivo, 61cm from front to back. I have no idea where I am putting it when I'm finished.

Choppa Nutta
Turn it into a 3D picture by attaching it firmly to a Diorama base, frame it and hang it on the wall 🙂
(above shoulder height to avoid any "Hanger Rash" 🙂 )

Christian Ristits
What a Monster Gareth - and very well executed so far! I am very excited how it will look when its painted and decaled!

Clifford Keesler
I dip mine using a pair of forceps, then shake the excess off where it pools then let it dry. Most of the excess will run off as the future is fairly thin, but it does stay on even though it may not look like it. I usually do mine twice. Hope that helps. When you shake the excess off, the remaining future will self level.

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
Ok, so a quick update. As expected the fitting of the Eduard kit has not been straight forward. The extra parts are designed for Tamiya so no surprise that they do not simply fit in the Revell kit, but goodness me. The seats now touch the canopy and the front glass does not fit at the moment due to the new parts. I have now removed all of my aircrew's arses and the pilots feet had to go too, I also had to heat and bending his arm to get it in. It does seem like Revell have made up some of the dimensions. This will be a nice looking model in the end but it is testing/developing my skills. Not too sure my idea worked for the green glass either, too ripplie and "in your face" green. Oh well, nothing that can't be undone.

Kerry COX
Was/is it possible to remove some of the base of the ejection seat ?

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
I have (and still am) thinking about that Kerry. I didn't want to because of the "seat pan handle" but I think I am going to have to.......GGGGggggrrrrr

Kerry COX
Well, 'Little people' and gays can be in the services now, so a shorter seat is not going to look unusual, do you.??? LOL 🙂 👍

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
We do have a pilot here on Search and Rescue who is very short. I don't know how he gets his feet on the yaw pedals. Not sure he bats for the other team though, mind you, he does dress as though he is a little light in the loafers.

Kerry COX
Gareth, It is all developing nicely, the crew look the part, and I see one has no oxygen hose to his face mask.
Do you have after market for that or do you make your own. ?
I make mine from winding thin copper wire around a sewing needle, covering it with 'clear fix' and then winding the coms cable around all that when the CF is dry.🙂
Take a look at my B-17G build, I have just posted an image of what I mean.🙂God Damm volcanoe's !! | Album by RedRoo
Cheers. 👍

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
The hose is part of the extras with the figures. I haven't put the other guys on as I have turned his head and it was easier to paint him before I stuck it on. I even have patches to put on their arms. I like the sound of the scratch build tube, I will be doing some of that for hoses on the Phantom diorama.

Kerry COX
Gareth, 🙂 Just another school day mate. 🙂 👍.

Clifford Keesler
I use electric guitar strings to make oxygen hoses, with smaller wire wrapped around them for com cords.

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
Kerry's idea is bonza and Clifford's is rocking.

Christian Bruer
Very nice and clean modelmaking. Don't know why I missed this so far.

Kerry COX
We are all inventive souls here. There is no place like 'Home" lol 🙂 👍

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
Well the green glass didn't work. It looked far too bright and had ripples. So I bought Tamiya clear green and will spray it on like I should have done in the first place.

Marko
WOW

M.Julian Marles
Huge kittycat! Looks awesome 🙂

Clifford Keesler
Looking great Gareth.

Holger Kranich
The Crew looks a bit like stormtroopers... LOL!

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
Thanks for the kind words. The build is going slower than I thought, but I am only building in my lunch breaks and I'm putting quite a few extras in.
Holger, maybe I should have saved the crew for my Tiefighter build.😉

Ivo Fanczi
Lol😉 when you build a tie-fighter please Show us the pics.

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
Not far off from sealing the cockpit.

Kerry COX
Gareth, by the looks, the tinted front glass looks just right, and the cockpit is looking primed and ready for launch.
Great attention to detail mate, you have done extremely well.
Congratz. 🙂 👍 👍.

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
Thank you Kerry. The temptation to slap it together and just get it finished is always there, but looking at alot of people's work on this website makes me want to do a bit better than I've done before. I know I'm not great but I am loving building this and it should look pretty good when I'm done.

Kerry COX
What make you great mate is the fact that you are getting a ton of support and inspiration from others, and the fact that YOU want to do more with your detailing and the absolute joy that comes with what all the Scalemates say about what they see.👍 👍 👍then you know you have done it 'right'. lol 🙂
I know that when I see supportive and encouraging comments on my work, it just makes my day.🙂
You are most deserving of all the accolades you have received here Gareth, and I have gained a lot of great help and tips from you that I am most grateful for.
Good on ya mate. 🙂 🙂 👍.
Cheers. 😉

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
Thank you 🙂

Clifford Keesler
It gets better all the time mate!.

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
Thanks Clifford. I'm looking forward to getting my teeth into the rest of the aircraft now.

Kerry COX
So are WE mate LOL 🙂 👍 👍

Clifford Keesler
I'm waiting to see how your's comes out before I tackle mine, I have all of the goodies for it now, guess I'm just chicken. LOL.

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
You won't have anything to worry about with the Tamiya kit Clifford.

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
Ok kids. The front section is on and the cockpit sealed. Lots of over hang and gaps.......yeay :/ Oh well, let the filling and rubbing begin.

Kerry COX
Gareth, They were a very "Clunky" kit in the beginning and I had the first issue and there were quite large gaps, but I hope your happy with the great results you have achieved so far mate. ? 🙂 👍.

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
I'm enjoying it for sure. I'm not a rivet counter which is good as there are a few bits wrong with the kit, but over all the model is a good shape and I think I can make this dinosaur roar. The key is (as I found building the Revell Cobra) to relax and enjoy making it.

Kerry COX
Gareth, You nailed it mate. Smell the flowers as you take your time enjoying what it is giving you.
Lot's of fun. 🙂 👍.

Clifford Keesler
It sure is looing good Gareth. I built the Revell Cobra also, I used Cobra CO;s. excellent resin cockpit set for it. It turned out very nice and I enjoyed every minute of it.

uncle chop chop
Awsome whats the big ed kit actuly for that u used?

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
The Big ED set is designed for Tamiya and was on sale on Amazon. I actually didn't need quite a few bits of it. Because I am doing the Tomcat in flight I won't be using the "remove before flight" flags or any undercarriage parts. The masking doesn't match the revell kit and the external details have the formation lights in.

uncle chop chop
Yea i here the tamiya tomcat in that scale is realy good and bloody expensive around $400 AU

Kerry COX
I forgot just how big this kit is Gareth. I built mine so many years ago when they first came out . 🙂
And seeing it in your window bought it all back to me.LOL

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
When will I learn? Do not put aerials and pitot masts (and anything else pointy) on the model until the last minute. 5th repair to the pitot tube on the nose.....AAAAAaaaaaaaaah

Kerry COX
And you have been modelling for how long now. ? Tsk Tsk Tsk. 🙁

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
I know, school boy error. I got carried away sticking bits on.

Marko
@ Gareth. If it will be easier for You, I make that same mistake every single time. I tell to my self: "Never again", but I do it on my very next model. That's how it is. You just have to learn to live with it and don't let it get to You, like me 🙂

Holger Kranich
when i´m in a "flow" glueing bits and pieces, that sometime happens to me too...

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
I know Marko. I did the same with the Cobra too. The problem with the F-14 is that it's 61cm long and I am tucking it under my arm while I am sanding the seams and the filler back. I have kept some of the pointy bits on the sprue.

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
I think I will get a "Pointy Bits Pot" next time and put the parts in it at the begining of the build to remove the temptation.

Choppa Nutta
good plan and make sure the nose is the very last one you do !! 🙂

No crash is more painful than hanger rash ! 😄

Clifford Keesler
Even if I wait until last, I always manage to break something pointy off every time. I find a spot that needs touched up or something, and bam, I break something off. I broke the rearview mirror off the Spitfire I finished today 4 times, I was ready to throw it.

Kerry COX
Thank your stars we all do exactly the same thing, and I got to the stage of covering all these things with a piece of Blue Tack. 🙂

Clifford Keesler
Where can I get Blue Tack, I hear about it all the time, and see it used in build videos but have never seen the stuff "HERE" USA.

Kerry COX
It is like "Poster Putty" (For hanging posters without pins) and there are a lot of guys here on SM that use a white product which is similar for masking armour, and for the life of me, the name escapes me.
But anyone reading this post will certainly be able to help you out with the name if it. 🙂 )y)
GOOGLES ANSWER.............Office Depot, Wal Mart, Hobby Lobby and a lot of other places have it.. it's not called Blue Tac at all places. Just look for things like Plasti-Tac (Hobby Lobby), Fun - Tac etc... it will look like a set of clay strips in the container. But it's not always blue. Just ask them for that clay stuff you tack memos and pictures up with and they should know what ya mean.

Clifford Keesler
OK.

Mark Guttag
I'm new here, but I can help with some examples of "poster putty" products available here in the US: UHU tac, Scotch (3M) adhesive putty (removable), Elmer's Tac 'N Stik. I've seen poster putty even at local CVS stores, as well as at arts and crafts stores such as AC Moore, Michael's and Hobby Lobby.

I should also mention I've been using a product called Glue Dots in place of poster putty in building models. Glue Dots come in various sizes and are basically small disc-shaped pieces of a clear gum material that is designed for use in scrapbooking, so it's very gentle on paper and, as it turns out, is also gentle on acrylic paint. I've been using Glue Dots to hold pieces on wooden sticks and toothpicks during airbrushing and to hold cowlings onto the front of planes during airbrushing (so I can paint the cowl with the rest of the fuselage before installing the propeller). I've even experimented, so far successfully, with using Glue Dots to mount canopies on cockpits and hatches on tanks, thereby making these pieces "removable".

Recently, a product called Glue Lines has also become available which is a Glue Dot in a small rectangular strip, which I've found even more useful for removably attaching canopies and hatches.

Kerry COX
Mark, it sounds like these 'Glue Dots' are reusable with a wash, or do they have a 'limited ' number of uses. ? 🙂 👍

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
Welcome Mark and thanks for the info. I'm off to Canada soon and a lot of the products are the same there as the States so this is all useful information. 🙂

Mark Guttag
Glue Dots are designed to be one-use, because they are cheap; a roll of 200 dots can cost $5 (US) or less. However, I have reused dots on the ends of barbecue sticks and toothpicks for airbrushing if paint does not get on them.

This also reminds me of another couple of uses I've found for Glue Dots in painting: plugging holes to prevent paint sprayed on an outside of a model from getting into the interior or vice versa. I've also used Glue Dots to mask small areas where I will eventually need to apply glue or otherwise do not want paint, such as the bogie axles when I'm painting the lower hull a tank or or the locator pins/tabs/holes of part of an aircraft. I was hoping to be able to use the Glue Lines for canopy masks, but the Glue Dots/Glue Lines material is a little too "springy" for this.

Here's a picture of package of Glue Dots:

cardinspirations.co...php/1020/1/glue_dots

Kerry COX
Adaptation, just amazing by the sounds of them. Thanks. 🙂 👍

Christian Bruer
Have missed to look at this WIP for a while – wow Gareth, that comes out really nice with all the details.

To break parts of working on the model is a common companion to us ship modelers. All ships in scale 1/350 up to cruiser length has to be handled carefully. I build a small support from Styrofoam to place my current build – HMS Belfast – carefully during construction. But if you handle the hull for some work I have the same problem than you with this big bird.

Cheers, Christian

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
Thank you Christian. I am learning all the time and this is a good scale to do it on. I don't think I am quite ready to put shells in a 1:350 poem poem gun yet!

And the frustration of breaking things is not made any better as all you experienced guys tell me you are all still breaking stuff. Great! So as I get better I will also get older and still break stuff.............oh f@#k
Lol😉

Kerry COX
You have a lot to look forward to Gareth. 🙂
Women break nails after painting them. !! :-O

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
Yes, some men too, so I've hear, not that I know about that sort of thing..........

Kerry COX
I have heard that too............somewhere. :-/

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
Oh, and the joy of the heavy handed duster. Oh shit, I'm going to need a glass cabinet as I do more. My wife could do destruction testing for VW car doors! I swear the glass nearly went the other week as she "closed" the door.

Choppa Nutta
I break my nails all the time, bloody annoying !!
especially if one is in the mood to play Capricho Arabe !! 😄
But I aint in the habit of painting them, but that doesn't stop me from getting paint on them .........

John Thomas
Nice work on an older kit, well done

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
Thanks John, she getting there. And yes everyone, I broke the nose prob AGAIN! At this point I am considering cutting it off and putting it back on later.....much later

Holger Kranich
You broke it off again? Oh Gareth, you poor Boy!😢😄

Kerry COX
There could be some aftermarket turned brass ones available. 🙂

John Thomas
Try some small brass tubing. I have had good results. Drill out hole in nose for tubing. Install at end ang done

Ivo Fanczi
😢 Gareth you know for the next advice you have to pay.😉 lol

Choppa Nutta

.
.
...... Yes that's right Gareth, advice can only be free as part of the introductory offer,
I'm afraid from now on you will have to book an appointment in advance at the "Advice Clinic"

Re. the booking an appointment, do you want a 30 minute session or the full half hour ? 😄

Marko
And if I may add, every fifth session should be free. After all, we live in a tough times with the recession going on.😉

Choppa Nutta
... but only for block bookings Marko !! haha 🙂

Marko
👍

Holger Kranich
Nice progress, Gareth!

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
Thanks guys. I am enjoying the build. Missile decals are in the post and looking forward to the weathering.

Holger Kranich
Will you apply a salt weathering?

Clifford Keesler
Looking very good Gareth.

Christian Ristits
Very professional work, cant wait to see it with more progress!

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
Masking tape took some paint off the nose....Aaaaaah

Clifford Keesler
I hate when that happens.

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
Yes, Clifford, but nothing that can't be sorted. Worst case it will become part of the weathering.

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
I haven't tried salt weathering before Holger but seen it done with great effect. Not sure I am that brave to try it just yet.

Holger Kranich
Like the stripe under the anti-glare painting! Looks like a racer👍

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
Thanks Holger. It came out better than I expect. I had my fingers crossed it would come out straight and thin enough.

Clifford Keesler
Looking awesome Gareth. I think that will be my next project after the "Bone".

Marko
Looking good. 👍

Kerry COX
It's amazing what a bit of 'War paint' does hey. ? :-0

Christian Bruer
Haven't being here to look for a while – wow you made a very nice progress Gareth.

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
Thanks guys. Had an operation on my left shoulder and given that I'm right handed, the time off ment I could spend some time on this. Still learning as I go along and my painting pickup is to lightly rub down the primer before applying the other layers! I am getting better at using the the airbrush too, well I think I am. And yes the nose probe is off AGAIN and will not go back on until the end.

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
Using an oil and turps pin wash for the first time. Because of the nice recessed panel lines it's going on quite well.

Christian Bruer
Looks fine Gareth. Oils are the best medium for washes! By the way, I use lighter fluid to thin the oils and to clean up the surfaces later. It works nice and it is not as aggressive as turpentine etc.

Holger Kranich
I use lighter fluid, too! Works mighty fine for washes!

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
Thank's for the tip guys. I will keep that in mind for next time. I like the way you can streak and blend the oils.

Clifford Keesler
I will try the lighter fluid trick also. Sounds neat. The "CAT" looks great.

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
Just put the final matt varnish on and as I unmasked the canopy to discover there is a load of dust on the inside ! Aaaaaaaaaaaah

Calvin Gifford
Nice Cat! I miss some of my friends from VF-154 - I was in VFA-192 before the Black Knights left and the Diamondbacks took their spot in CVW-5. 🙂

Clifford Keesler
Looks great Gareth.

Christian Ristits
Oh YES! What a big bird and great build! The paintjob looks very realistic, congrats!

Markus Antonius
you are building it in the office?? wtf?

Christian Bruer
Ups, dust inside the closed canopy - nobody likes such a surprise. No chance to repair it – an opening at the underside to try to clean it with an airbrush? Otherwise the Cat looks perfect. I much like the subtle weathering and panel lines.

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
Ups indeed Christian. I think I am going to have to gently try to cut the canopy away to fix it. Not great but I guess it happens. Thank you for the compliment, it means a lot coming from a modeler of your caliber. I have seen either no weathering or heavy weathering on Tomcat models. I went subtle as the aircraft itself was never heavily weathered before it crashed in the Adriatic sea in 1994.

Christian Bruer
You're welcome Gareth and thx for your very kind comment. From my point of view the degree of weathering depends on the real thing but should be in a degree to the scale. The smaller the scale the lesser the effects. Same is with accentuating panel lines. As mentioned before you kept it very well🙂

Clifford Keesler
Awesome "CAT" Gareth, hope mine turns out as well.

John Thomas
Very very nice

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
Thank you.
Just finishing the ordnance and working out how to break in to the cockpit to get rid of the dust.

Kerry COX
Gareth, Maybe, if you drilled a hole in the nose wheel undercarriage compartment, big enough for you to push a tube that is attached to your compressed air, you COULD bring enough pressure to bear that will dislodge what ever dust is in there. ??? That is just a radical thought and, beats the hell out of damaging the canopy, unless you have a replacement canopy handy. 🙂 :-/

Choppa Nutta
looks great, I like the way you've mounted it 🙂

Ulf Petersen
Simply excellent, Gareth!👍

Gerald
great Work 👍

Eugen P.
That´s what I call a TOMCAT!

Glenn
That's a nice set of Fireworks to hang from under your F-14! 🙂

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
Thank you everyone for the words of encouragement during the build and your kind comments. Learned a lot on this one (like don't stick plenty bits on until the end because they just break off). Most of all, I enjoyed marking it. This kit from 1981 ended up being pretty good.

Kerry COX
Wow mate, 🙂, and after your "Snapfest" (breaking bits off), it turned out beautifully. 🙂
So, where is it going to be stored after all that Gareth. ?
Some where safe I trust. 🙂
Well done mate. 👍

Glenn
Looks great! nice display.

Markus Antonius
always dremed of this kit when is was very young... to see it displayed like this feels good! such an old kit, such a beauty...

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
Thank's mates. I chose to display the Tomcat like this because it was so big, if I didn't pin it up on a ceiling where would I put it without being knocked off it's wheels. Also, some aircraft just look great in the air where they are supposed to be. For the most part, this kit has stood the test of time and with a little bit after scratch build and aftermarket purchases it's turned out quite nicely. While you undoubtedly get more model with the 1/32 Tamiya or Trumpeter, do you get over £100 more?
Kerry, it looks like it will sit at my mum & dad's house, or I box it (carefully) while I move to Canada.

Kerry COX
Pay the extra for the gentle care with CP mate. 🙂

Glenn Hancock
Really fantastic work and the display adds a great touch!

Clifford Keesler
What can I say, but that I love it.

Holger Kranich
Gareh,she´s a Beauty!

Gareth Windsor kirjailija
Cheers everyone. A friend took some pictures for me (he has a new lense for his camera) and did a super job, ......but that dust in the cockpit...I know I know, I have to just let it go.

"Grumman F-14A Tomcat" Revell | Album by Windz (1:32)