F-14 model in 1/32 scale Revell kit conversion |
Modelling
report
Also look at 1/72 kits here.... |
The 1/32 Revell
kit of the F-14 dates back from 1985 but is a very nice kit
in this scale. Very much cheaper than the Tamiya kit in the same scale,
it has a good outline and can be used for a super detailled model.
When it first appeared the kit has simple seats, decals as instruments and rubber tires. This kit represents a F-14A Tomcat with the initial TF-34 engines. Colour schemes also changed during the Tomcat's service life, with the first traditional Gull grey/white scheme (FS36440/FS36875) and later on greyer Tomcats appearing. Check the references listed below! This kit represents a F-14A. Later versions of the F-14 can be made with some work however when changing smaller details and the newer later engine (GE) exhausts if desired with some scratch building. For this model a conversion to a F-14D will be done, but the basic F-14A kit can be used as a good starting point. [Revell
box art]
This Revell kit No. 4770 comes with decals for a grey VF124 Miramar F-14A Tomcat as it appeared around 1995 and a grey VF111 Tomcat as it appeared around 1987 operating on the USS Carl Vinson. Now what can be done with this model? I followed generally the kit instructions and the kit has only a few but LARGE parts.
Think of the following when working on this kit for all Tomcat versions: 1/ add weight in the nosecone!
3/ slots were cut in the rear fuselage
at the ventral vins for the two exhausts
At the engine area, a panel aft of
the main undercarrige bay was opened and the engine to be seen detailled.
The parts came from the scrap box.
A fit problem is attaching the cockpit
nose section to the rear fuselage section. Some surgery and putty was needed
here to get it right.
The kit's cockpit is basic but has
a good starting point to detail.
Looking at pictures, various details
were added in the cockpit area from card, strip etc. The edges of the cockpit
should however to be made more wider. The updated instrument panels are
accurate for the first Tomcats as they appeared with raised details;
the initial version of this kit came with decals, but now a much improved
cockpit is provided.
The Tomcat on a carrier deck often
shows it entry ladder extended, with the two steps on the left fuselage
opened. This was also done on this kit, required some cutting and
opening the recesses.
Detailling the undercarriage bays
is also awarding for all versions using stretched sprue and pieces
from the scrap box.
To next F-14 [
Page 2....
] |
|
References: > KokuFan F-14 Tomcat, No.89 (Japan)
Internet:
|
|
Back to 1/32 scale Models....... | |
(c) Copyright "designer"/ All rights reserved. Your comments are welcomed by webmaster |
Created this page March 28, 2003 |