My 1st Academy F14 Tom Cat in 1/48 and it’s not a good kit. Parts fitting are not good especially the fuselage, and terrible decals very very thick.
The only pros is the weapon loads as they provide plenty air to ground/ship payloads.
I think I will get the Hobby Boss kit as it’s got very good review and cheaper than Tamiya 
for my next Tom cat ( I was cheap to get the Academy kit, should have read the review 1st ).
Dear sir, I one day many years from now, if I can build 50% of the type of quality and ease as you do. I would be a happy person.
Your friend’s, Toshi & Ezra
Thank you Toshi.
I’ve seen many of your builds and they look very very nice.
I’m not familiar with the HB kit but in my humble opinion, the Tamiya Tom is worth the price.
Very easy build, accurate, they do an A and a D version, and they provide an excellent weapons loadout in both versions.
You know, cnq, it takes a modeler to make a good model out of a bad kit. That makes you a modeler! Actually, you might be a good candidate for one those ancient Revell F-14 kits. They build up nice; and they are cheap!
I would prefer to spend money on good kit to start with as I want to enjoy the build, and avoid stress/frustration when working with bad kits [:)]. Hobby Boss F14 has very good review and looks like it’s on same standard as Tamiya F14. The only cons is no pilots included in kit which is expected from Hobby Boss.
Well;
Ya still did a darned nice job there. Looks good to me!
Hi Tosh!
Glad ta see ya post. We missed ya. My fave F-14 ?-Don’t laugh, is the old MONOGRAM one. I just like it! Who got more Models for Christmas? You or Ezra?