Hi all, I’ve finally built up the courage to post pics of my build on the forum so here goes… This is the 6th model I’ve built and 1st in over 3 years. I’m hoping my return to modelling will not be a temporary one
The kit is the R/M F-14A, built OOB except for decals. I brush painted the whole thing since I don’t have an airbrush (and won’t be able to afford one in the foreseeable future[:(]). The paint scheme is not completely accurate but I usually don’t go for accuracy, opting instead for what “looks good” to me. I’ve always wanted to build the F-14 with the famous Skull-and-Bones and used Aeromaster’s “Colourful Tomcats” decal sheet. I highly recommend these decals to anyone who’s looking for VF-84 or VF-41 markings.
There were several ‘firsts’ with this kit. It was the first time I spent time painting the cockpit, using any type of clear coat! and even sanding! yes sanding! Previously I’d just cut the parts, trim them a little and glue them. I didn’t care about seams lol.
I used Tamiya paints, Future and Future/Tamiya Flat for the finishing. The raised panel lines were highlighted using a mechanical pencil. I prefer subtle weathering and feel this is a very easy and effective way of highlighting panel lines, raised or recessed.
Things that I got out of this build:
Future is great!
Future/Tamiya Flat base makes a good flat coat but it need thininnig! It also requires some trial/error to get the right level of flatness.
Brush painting white areas is a pain
Tried Microset/Microsol for the first time and was quite happy, although I need a little more experience with this
I’ll never start another project without Tamiya Masking Tape
Overall I enjoyed this build but it took me longer than expected to finish, about 2 months. I’m quite happy with the end result and this is by far the best model I’ve built.
Much has been said about the R/M F-14 kit, most being negative and while I am by no means experience, I think an intermediate or experienced modeller can make a very nice kit out of this. The main gripes I have of the kit are that drop tanks were not included and the moulding of the nose is absolutely terrible!
Thanks to all the forum members who gave me advice while building this kit!!
Sorry for the long post, on to the pics. Comments/Advice are always welcome [:)]
My god that bird is huge!I built that kit when I was 11,and still can’t believe how big that Tomcat kit is.She looks great.You did very well,especially considering the manufacturer.Long live the Jollyrogers!
Great looking 'cat. If you hadn’t told us that it was brush painted, I’m positive that no one would have known!!! Very clean model, you should be proud. The paint job on the cockpit and the crew is top notch. Keep up the good work and dont be afraid to share your work here.
haha, yes, I’m sure I didn’t use an airbrush. I guess the pics are very forgiving but trust me, the brush marks are there. I tried to minimize them as much as I could by using a soft brush but I couldn’t completely eliminate them.
Allen109 - the Jolly Rogers’ markings are my favourite among all squardrons. I hope to some day have a F-4 and F-18 alongside with the same markings
Melgyver - I couldn’t stop drooling when I first saw Hasegawa’s latest F/A-18F with VF-103 markings… until I saw the price that is. A whopping $85 [:O] at my local hobby store. I just can afford to dish out that kind of cash right now though.
