Hello everyone -
I am a modeller who has come back to the hobby the last couple of years or so after a long hiatus and am now (horror of horrors … [:D]) mainly into armor and diorama projects. I’ve just joined this Forum after looking around for quite a while and must say I am really impressed about everyone’s willingness to help out when people are looking for help, and everyone’s attitude and professionalism. It’s refreshing after some pastimes I’ve been involved in. So … here I go with a request for help.
A few years ago, my oldest son and I (he’s now 24) built a Revell F14A Tomcat together; 1/48 scale, Revell kit number 85-5803. Here’s a link in the Revell catalog:
http://www.revell.com/catalog/products/1_48_Scale_F_14A_Tomcat-653-7.html
It is the one that is still in production and was on the USS America. We had a great time doing it together. It hung in his room for a few years … but he never really got into the hobby much … he went away to school, got married, left home etc … and I recently found it again. It’s structurally sound but in fairly sad shape … very dirty, some mildew spots etc.
Now that I’ve progressed in the hobby a few years, I would love to clean it up, rework a couple of things, strip the old ratty decals off, touch up the paint, apply new decals, mount it on a simulated aircraft carrier deck and give it to him as a gift/rememberance. It’s a dream project I’ve been thinking about for a while now.
Here’s where I need your help! Because he hung it, he didn’t include any struts or wheels and they’re long gone. Does anyone know where I can obtain:
I tried the Revell web site but it was pretty unhelpful. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks,
Paul Jerram
It might be just as easy to go get another kit, (they can be had at quite a few Wally-Worlds for right at $11.00) and get the parts you need for the original. They kit is still in production. If you can’t find it locally, Revell sell it online for $16.95 under the part #85-5803. Hobbylinc has it for $13.19 under their stock number rmx855803.
While it’s possible someone makes such things as white metal landing gear parts, Squadron has wheel sets, and Superscale makes boo-koos of decals for various aircraft, by the time you order these,pay the shipping, you’ll be possibly out more money than buying another kit for donation parts.
Hope this helps
You’re probably right Darrin … I’ve been looking around with that as an option in mind also. Thanks for the suggestion!
Paul
Hi Paul! Welcome to the forum!
[#welcome][#welcome]
I recon you would be better off buying a new kit, however if you want to do a re-build, here is how I would go…
Bide your time and look out for a cheap kit, i.e. italieri/monogram/revell and salvage/modify the parts that you need. Maybe some of the guys around here could donate parts from the spares box…(C’mon fella’s its for a good cause[;)][tup])
There’s a good chance someone around here has an instruction sheet, hopefully someone can sort you out.
As for decals, check out Eagle Strike or Aeromaster decals, you can get them direct or from most internet model retailers. They are pretty good.
Which squadron did you want markings for? I have some italieri decals that I would be happy to donate. Markings are for Tomcatters and Swordsmen.
Hope some of this is useful,
good luck with your build![tup]
That’s coincidence. I have that kit and I’m not going to be using the kit decals, you can have the instructions and I’m pretty sure I can come up with the landing gear as well. It would be cool to do it up right and show your son. I bet he’d be happy to see it. Let know if you can use this stuff and if you want it, I’ll send it to you.
Eddie
Thanks Darren - I was leaning towards buying a new kit as you suggested, but just got a message from another member who has the decals, instruction sheet and possibly even the landing gear … I think he read your appeal!! [:D]
Thanks for your interest, advice and suggestions - it is really appreciated. Like I said - this is a great Forum!
Regards,
Paul Jerram
PS: in what part of England are you? I was born and raised in Derby - have lived in the States since '84.
Eddie -
Thank you so much for the kind offer - that would be fantastic! I sent you an email off forum with my mailing address.
Kind regards,
Paul Jerram
Paul,
its a small world! I live in West Lancashire. Good luck with your project, and let us know how you get on.[tup]
You are welcome! Glad to be able to help. I’ll get this off by Mon. Keep us up to date on your restoration project.[:)]
Eddie
Limeyguy,
I finally got those parts off in the mail yesterday. Should be there in a couple of days. Happy modeling!
Eddie
Eddie -
I just wanted to let you know that I received the decals, landing gear and instructions today. I don’t know how to thank you enough! Can’t wait to get started on this restoration project. I know it will mean a lot to my oldest son when finished.
Thank you again!
Kind regards,
Paul
You are very welcome. It’s enough for me to know you’re going to get a big smile from your son when you’re finished. As Robin Williams said in Bicenntenial Man," One is glad to have been of service." Keep us updated![:D]
Eddie
Sorry to revive an old topic, but what happened to this project? If it was completed, I’d LOVE to see pics of it. I’m doing the D version of this kit right now myself. The A kit is superior in alot of ways. This will have to do though.