Hi all,
I have recently returned to this wonderful hobby after about 30 yrs of absence. I have now almost completed an old 1/48 Hasegawa F14A kit that I owned since then but had never started. This is my first experience with weathering, using oils… I have really enjoyed going through painting and weathering but I would like to have some feedback about the result… and how to improve it…. be blunt.. criticism are more than welcome…!
Thanks..!
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In my humble opinion, at first sight I like it very much. There may be a few spots a bit overdone, but, over all I think it looks quite good. And the overdone spots seem to be in areas that it’s difficult to blend the oils. This tells me that in the next couple models you build, you’ll have your technique down pat. Ok, now for the glaring mistake, that aircraft will taxi much better on your desk with some landing gear! LOL Kidding! I’m looking forward to seeing your next builds!
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Thanks for your feedback… actually I wrote “almost completed” and the word “almost” was just referring to landing gears and bay doors that need to be installed…. Lol…!
Thanks again..!!!
It looks great from where I’m sitting. My only critique, and this may have to do with my monitor or the photography, but it looks like the whole plane need more matte clear spayed on to dull the finish. Other than that, you should be proud of your build!
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Thanks… actually you raised a good point. I have applied the final protective semigloss clear, but I am not sure I have applied enough…I have used very thinned coats.
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Looks like a fine job to me. I think you have the weathering idea, just keep practicing. 
For a first effort, that is very well done. Maybe a little overdone but I always thought that was builder’s choice, weather it to your eye, not someone else’s. My only negative would be to put down a matt clear to knock down the shine.
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Definitely a good job for the first attempt. Maybe it is just me, but was there a clear coat of any kind applied after the decals were put down prior to the weathering? it seems some in some spots the oils is collecting around the border of the decals. Overall, a good job for a first go around.
Yes… you spotted it right…I actually applied a a semigloss clear coat after the decals application, but probably it was too thin resulting in leaving some areas around some decals (in particular the NAVY in the lower rear part of the fuselage) were oil built up around the edges… big lesson learned for the next time.
Thanks for the feedback…
Ciao
For your first attempt at weathering I’d say you did a pretty good job of it. I agree with the other’s on their observations. I can see great builds coming down the road!
I have reference photos of some VERY dirty F-14s so it is hard to judge that you went too far to be sure. I have that same kit from my last stint at modeling 30 years ago and am planning to work on it next year so we have that in common.
As others have said, the clear coat seems a little glossy to me, weathered Tomcats that I have photos are quite flat.
I’m curious, the exhaust nozzles look like they are from a D model, not an A? At least my two Hasegawa F-14 kits (yes, I have both the A and D from 30 years ago) look very different in that area.