I finally finished my Fujimi F-14A in VF-103 colors. I have had this kit since about 1991 time frame when I was stationed in the U.K… I bought the VF-103 decals then too with the aim of doing it for my Dad since he was in the squadron in Vietnam. (yes I know they flew F-4’s then). I am not 100% sure of the paint scheme as I just followed the directions on the decal sheet, but given that I don’t normally do modern jets I think it came out descent. (Ignore the wavy tarmac on the base…I just set it there to take the pictures) I have the whole sequence of build pictures I took as I also made a video slide show for him, but for everyones sake I will only show a couple… Enjoy
Beginning of the build
Too bad there is a huge gap under the windscreen[:(]
I know the whole flap section goes down together but this way allows for wing sweep (Artistic Licences)
That is a good looking Tomcat!!! It’s ashame about that gap in the windscreen though. Were the glove vanes part of the kit or did you scratch build them? Also, great idea with the flaps to make the wings “sweepable”.
Thanks! Yeah I did not notice the gap until I had primed and painted. Oh well next time I will pay more attention.
I would love to take credit for the vane gloves but they were part of the kit. The kit is superb for an older 1/72 kit. even had some photo etch and two uninstalled engines with stands.
I really hated doing the flaps wrong but I did not know haw my day would want to display it so I did it to give him the option.
The gap under the windcreeen would be easy to fix. I’d use some white glue applied to the gap with a small brush. It will shrink as it dries, so you’ll probably need to apply a couple of layers. It can be smoothed out using a damp paper towel or cloth. Once it’s dry you can paint it to match the rest of the framing.
Although I understand your logic for displaying the flaps in the way you did, and respect your right to use “artistic license”, IMHO it’s a glaring error and takes away from the good job you did on the rest of the model. Again, IMO, if you wanted the ability for show the wings either swept or unswept, then you should have built the slats and flaps in the up position, The way you’ve built it, it’s inaccurate either way, since the slats and outer flaps would never be in the down position if the wings were swept.
Thanks for the feedback…I thought about trying to fill the gap but sanding and repainting now puts the fear of the model gods in me (too many things to break off with my clumsy hands).
I agree with you 100% on the flaps and if this was a kit for me I would have made it right. They really gave me fits, as I do try to be accurate, I wavered back and forth and agonized on the decision and I would have just put them up had I not offhandedly asked my dad if he liked the look of the red the Navy used on surfaces.
He said that was one of the things he liked most about Navy A/C so my decision was made. I did not dare ask if he liked wings swung or not as I figured, he would figure out the line of questioning as my Mom already told him I was making him something.
Not trying to defend the wrong that was committed just describing my decision process.
Thanks again for the candid feedback, always welcome when it is constructive as yours was. And I will take you two cents as if I take enough of them I will have a dollar!
