I would like to build up a 1/32 F14 Tomcat, and have a few questions. Specifically I’m debating whether to start with a Tamiya or a Revell kit. My budget is somewhat limited, so the Tamiya may seem prohibitive at first glance, but would the cost of adding details to the Revell to match the level of detail of the Tamiya add up to essentially the cost of the Tamiya to begin with?
I know the Tamiya’s cockpit does not have raised detail, and would itself require some upgrades.
The Tamiya cockpit has no detail at all! Nothing! Decals over a flat surface! I used the Eduards pre-painted “Zoom” PE details parts, and they are excellent at making the pit come to life! The Tamiya offering has some raised panel lines also. Good luck Jose!
My friend just told me that the Revell kit has good fit overall, and excellent detail out of the box. For the price differnce, I would say go with the Revell kit!
Odd combination of raised and recessed panel lines
Decals for cockpit panels
Revell:
Simplified landing gear
Engraved cockpit detail
Weak stabilator mounting (certain to break eventually)
Both kits have a good overall shape and fit, given the complex shape of the prototype.
The early releases of the Revell kit have very simplified seats. Later releases (after the Revell - Monogram merger) have enlarged versions of the infinitely better detailed seats from the 1/48th Monogram F-14A, except they don’t fit quite right in the Revell cockpit tub. The later release also has the option of molded plastic wheels as opposed to the separate wheels and vinyl tires in the original Revell release.
My suggestion? Go with the Revell kit, some resin seats and the Eduard detail sets. (That’s what’s waiting patiently in my stash… ).
I have built both kits and of course the Tamiya F-14 is superior but at a price, still one can build up a good looking model using the Revell kit. And I would suggest purchasing the Waldon 1/32 F-14 placard set which will spruce up that cockpit nicely and maybe a set of GRU-7 seats from Verlinden.
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