Hey, all - a quick question. I did a quick search and didn’t find an answer, so I thought I’d post here. Does anyone know if the Tamiya 1/48 F-14D Tomcat (61118) can be built with the gear up? Looking at the instructions (thanks, Scalemates!), there doesn’t seem to be an option, but it looks like it might be possible with some door surgery…?
I find it unlikely that Tamiya would not allow for this option, but I’ve had a couple of kits in the past where the doors did not close up easily, and I’m not sure I want to tackle the plane if it is going to take a bunch of scratch work to do this.
Yes, there’s a bunch of gorgeous detail there, and with PE it could be incredible, but I don’t really have display space for such a large bird and I’m seriously considering hanging it, possibly in a “combat scene” aerial diorama. I figure if I hang a Sukhoi 2 miles from my house, that should be about scale for a Phoenix launch!
Yes, the kit can be built in a wheels-up (in-flight) configuration, but it requires modification, as it is primarily designed for wheels-down.
Like you mentioned, you will need to modify/tweak the gear doors and bays to close them properly, as they are not designed to be a simple, flush fit when closed.
Hope that this helps!
Happy Modeling,
Mike
Yes, it does! Since the instructions didn’t show an option, I wasn’t sure whether it just wasn’t going to work (as in the doors wouldn’t fit the openings at all), or if some tweaking would be sufficient. Sounds like more the latter, which is encouraging. Thanks!
Not familiar with this exact kit, but if it is like any other airplane model. You can build it gear up, but it will require some modifications on your part. Sometimes, a gear door that looks fine in the open position doesn’t seat well when built closed.
Perfect and I’m glad I could assist! One thing I forgot to mention is, dry fit aka test fitting. Always test fit as you work and remember measure twice, cut once! Sand a little, twst fit, sand a little test fit ect.
I have a feeling that there wont be a need for a lot of modifications/tweaking but you never know.
Post pics as you move along!
Happy Modeling,
Mike
