REVELL 1:48 F-14D TOMCAT

Reviewer: Sheldon Rampersad  (rec.models.scale)

The Tomcat has taken its rightful place among the greatest aircraft of all time. Beloved by the US NAVY and its crews and especially by myself, it has managed to keep an almost perfect balance of speed, range and manoeuvrability. Its weapons systems pack an awesome punch in both the offensive and defensive roles that is in my opinion unequalled. From its first flight back in October 1972 the Tomcat has been undergoing subtle and not-so subtle changes throughout its service life. These changes have resulted in the might "DELTA 14". Incorporating significantly more powerful F110-GE-400 engines, all new avionics, revised cockpits with NACES ejection seats and onboard oxygen generating capability. External changes include the addition of two chin pods under the nose. This last variant of the greatest naval interceptor will serve until 2010.

The kit comes with a crew figure and is molded in dark ghost grey. The kit includes decals for either VF-31 TOMCATTERS flying off the USS CARL VINSON or VF-124 GUNFIGHTERS out of NAS MIRAMAR. The stores provided are 4 AIM-54C Phoenix, 2 AIM-7 E/F Sparrow and 2 AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles. The detailing is very good and accurate and the molding is very good.

I started construction in the cockpit. The various pieces were painted using photographic reference and a pin; needless to say this was very taxing on the nerves and took a while. I put the cockpit to dry in the upper fuselage half and then started work on the rest of the aircraft. The wings and weapons were assembled and the gear and gear wells painted. The burner had to be assembled by gluing the exhaust petals together and then attaching this to the actual burner. The fuselage halves were then glued together after all the necessary pieces were in place. The wing assembly in the kit which allows it to swing makes this process difficult and you will require assistance from someone to hold the wings level while you are gluing the fuselage halves together. I ended up with the right wing drooping in the open position. Some sanding was required to remove the joint lines. I then applied the low viz colors, that is medium grey to the top and light ghost grey to the bottom. After allowing it to dry I flipped the bird over and attached the phoenix missile fairings and the missiles themselves. The nose gear went in pretty easily with just a little fiddling. Then came the hard part… the main gear. The fit was not easy. A little coaxing and bracing was required but the gear was finally in place at the correct angle.

The fit of the nose cone was ok but it required just a little bit of sanding to remove the joint lines. The kit is not a tail dragger but only just. I recommend just a little weight in the nosecone. A little filler was required to fill lines by the gun panel. After a little touching up in places with paint the decals were applied. I opted for gunfighter 432. The decals went on pretty well and gave no trouble. To finish of the kit were the addition of 7 antennae to the side of the aircraft.

I love this kit. It is accurate and replicates a Tomcat very well…that’s my opinion in my intermediate skill. It is a fun kit to build and would occupy you for hours, and you sit and just look at it for an equal length of time when it’s done. I highly recommend this kit.

Related INBOX Reviews:  Revell 1/72 F-14D Tomcat  

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