EX_Birdgunner

And a few more: Thanks for looking. Happy modeling, Denis

I'm calling this one finished. I got the flat coat on and putting this 'cat up for display. It was a really fun build with not many problems. One note is that I used the wings from an earlier Has F-14A that did not have flaps and slats. I did this because I planned to keep this 'cat's wings swept and so I could use the newer tooled wings for the 'A' in a later build. I tried some new techniques like a sludge wash with acrylics, using red permanent marker for the gear doors and such, as well as putting more effort into the cockpit since this is my first plane with open canopy. Overall I have

Thanks Dan, Ya the weather here has been very fickle. Although it is never fun to leave the family, the brighter side is that I get more time to put towards model building. I had fun with this one and tried your technique of using a red permanent marker for the gear doors, etc...worked out great so thanks for that one. Cheers, Denis

Ha Ha, ya this WIP did end quite suddenly. While my deployment allowed me to have more time to build I was not able to take many photos of my progress and just pressed with completing the 'cat. Some finished pics coming very shortly. Denis

Holmes, The ladder came with the kit. I believe it is standard with 1/72 Hasegawa Tomcats but don't quote me on that as I only have two others in my stash and they are older. Thanks to both of you for those kind words. I just finished laying down the flat coat and once that is dry I will post finished pics. Denis

Hi Dan, Yup, you can see my current project here: http://s362974870.onlinehome.us/forums/air/index.php?showtopic=225788 I just updated the thread today. All I have left is the flat coat and hope to get that done in the next couple of days. Cheers, Denis

Looking really good Dan. You're just pumping out the models these days. I look forward to seeing how these ones and the 1/32 in the near future turn out. Cheers, Denis

Dan, Very well done. I love how this has turned out for you! Denis

Alright, I'm currently deployed in Iceland since end of March and brought my travel supplies so I was able to he some major progress done. All the way up to decals and clear coat. All that is left is the wash and a flat coat and I am done! Here are some pics for your review and comments. I'll post more after I get the wash done and flat coat on. Happy modelling, Denis

Hi Honza, What I meant was, is an aftermarket cockpit needed at all for the HB tomcat? From what I have heard, the HB 'cat is the next best thing since sliced bread so I was wondering why you are putting in an after market cockpit instead of using the kit one. Great progress on the kits. Denis

Dave, You are doing a great job on this tomcat, I really love how it's turning out. Denis

Hi everyone. I plan to attempt my first scratch building of seat harnesses and cannot find suitable pics of F-14D ejection seats while in the cockpit between missions. There are lots of pics of the NACES seat out of the plane but I want to know how the harness is arranged in the cockpit itself. If anyone has pics, or can describe how the harnes is laid out while the jet is on the ground please let me know. Denis

Got a chance to see this Pinoccio build last night and got a say that it is coming along nicely. Keep up the great work Dan; and thanks for swaping Tomcat parts with me. Denis

Honza I'm salivating to see what you can do with a Hobbyboss Tomcat. Plus more eye candy with the Super Bug. I have to ask though. Is an after market cockpit even necessary with the HB Cat? And for that matter any AM? Denis

Look forward to seeing this one. I believe that in the plane's latter days it was kept at mountainview and I remember seeing Pinocchio when I was growing up in Trenton. I have lots of plastic sheet at home if you need any. Denis EDIT: Just read the plaque at the Primeportal site and apparently there were two other Dak with the pointy nose so I guess I saw one of Pinocchio's sisters in Trenton.

Thanks Gianni. It was my youngest daughter's birthday party today so I hope to get back to this kit soon. Denis

Looking really good Arnaud. I'll be watching closely for updates. Denis

Nice job! Brings back fond memories of putting this model and the 1/48 version together when I was younger. Hopefully I can come across some more in the future. Denis

Progress!! Got most of the cockpit done. I removed the round TID in the RIOs IP and scratched a square PTID. Currently have the nose section dry fitted to see how it all looks and will hopefully be able to get more done in the coming weeks. Since this is my first Tomcat I will be on a steep learning curve, so please let me know what you all think. Pilot's IP: RIO's IP: Dry Fit: Bang seats are the next step: Happy Modeling, Denis

Superb I can only hope to do as nice a job on my 1/72 Grim Reaper. Denis

Another Hobby Boss Tomcat WIP!?! Now I really want to get me one. I'll be watching with enthusiasm... Denis

The fact that I never knew about CAMS really shows that I was on a modelling hiatus while I was posted to Gagetown. With CAMS and Elm City Hobbies I almost wish I was posted back there. Denis

Arnaud, The RIO IP looks OK in reference to the pic at MATS. What needs to be corrected, or were you talking about the PTID. It was my understanding that the PTID upgrade was BuNo specific. Was VF-101 flying with the PTID? Any help is appreciated since this is my first Tomcat. Now that I am back from my trip I hope to get more work done. Cheers, Denis

I am finally getting started with my first entry to the GB with my first Tomcat. I will be doing the 1/72 Hasegawa F-14D VF-2 Final Cruise Boxing with VF-101 Grim Reaper decals I traded with kurnass77, all OOB. Got the cockpit parts off the trees and ready for paint: Ejection seats put together: That's all for now. Wifey and I are going away for the week-end so I hope to get more progress soon after that. Cheers, Denis

Is that a catcher's mit on the pilot's left console? Great progress! :D