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1/18th F-14B Tomcat conversion


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3 hours ago, John Wolstenholme said:

Hi Steve. Sorry to read about your knee and prolonged hand issue. I am assuming @10 yrs means ~10 yrs. Keep going Steve, but maybe you have to make some compromises as I do from time to time.

Those Mk.83s and pallets look the business, as does the rest.

Best wishes

John

:cheers:

 

Hi John, yes I've been dealing with my hand issue for ten years now after returning from one of our deployments. I've had all kinds of tests done and have seen so many specialists I've lost count. They all say they've never seen a case like mine. Not what I wanted to hear. My knee is fine now so, that's one good thing.

I appreciate your kind words on my build, much appreciated.

 

Steve

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  • 3 months later...

Greetings all,

FINALLY after 5 years and 3 months of more off than on work, I got the Light Ghost Gray on the Tomcat. All the detailing I added really shows off now with some color on her. I'm very excited and happy to be at this stage of the game. Up next will be the FS 36320, Dark Ghost Gray applied to the forward fuselage section.

I'm hoping that the updates come on a more regular basis from here on out. Thanks again to everyone for your support and interest in this project.

 

Steve

 

IMG_5927_zpsknahhqs7.jpg

 

IMG_5926_zpstxz7fdiy.jpg

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Thanks for the kind words boys and the continued interest, it's very much appreciated.

Good eye John, you are correct sir, a A-4M rudder to be exact.

 

Steve

 

"TOMCATS FOREVER, BABY!"

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On ‎5‎/‎26‎/‎2018 at 9:16 PM, A-10 LOADER said:

 

IMG_5926_zpstxz7fdiy.jpg

 

That's the most realistic scale representation I've seen of a dining area! What scale?

 

Jokes aside, she looks great! (and yuge!)

Really neat work.

Still following with interest.

 

-co

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4 minutes ago, freshnewstart said:

Looks like you nailed it all over.. the surface shows very clean and smooth..

You managed to keep it wet when spraying.. Good job (y) 

If i may ask? how and what?

 

I am allso a follower

Jesper

 

Greetings Jesper,

Pieces of cardboard and HD cardstock were held at the 90 degree angles, sprayed one area, let it flash off and, covered the area just sprayed and sprayed the other area. Small areas were worked first then the larger areas. The belly was sprayed with Tamiya rattle cans after they were warmed up in some water from the stove.

Thanks for following along.

 

Steve

 

"TOMCATS FOREVER, BABY!"

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 I spent close to an hour reading this thread, starting from the very first entry.  I admire your perseverance, especially as a Tomcat affectationado myself.

Also, is that a rudder from an A-4 in the background?

On 5/26/2018 at 5:16 PM, A-10 LOADER said:

 

IMG_5927_zpsknahhqs7.jpg

 

 

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8 hours ago, Ishthe47guy said:

 I spent close to an hour reading this thread, starting from the very first entry.  I admire your perseverance, especially as a Tomcat affectationado myself.

Also, is that a rudder from an A-4 in the background?

 

 

Thanks for taking the time to go thru the entire thread and, thanks for the kind words.

Yes, it is a A-4 rudder, A-4M to be exact.

 

Steve

 

"TOMCATS FOREVER, BABY!"

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I think the finish line is finally starting to come into view! She looks really impressive with the coat of paint on and always a good feeling when the paint helps reveal all the work you put in. As the majority of the time consuming construction phase is almost over, she'll start coming together real quick from now on. Wish you luck with the rest of the build; can't wait to see her finished!

 

-Elmo

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33 minutes ago, wardog said:

I think the finish line is finally starting to come into view! She looks really impressive with the coat of paint on and always a good feeling when the paint helps reveal all the work you put in. As the majority of the time consuming construction phase is almost over, she'll start coming together real quick from now on. Wish you luck with the rest of the build; can't wait to see her finished!

 

-Elmo

 

Thank you Elmo, coming from you this means a lot.

 

Steve

 

"TOMCATS FOREVER, BABY!"

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  • 2 weeks later...

Greetings everyone,

Today was another huge step forward. The Dark Ghost Gray was applied to the forward sides of the fuselage. It's hard to see the difference between the bottom color, Light Ghost Gray and, the side color except at certain light and from a certain angel. Next step is to apply the top color, FS 35237 Medium Gray. Feeling excited about this build again now that it's starting to come to life. Thanks again to all who stay along for the journey.

 

Steve

 

IMG_5950_zpsmrg7ljcs.jpg

 

IMG_5951_zpsluhrfozl.jpg

 

IMG_5954_zpstrym9iiy.jpg

 

All the "panel fastener" details I added are really starting to show up now, time and effort well spent, very happy.

 

IMG_5953_zpssfpflveh.jpg

 

"TOMCATS FOREVER, BABY..!"

Edited by A-10 LOADER
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Hey Steve,

 

Awesome work as always: the paint really makes all the hard work you put in come to life. The panel lines are not too deep or wise, just as they should be. Hang in there, you're almost at the finish line. 

 

Elmo

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18 hours ago, JohnS said:

The finish paint is making the panel line & rivet detail pop.

 

John

 

16 hours ago, wardog said:

Hey Steve,

 

Awesome work as always: the paint really makes all the hard work you put in come to life. The panel lines are not too deep or wise, just as they should be. Hang in there, you're almost at the finish line. 

 

Elmo

 

Thanks guys, appreciate the support.

 

Steve

 

"TOMCATS FOREVER, BABY..!"

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11 hours ago, tomthegrom said:

It is looking unbelievably good! A pleasure to see. I also am a big fan of the VF-41 picture in your man cave.

 

Thanks, your words of encouragement are much appreciated.

Yes, I need to get that one matted and framed also.

 

Steve

 

"TOMCATS FOREVER, BABY...!"

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Greetings everyone,

First of all, Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there.

Another milestone was accomplished on Friday, the top color, FS 35237 Medium Gray, was applied to the Big Cat. To say that I'm happy would be an understatement. Finally after 6 years of more off than on work, the Tomcat is starting to come together. All the details that I meticulously added to the airframe are finally starting to shine. It was a TON OF WORK but, so worth it IMO.

There are a couple of very small areas that need some sanding, with 4000, before I can add some of the other colors before I gloss coat.

Thanks to all who are still following along, it's greatly appreciated. On to the pics, enjoy.

 

Steve

 

IMG_5956_zps0vdl3qy0.jpg

 

IMG_5957_zpststq36qp.jpg

 

IMG_5958_zpsxdniblpw.jpg

 

IMG_5959_zpsm6jfhwss.jpg

 

IMG_5960_zpsgqul1ylh.jpg

 

IMG_5961_zpszeac5qc0.jpg

 

IMG_5962_zpslsceb5g2.jpg

 

"TOMCATS FOREVER, BABY...!"

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4 hours ago, my favs are F`s said:

At first glance i thought the rivets will look a little bit too obtrusive, but indeed they don't. They look perect. And i could only imagine how they will look like after the weathering, cause they should accept more wash in this scale... perhaps...

 

Thanks, that was the idea. I'm hoping the weathering brings out the details even more, we'll see.

32 minutes ago, kike said:

I really admire your commitment and of course the job your doing here! a real pleasure to follow this thread Steve! way to go

 

Thanks very much kike, I've got to see this thru to the end, it's the least I can do to help keep the Big Fighter's spirit alive.

 

Steve

 

"TOMCATS FOREVER, BABY...!"

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