A-10 LOADER Posted February 28, 2013 Author Share Posted February 28, 2013 Got a little something done today. This was scavenged from one of my sons broken toy jets ( a GI Joe F-22 ) sitting in the closet. Now it will seve as the RIO's control stick. I had to saw off the very top and spin it 90 degrees so the flat face was facing up. Some primer, black paint and a few color dots for certain buttons and it will be ready to install. Even though you really won't be able to see it, once the aircrew is installed and the canopy closed, at least I know it's in there and the B cockpit is done right. Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
A-10 LOADER Posted February 28, 2013 Author Share Posted February 28, 2013 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
A-10 LOADER Posted February 28, 2013 Author Share Posted February 28, 2013 Almost forgot, these showed up yesterday. After their helmets are custom painted they'll be ready for their office. Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
A-10 LOADER Posted March 1, 2013 Author Share Posted March 1, 2013 Started sanding seams on the main fuselage tonight. I'm not gonna lie, this part blows. Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
A-10 LOADER Posted March 4, 2013 Author Share Posted March 4, 2013 Here is the new " scratch-built " Programmable Tactical Information Display ( PTID ), which was a significant upgrade for the rear cockpit of the Bombcat. Came out well IMO and, was well worth the effort. Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
A-10 LOADER Posted March 4, 2013 Author Share Posted March 4, 2013 Another important upgrade for the Bombcat was the PTID stick. This is the RIO's control stick for the LANTRIN pod. Again, once the aircrew are installed and the canopy closed you 'll not be able to see much of these added details for the B model but, at least I know they are there and it's done correctly. Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
A-10 LOADER Posted March 5, 2013 Author Share Posted March 5, 2013 Were these 2 upgrades present in the VF-154 F-14A "Bombcats"? I am leaning towards no, anybody know for sure? Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
A-10 LOADER Posted March 6, 2013 Author Share Posted March 6, 2013 Found out that this mod WAS present in F-14A "Bombcats". Moving on ..... Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
A-10 LOADER Posted March 8, 2013 Author Share Posted March 8, 2013 These are the wing glove sealing plates that I made using .010" sheet plastic. I deceided to make them big so they were easier to work with. Once they are glued into place you'll only see about a 1/16" of the edge. Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
A-10 LOADER Posted March 8, 2013 Author Share Posted March 8, 2013 Here are the wing glove sealing plates glued into place. Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
A-10 LOADER Posted March 8, 2013 Author Share Posted March 8, 2013 Close up shot of the wing glove sealing plates installed with some added details. Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
A-10 LOADER Posted March 16, 2013 Author Share Posted March 16, 2013 I sanded and drilled out the tip of the AIM-9 to accept an MV lens, (light lenses for model trains) which will now serve as the "seeker head" for the missle. This will look more realistic than just painting the tip. Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
A-10 LOADER Posted March 16, 2013 Author Share Posted March 16, 2013 (edited) These are the MV lenses that I'm using for the seeker heads. I had these in my stash box. I use these ALOT on my 1/48th model for landing lights but, sadly these are no longer available. Edited March 16, 2013 by A-10 LOADER Quote Link to post Share on other sites
A-10 LOADER Posted March 16, 2013 Author Share Posted March 16, 2013 Slowly getting all the pieces together for the "Bombcat" upgrade, thanks Janos ! Still lots to do but, things are coming along. Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
A-10 LOADER Posted March 16, 2013 Author Share Posted March 16, 2013 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
A-10 LOADER Posted March 16, 2013 Author Share Posted March 16, 2013 Next up, modifying the aft end fuselage fairings. The B/D's had a more squared fairing than the rounded ones found on the A models. Still throwing around ideas on how to tackle this ........ Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
A-10 LOADER Posted April 2, 2013 Author Share Posted April 2, 2013 This shot shows the aft end fuselage fairings after being reworked.I can not take credit for this work however, a good friend of mine helped me out, thanks BUZZ !! I couldn't figure out how to get to this point. What a difference and now it looks like a B model should. Have to get some primer on this area and check for any imperfections. Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
A-10 LOADER Posted April 2, 2013 Author Share Posted April 2, 2013 Another view of the reworked area. Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
A-10 LOADER Posted April 2, 2013 Author Share Posted April 2, 2013 I added some .020" sheet plastic to the inside edge of the tails. This gives the proper 5 degree outward cant that the Tomcat tails should have. Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
A-10 LOADER Posted April 2, 2013 Author Share Posted April 2, 2013 Tails slightly canted outwards 5 degrees. Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
crackerjazz Posted April 9, 2013 Share Posted April 9, 2013 Realistic detailing! I like the base and that cat drawing! I was debating about getting one of these. It's monstrous isnt it - awesome size - very impressive visually. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
A-10 LOADER Posted April 10, 2013 Author Share Posted April 10, 2013 Crackerjazz, it's a Tomcat, what's not to like!! Yes it is a big beast. I have another one, a VF-154 F-14A "BOMBCAT". JSI did a much better job on the finish of that one so, this one will just be assembled and displayed once the case is made for it. Thanks for looking. Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
A-10 LOADER Posted April 16, 2013 Author Share Posted April 16, 2013 Work on the big Cat has been slow lately, dealing with family issues. I'm getting parts ready for primer. I kept looking at the chin pod and wasn't really happy with it's plain look so, I deceided to add some fastener details. This shot is a BEFORE one and the second set of photos are AFTER adding the details. I am looking for feedback on this so, please comment. I used a #73 drill bit. I didn't want to go too small because primer and painting would have filled them in. I tried to go off of what was already on the jet from the factory. Do they look too large ?? I figured by the time I primed they would get filled in a little and become less obvious. Now the issue becomes, where do I stop on the jet with this detail. This is a problem I have, I tend to try and do too much to my projects and I get frustrated and they don't get finished. Comments and suggestions are welcomed, thanks guys. Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
A-10 LOADER Posted April 16, 2013 Author Share Posted April 16, 2013 BEFORE .... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
A-10 LOADER Posted April 16, 2013 Author Share Posted April 16, 2013 AFTER ..... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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