Swordsman422 Posted July 5, 2016 Share Posted July 5, 2016 The Academy kit was okay but not great. Probably it's best aspects were the vast array of weapons and the sheer sturdiness of the model after it was built. That being said, the forward fuselage is too deep. You might have some fit issues with the vagabond slash from most decal companies. Best to wait and use it for something else. Link to post Share on other sites
Alpagueur Posted July 5, 2016 Share Posted July 5, 2016 Also, AMK is F-14D while Tamiya is F-14A. More interested in D versions. A/A+/B/D... we need at least 10 boxes for each version Link to post Share on other sites
Swordsman422 Posted July 5, 2016 Share Posted July 5, 2016 I think Tamiya can get away with 4 boxings of the Tomcat (not including SE/LE releases). This F-14A, an A boxing offering a post 125-GR A, an F-14B (which depending on antennae, weapons, and RIO IP options can cover the entire career) and an F-14D, which, see previous. Bs and Ds didn't go through as many outward changes as the As did from start to finish. I hope Tamiya does it. Most of the subjects I want to model are late-life jets. Link to post Share on other sites
Manuel J. Armas S. Posted July 5, 2016 Share Posted July 5, 2016 A/A+/B/D... we need at least 10 boxes for each version :whistle:/> Link to post Share on other sites
Brian P: Fightertown Decals Posted July 5, 2016 Share Posted July 5, 2016 I'd say the wheel hubs look okay for an early F-14 like what we are getting in the box. http://www.airliners.net/photo/USA-Navy/Grumman-F-14A-Tomcat/682191/L Royal Resin did some early wheels too. Looks right. http://www.royaleresin.net/products/productpage/r038.html The main gear hubs changed in the early 80's. Just one more factor in the kit limiting period. I do hope that they'll eventually offer a mid-late A kit as well as B and D. Wheels changed in 1977. L shaped rudder stiffeners started in late 1977/early 1978. Tamiya Tomcat is valid for 1975-1977 (some jets continued to have the old original wheels until 1980. I believe they were completely out of the system prior to 1981. -brian -brian Link to post Share on other sites
AndrewPerren Posted July 6, 2016 Share Posted July 6, 2016 Not sure if it is just me but the MLG tires look too big relative to the wheel hubs. Mark On a completely un-wheel related note - Is that a really weird place for the Stars N Bars on that Tomkitty ?????? Link to post Share on other sites
tomthegrom Posted July 6, 2016 Share Posted July 6, 2016 Only tomcats I can think of with the stars and bars there off the top of my head is the F-14B and super tomcat prototypes. Link to post Share on other sites
Darren Roberts Posted July 6, 2016 Share Posted July 6, 2016 Only tomcats I can think of with the stars and bars there off the top of my head is the F-14B and super tomcat prototypes. That's exactly what that is. Notice it's all white. Link to post Share on other sites
Alpagueur Posted July 6, 2016 Share Posted July 6, 2016 which one you'll be going to build with the Tamiya kit?? that's a very difficult choice! Link to post Share on other sites
Manuel J. Armas S. Posted July 6, 2016 Share Posted July 6, 2016 Maybe this one, I have the decals... Link to post Share on other sites
Swordsman422 Posted July 6, 2016 Share Posted July 6, 2016 I'll probably test the waters with the in-box VF-2 option. My second I'll go AM on the decals, probably VF-41 or VF-143 inaugural cruises. Link to post Share on other sites
gtypecanare Posted July 6, 2016 Share Posted July 6, 2016 I'm partial to VF-84 and VF-41 during their time on USS NIMITZ 1980-1982. Link to post Share on other sites
Red14 Posted July 6, 2016 Share Posted July 6, 2016 definitely VF-84 and that VF-33 scheme looks great too! Link to post Share on other sites
dehowie Posted July 6, 2016 Share Posted July 6, 2016 So many schemes so little time. And that is what the "I want everything plus the kitchen sink crowd" miss. Do you really want to build 8-10 F-14's all with flaps and slats out or spend time removing minor joins from wings once you have clipped and sanded the slats and flaps in the up,position? No thanks I'm very happy with a clean quick great fitting build. Then for the all singing and dancing swap the wings for a set from HB or grab the AMK one if it turns out as good as expected. Can't wait for this one. Link to post Share on other sites
Red14 Posted July 7, 2016 Share Posted July 7, 2016 i think people just like having an option.. with a single piece wing, you can only build it one way.. with a multi-piece wing, you can build it two different ways. it's like women! i like the pretty ones... some people are fine with plain janes.. to each their own! :D Link to post Share on other sites
Crazy Snap Captain Posted July 8, 2016 Share Posted July 8, 2016 http://data.primeportal.net/hangar/tom_adkins/f-14/VF-143%20PORT%20MAIN%20MOUNT.JPG http://data3.primeportal.net/hangar/bill_spidle2/f-14b_163227/images/f-14b_163227_20_of_27.jpg http://data.primeportal.net/hangar/bill_spidle/f-14b/f-14b_22_of_27.JPG Who makes the Iranian resin replacement nose cone? Link to post Share on other sites
Darren Roberts Posted July 8, 2016 Share Posted July 8, 2016 Who makes the Iranian resin replacement nose cone? I'm not sure what you mean? Is there something different about the nose in the picture? Link to post Share on other sites
Crazy Snap Captain Posted July 8, 2016 Share Posted July 8, 2016 I'm not sure what you mean? Is there something different about the nose in the picture? :P Tongue in cheek Dazza. The pic looks like a resin nose cone is all... :P Link to post Share on other sites
Swordsman422 Posted July 8, 2016 Share Posted July 8, 2016 Is that the composite bleeding through under the radome tan? What are Tomcat nosecones made from? Fiberglass or the like? Link to post Share on other sites
Manuel J. Armas S. Posted July 8, 2016 Share Posted July 8, 2016 Who makes the Iranian resin replacement nose cone? Check all that tiny stencils... Link to post Share on other sites
Darren Roberts Posted July 8, 2016 Share Posted July 8, 2016 :P/> Tongue in cheek Dazza. The pic looks like a resin nose cone is all... :P/> Got it. I was scrutinizing the radome trying to see if something was different! Link to post Share on other sites
Don Posted July 8, 2016 Share Posted July 8, 2016 Check all that tiny stencils... Yeah I noticed that too. Reminds me of those late 1970's early 1980's USAF F-4E's...modelers nightmare! Link to post Share on other sites
Manuel J. Armas S. Posted July 9, 2016 Share Posted July 9, 2016 Pre Order... F-14A Tamiya - Pre Order Link to post Share on other sites
Wayfarer 30 Posted July 9, 2016 Share Posted July 9, 2016 Wow. That isn't as pricey as I thought it would be. Thanks for sharing this. Link to post Share on other sites
Don Posted July 9, 2016 Share Posted July 9, 2016 Not bad at all actually price wise. Link to post Share on other sites
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