Zactoman Posted October 13, 2019 Share Posted October 13, 2019 That title though... Sorry, couldn't resist. I've received several requests to make replacement parts for the nasty rubber bladder parts included in the Trumpeter 1/32 F-14 Tomcat kit. The rubber parts are difficult to glue, difficult to paint and some have even had them weep oils that ruined their paint. As with rubber wheels, there is the fear that they will deteriorate and completely fail in time. While there are basically 3 positions for the wings, extended, swept and over-swept, I decided to only offer two, extended and swept. Those who want to do over-swept will have to do some filing and sanding. Here are the swept position parts: The bladders inflate using air pressure from the engines so there is some variability as to how much they inflate. I've found pics at cat-launch where they appear over-inflated while in others they have relaxed and the ribs in the under-structure show. I have made the (extended wing) bladders slightly relaxed to where the sub-structure barely shows. Those who want it to be more prominent can sand away material and those who want them more inflated can add material. Here are the extended wing parts: The stock kit has the wing glove sealing plate intersection with the forward section of the fuselage flush and have the rubber bladder notched to allow this. In reality the intersection should not be flush the full length, but flush at the front and raised at the rear. I made the bladders without the cut-out notch forcing the parts to fit properly. The parts in the previous pics are just sitting on the kit. Here you can see how they will look when everything is glued: Also note that the gap between the sealing pates and wing in the previous photos shows the parts just sitting on the kit with only a little tape holding things together. The gap will be tighter on a fully assembled kit (sorry, no pics to show this). The actual bladders are a Teflon coated canvas. They do get scuffed up and show wear. In some cases slight wrinkles show and in some pics it appears as though they have had large sections patched with slightly different colored canvas. Check your references for the plane you are building. I chose to make the bladders smooth and clean. You can add scuffing, wrinkles and patching if you choose or just (have fun and) replicate this and the weathering with paint. I will be pouring more production molds in the coming days and making some simple instruction sheets (the parts are drop-fit so there's not much to write about). I'm hoping to have these ready to release in the next week or two. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Crossofiron1971 Posted October 13, 2019 Share Posted October 13, 2019 Hi Chris, These look great! I will take two swept and one extended when you are ready! Let me know mate. Cheers Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
habu2 Posted October 13, 2019 Share Posted October 13, 2019 ......some have even had them weep oils that ruined their paint. Would this be bladder leakage ??? Hey, you started it.... Seriously though, these look great. I wonder it they would fit the Tamiya & Revell kits? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CHris_B-1B Posted October 19, 2019 Share Posted October 19, 2019 Thank you, Chris! I'll be getting one of each. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Zactoman Posted October 24, 2019 Author Share Posted October 24, 2019 I will take two swept and one extended when you are ready! Let me know mate. Cheers Steve Thank you, Chris! I'll be getting one of each. 🛑 Now available!!! 🛑 www.Zactomodels.com Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CHris_B-1B Posted October 25, 2019 Share Posted October 25, 2019 Order placed. Thanks again for providing a fix to this kit. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jose Maria Posted November 5, 2019 Share Posted November 5, 2019 Hello dude. Thank you for providing us with these nice pieces. Trumpy's rubber pieces are freak, I have three kits on my stash, and everyone suffered some kind of melting, releasing a large amount of greasy oils. I've just ordered 2 sets for swept wings and 1 set for extended wings. Sent you by e-mail for shipping cost savings. As soon as I receive your answer I'll send to you by paypal. Thanks a lot and congrats for your great job. José Maria. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
steel_tiger1 Posted November 13, 2019 Share Posted November 13, 2019 I got mine a week or so ago. I have to say topnotch work as always by Chris. A must buy if you have the kit(s). P.S.- Still waiting on the SU-27 UB canopy! Whats it been 10 years now? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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