F-14

[Rapier]

Hi folks!🍻

 

I deliberately didn't use AI search because I'm hoping to get better and more authentic help here.

 

At the moment I want to build both of the Tomcat's Bicentennial poster boys, specifically the

 

NJ 76, BuNo 159616 of VF-124

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NJ

AB

My initial question is: what type of beavertail was used on each of these aircraft, since they were already prepa

red/painted for their Bicentennial appearances in October 1975?

 

 

 

 

and

 

AB 100, BuNo 159421 of vf-14

 

 

My initial question is: what type of beavertail

 

http://www.anft.net/f-14/f14-detail-beavertail.gif

 

was used on each of these aircraft, since they were already prepared/painted for their Bicentennial appearances in october 1975?

 

THX!

[GW8345]

The beaver tail used for both aircraft is the middle one in the anft link you posted. 

hth

GW

[Reddog-03]

According to my resources, assembled from the experts who have shared their knowledge on this forum over the years...

 

159421 was a Block 75 aircraft ordered in FY73.  It should have left Grumman in 1974/1975 with a standard beaver tail, 7-grill gun vent, no Alpha probe, ALQ100 chin pod and early pattern main gear wheels.  

 

159616 was a Block 80 aircraft ordered in FY74.  It should have left Grumman in 1975/1976 with a standard beaver tail, 2-grill gun vent, no Alpha probe, ALQ100 chin pod and early main gear wheels.

 

Can anyone confirm that info?

 

[A-10 LOADER]

GW is correct about the beaver tail.

Block 75 jets, starting with 159421, had their beaver tails along with the airbrakes modified, moving the position light from the beaver tail to the port side tail, as evident in the photos. Same goes for the Block 85 jets which is what 159616 is.

I believe the Tamiya F-14A release should have what you need ?? I don't own any so others could speak up on this.

Steve 

 

"TOMCATS FOREVER, BABY...!"

Edited November 18, 2025 by A-10 LOADER