Eduard (Hobby Boss) F-14 Tomcat, Jolly Rogers, 1/48 Danger Zone edition

[strawnobi]

"Talk to me Goose!!! I feel the need........the need for speed OW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've updated this with some different photos. I changed the color of the nose cone. It's not exactly radome but an educated guess. Also, I've got a few shots of it next to the Eduard Bicentennial Phantom (Academy) I built a little over a year ago. Both builds were two of my most favorite.




























Well, I started a build thread about this last week. But, I finished this this weekend. I need to up my game at documenting I build. But, here is the 1/48 Eduard (Hobby Boss) F-14 Tomcat Danger Zone edition done with Jolly Rogers markings. I had an absolute blast with this build. It is yet another page turner. But here are some thoughts on the build.

1. The instructions: Great instructions. But there are a couple of minor goofs in it to watch out for. The biggest mistake I found is that they don't show drilling holes for the fuel tank pylons. I ended up guessing where to glue them using the diagram of the panel lines because of missing this step. Also part F-38 on the nose gear has an opposite part on the other side F-27 that is not shown. I'm not as big a fan of Eduards instructions as some. But, take your time and they will get you there.

2. The Kit: Great molding. Great fit. Although there are a couple things to look out for particularly the joint of the cockpit section to the main body. Again, take your time and it will go.

3. Resin parts: In general, they are great. But, I had the same chip happen on one of the ejection seats as Paul. However, you can carefully glue it back and will never notice the seam. It glues up against the seat cushion too so it will be a strong joint. No worries. I don't like cutting the excess off though. It's one thing I wish they would do for you. It took me several hours just to cut and prepare the resin parts. For the less experienced, this step alone can be slightly difficult.

4. Decals: Awesome as usual from Cartograf. The stripes on the tail hook are a decal. With Mark setter and softer, it went on beautifully. Great stuff. Probably my only complaint about the kit though is that with all the great decals they provide, they don't provide any stencils for the ordinance. WHY??????? It was the same story with the Bicentennial phantom I built last year. If they are going to go to all the trouble, they should put in stencils for the missiles. Enough said.

5. Cockpit and photo etch: It has to be one of the coolest looking cockpits I've done. The PE is a bit fiddly but worth the patience. The ejection seats take several hours each. Also, pay particularly attention to the exhausts as it is a bit delicate and tricky to fold. But, it does work. I didn't use the canopy PE though. I decided to build it with a closed canopy. I didn't use the ladder either.

6. Effects were done with Tamiya smoke towards the aft on panel lines. I also used a little transparant orange and blue to simulate what happens to metal at high temperature on the exhaust. The entire model has a chocolate colored wash that I mix myself with Tamiya enamels and enamel thinner. Frankly, as convenient as it is, it's just as easy to mix washes as it is to buy the pre-made stuff. (Note to beginners: If you paint your model in enamels, you can't use enamel washes because when you remove the excess the thinner will remove your paint work. In that case, clay based washes are the way to go).

7. Ive been using the Japanese equivalent of future on the last several builds I've done and it makes such a difference in how smooth your paint work turns out. I use Mr. Surfacer primer always. But, I want to try that new Ultimate stuff everyone is raving about. It's just hard to get it here in Japan without paying an arm and a leg for it.

Note: I highly recommend cutting notches in the rings on the wings so you can remove them at will. This will make painting, decaling and assembly of the undercarriage and ordinance much easier.

Anyway, this is an awesome version of the F-14. I built the old Monogram version several times when I was a kid. But, I can't recommend this kit enough. It may not be exactly accurate. But with all the extras you can add, it builds a stunning representation of the Tomcat. It's not a beginner's kit though. Like the Phantom, previous experience with resin and PE is helpful. And the instructions are a little confusing in a couple of spots. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the pictures. And, I would love to see other builds of this kit. Comments and criticisms always welcome. Cheers from Japan!! Matt

[panzerjager]

Wow! That is one good looking Tomcat I build a heap of Hasegawa Tomcats back in the eighties and early nineties so it is defo one of my favorite modern jets. Maybe it is time to build one again soon..

/Peter

[strawnobi]

Wow! That is one good looking Tomcat I build a heap of Hasegawa Tomcats back in the eighties and early nineties so it is defo one of my favorite modern jets. Maybe it is time to build one again soon..

/Peter

Thanks!!!! It was a fun build. I've never built a Hasegawa Tomcat. Don't know why. Just never got around to it.

[Avgas]

Lovely build, both it and the F4 look great.

[jgaudon34]

The F-14 is one mean looking Cat! The look of this one does great justice to the real article. Shows great patience. Well done!

[Homerlovesbeer]

Super build. You must be really chuffed with how it turned out. Top job!

[strawnobi]

The F-14 is one mean looking Cat! The look of this one does great justice to the real article. Shows great patience. Well done!

Thanks for the comments!! It's a fun build. It took about 200 hours to complete. I don't claim to be an expert on the Tomcat though.

[strawnobi]

Super build. You must be really chuffed with how it turned out. Top job!

Thank you for the kind words sir!

[Homerlovesbeer]

Photos gone! Oh no!

[strawnobi]

Whoever fixed my photos, thank you!!! I was going to do it tonight. Glad they are back up.

[lv2bf111]

The F-4 F-14 pair looks amazing.

[NorthernModeller]

truly stunning work

[Pauljames]

You done a great jon.

[HIghAltitudeScale]

Now those are a couple of very nice builds thank you for sharing them in the forum.

[Aeon]

Please update photo links.