Monogram 1:48 F-14A Started

[cbaltrin]

Made the mistake of watching some F-14 Tomcat documentaries the past few days (a couple officers from my squadron were interviewed as well which was neat). Well, that resulted in me pulling one of my Monogram Tomcats of the shelf and starting work. Never mind the one I have 80% complete!

Made a few mods for ease of assembly /painting including removing the horizontal stabs, fuselage piece that is molded as part of the intake (so intakes don't have to be installed when you joint fuselage halves and facilitates much easier fuselage seam clean up (hat tip Darren Roberts).

Also removed RIO's IP Cover/Coaming/Cover to make for a much cleaner look and easier masking of the cockpit tub during painting...

[406 Silverado]

Bustin' out with another one eh Chris? Off to a good start here brother. Will be watching for future updates. 

[cbaltrin]

Nov 16, 2024 9:02:21 GMT -5 406 Silverado said:

Bustin' out with another one eh Chris? Off to a good start here brother. Will be watching for future updates. 

 Thanks, and remember, it's not how (or if) you finish a model, but how many you start... 

[406 Silverado]

Nov 16, 2024 9:08:16 GMT -5 cbaltrin said:

Nov 16, 2024 9:02:21 GMT -5 406 Silverado said:

Bustin' out with another one eh Chris? Off to a good start here brother. Will be watching for future updates. 

 Thanks, and remember, it's not how (or if) you finish a model, but how many you start... 

 I'm having to keep that in mind. I've got one that I started last year that I really need to get back to and it stares me in the face every day at the bench. lol 

[cbaltrin]

A bit more progress on the Tomcat

[themongoose]

Nearly no text required with those pics…Those molds must have been on their last leg 🤣 keep the faith brotha!

[handiabled]

Just caught part of Top Gun last night. I'll be following this.

[cbaltrin]

Nov 17, 2024 6:41:02 GMT -5 themongoose said:

Nearly no text required with those pics…Those molds must have been on their last leg 🤣 keep the faith brotha!

This is the High Tech boxing, so the molds were about 10 years old at that point... Definitely better than the current revell boxing!

[cbaltrin]

Cleaning up these gear doors is wearing me out 
Alsmost have the bottom one done.

Made or making additional changes as shown below...













This joint always give me issues. Not taking any chances this time...





Flash and Styrene turds everywhere on this thing.

[tcoat]

Is this the kit?


If so I am very glad for all these tips as this was one of my super cheap garage sale finds.

[cbaltrin]

Nov 19, 2024 7:32:27 GMT -5 tcoat said:

Is this the kit?


If so I am very glad for all these tips as this was one of my super cheap garage sale finds.

Same kit - different boxing. The High Tech boxing has some nice PE (canopy mirrors and locks).
You can get a good looking tomcat out of this kit, but it takes loads of work, let me tell you.

[tcoat]

Nov 19, 2024 9:03:16 GMT -5 cbaltrin said:

Nov 19, 2024 7:32:27 GMT -5 tcoat said:

Is this the kit?
If so I am very glad for all these tips as this was one of my super cheap garage sale finds.

Same kit - different boxing. The High Tech boxing has some nice PE (canopy mirrors and locks).
You can get a good looking tomcat out of this kit, but it takes loads of work, let me tell you.

Ahhh perfect thanks. This one is way, way, down the build list and will probably be an inflight display so the lack of etch really won't matter much to me. Will have to book mark this for future reference though since there are already many valuable tips here.

[handiabled]

It certainly looks like you are well versed with the short comings of this one and whipping it into shape great!

[cbaltrin]

Nov 19, 2024 9:12:47 GMT -5 tcoat said:

Nov 19, 2024 9:03:16 GMT -5 cbaltrin said:

Same kit - different boxing. The High Tech boxing has some nice PE (canopy mirrors and locks).
You can get a good looking tomcat out of this kit, but it takes loads of work, let me tell you.

Ahhh perfect thanks. This one is way, way, down the build list and will probably be an inflight display so the lack of etch really won't matter much to me. Will have to book mark this for future reference though since there are already many valuable tips here.

Well be aware the canopy does not fit well in the closed position — although Darren Roberts seems to get it looking acceptable some how.. 

[Real G]

Most inspiring work there Chris!  I am watching this build very closely and taking notes.  I have Monogram's 1/48 F-15A and was planning to modify it into an advanced F-15J seen in one of the Patlabor anime movies.  Your approach to get better fit of the major components is most helpful!  Good luck on your build!

[cbaltrin]

The kit burner cans are less than great. Additionally, they are only an inch deep, if that.. Hey, I have this 3d printer thing now... How hard can it be to make a new burner can? Just measure a few thing, draw a profile and do a revolve...













Now, how about an intake trunk? Yea, ok , maybe not...

[tcoat]

[Real G]

[kyledehart5]

Wow!! This kit is something!! You are doing some absolutely incredible work.