lets talk about Tomcats

[sturmbird]

OK most of us know that at least one wing of Tomcats buzzed Siagon in 1975 while the embassey was being evacuated. Now here's my question (s):

* there is an early and a later F14A (I assume this would be the correct model), so would I be right with an early F14A or the later version? If so who makes the correct one in 1/48th or better yet 1/72 scale?

* now that we have decided on which version was used; can anybody here tell what wing flew them on that day? Also were they painted the generic Navy light grey or NMF finish?

* can anybody here point me to a book that has photos of these birds?

thanks in advance
gary

[modelfreak72]

Chris my friend you beat me to it! ;D Hey Gary, there really wasn't a late version so to speak, as much as improved. The first run Toms had the AN/ALR-23 Infrared Detection set, improved F-14A were given the AAX-1 or TSU (television sight unit) which is the camera looking thing under the plane just behind the nosecone. These weren't installed until the second batch of A's began. My Hasegawa kit (1/48) gives you the option of doing both, so does the old monogram kit. Not sure about 72 scale stuff. As far as paint, the Navy had a two tone scheme in the 70's. The upper surfaces were a flat gull gray and the undersides were white. Sorry got long winded, the F-14 is my favorite modern plane. Hope this helps! ;D

Pete

.

[sturmbird]

Dec 23, 2012 1:36:42 GMT -5 modelfreak72 said:

Chris my friend you beat me to it! ;D Hey Gary, there really wasn't a late version so to speak, as much as improved. The first run Toms had the AN/ALR-23 Infrared Detection set, improved F-14A were given the AAX-1 or TSU (television sight unit) which is the camera looking thing under the plane just behind the nosecone. These weren't installed until the second batch of A's began. My Hasegawa kit (1/48) gives you the option of doing both, so does the old monogram kit. Not sure about 72 scale stuff. As far as paint, the Navy had a two tone scheme in the 70's. The upper surfaces were a flat gull gray and the undersides were white. Sorry got long winded, the F-14 is my favorite modern plane. Hope this helps! ;D

Pete

.

no you didn't get too long. You answered most all my questions. How is the Hasegawa kit?
gary

[modelfreak72]

The kit is pretty good, from what I've read there is a fit issue with the gun cover. Also the cockpit, in my opinion could use some PE or resin. The kit is on the expensive side, LHS's will have for around $80 US dollars. All though Sprue brothers has it in their super saver section for $55. Other than that Ebay might be the only other place. If your not afraid of raised panel lines the Revell ( old Monogram) kit is fairly good. That goes for $20 or so. True details makes a sweet resin cockpit for it. Oh the other thing with the Hasegawa kit is that it doesn't come with ordinance. Not sure on the 72 scale stuff I'm a 48 guy when it comes to aircraft. HTH! ;D

Chris with us both doing research he'll either be able to write a book, or become a bubbling mass do to information over load! ;DLOL!!

[sturmbird]

Dec 24, 2012 0:48:59 GMT -5 modelfreak72 said:

The kit is pretty good, from what I've read there is a fit issue with the gun cover. Also the cockpit, in my opinion could use some PE or resin. The kit is on the expensive side, LHS's will have for around $80 US dollars. All though Sprue brothers has it in their super saver section for $55. Other than that Ebay might be the only other place. If your not afraid of raised panel lines the Revell ( old Monogram) kit is fairly good. That goes for $20 or so. True details makes a sweet resin cockpit for it. Oh the other thing with the Hasegawa kit is that it doesn't come with ordinance. Not sure on the 72 scale stuff I'm a 48 guy when it comes to aircraft. HTH! ;D

Chris with us both doing research he'll either be able to write a book, or become a bubbling mass do to information over load! ;DLOL!!

I may just get a couple Fujima kits as they can be found for a song at times. Plus the come with stores.
gary

[sturmbird]

OK next issue is a source for 1/72 scale decales that do VF2 and VF1. Anybody here know of a source?
gary