'Sundowner Two-Zero-Zero'
Because I have a knack of making things difficult for m'self I decided to build my 'Late' F-14A as an 'Early' (1982) without the extra lumps'n bumps. I was cautious of all the hype around Tamiyas' Tomcat, however, it turns-out that it really does build that well.
There's so many shades in this 'overall Light Gull Grey' finish, that I honestly don't think I'll be doing another USN build for a couple of years - sadly they don't really 'pop' in the photos, but they're definitely there. I've used Mr Color & Tamiya lacquers throughout. Decals are from Furball (sheet 48-060), and behaved flawlessly as always. Also used Quinta decals for the first time (the only after-market on the build)... two words 'game changer' simple as that. I slightly changed the loadout to represent an early and rarely seen 3 + 3 configuration just to add more visual interest.
Not too much more to say, please feel free to make any comments & observations or ask any questions. Enjoy your Easter break, cheers from NZ.
Really nice, love the innards
G’day Ian (@ij001),
Great build.
I’ve used Quinta decals a couple of times now and, if it weren’t for the fact that I already had the Eduard coloured etch interior for the Eurofighter Typhoon I’m currently building, I would have bought the Quinta set istead.
Liked!
Very nice work, Ian (@ij001). The paint on Navy planes can be a real challenge, but you have really pulled it off. I have used Quinta interiors on several models now, and you are right about them being a game changer. Well done.
Nice work, Ian. I keep putting off building mine because Tomcats always seem to be long drawn out projects. Glad to hear this one breaks the curse.
Four-and-a-half months matey... and it sat in the stash for twelve months prior to that !
Excellent Tomcat, Ian!
A very nice Tomcat, Ian @ij001
The painting and weathering does look perfect to me.
Beautiful!
She’s a beaut! Glad that the build wasn’t too difficult for you this time around. Well done!
Ian, the tonal differences are definitely there, even if they do not “pop.” It would be noticeable if you hadn’t made the effort to break up the overall gray. You did a great job on a wonderful kit. I do have one question. Is the left engine nozzle in extended and the right hand engine nozzle in a retracted position something that is done for a reason?
Yep...
It's a result of the one-at-a-time engine shutdown procedure.
Not sure of the engineering details, but you'll see it in a large majority of F-14A photos.
SOP was to shut the right engine down first. Which meant the power for the Weight-on-wheels sensor remained so the right engine's nozzle would stay open. Then when the left engine was shutdown, power was removed from the sensor and the remaining hydraulic pressure would iris close the left engine to Zone 5 setting.
Awesome build!
Of course a sharkmouth is the best! add sundowners tail and it can't be beat. This will be my scheme too sometime in the future. Hope I can do it justice as you have.
That's a great response everyone. Thank you, really appreciated, as always. I have a few builds that need to return from the 'Shelf of Forgetfulness' so likely one of those will be next.
Cheers from NZ.
Ian, Super nice. The weathering is just right.
Cheers,
Scott
That is a beautiful build Ian, @ij001. You are right about the Quinta Studios decals, your cockpit look incredible. I know the camera always doesn't capture what the eye can see, but the variation of the gray is definitely there and looks great. I like the weathering on the belly too, looks just right.
Really nice - I agree with others above that your effort to break up the monotone grey scheme worked well! And you just can't beat the Sundowners scheme. Also some nice weathering. Very nice project!
Great to see this build Ian - great work!