I
am back with some photos of an Italeri F-14B that is converted into the D
version. It represent VF-31 Tomcatters on board the Carl Vinson back in the
90’s.
For
those who want to build a B or D version, I would advise not to use the Italeri kit
because it is going to involve a lot of modifications especially around the
exhaust section. The mid section of the exhausts for Italeri F-14B are missing
so they have to be build from scratch.
It
is a painful experience because you need to bend the plastic card in shape to
match the shape of the main fuselage and the exhaust noozle. Worst case is I
have another Italeri F-14B which was bought many years ago.
If
you don’t want to spend too much for a Hasegawa F-14B/D, the other option is
Revell but the cockpit and ejector seats need to be modified to represent the D
version.
Click on
images below to see larger images
Needles
to say the control panel for Italeri is also incorrect. It belongs to the A
version. I have to modify the front panel to match the D version. I have also
added control panel for the RIO in the back seat. The HUD and the stand are
built from scratch from beer can and transparency.
The
ejector seats are also modified. Seat belts are added.
Front
landing gear was cut and placed in turning position. I also “stole” some
parts from Revell F-14D.
Decals
are a mix of Revell and Italeri. Weathering was done with water soluble
crayon (sad case - I lose the crayon and I can’t find this item in Malaysia L).
As
the kit does not come with LANTIRN pod or any bombs which are common on F-14B
and D, I decided to arm my Cat with AIM-54 Phoenix and AIM-9 Sidewinder on the
outer pylon configured for air to air mission.
I
hope you enjoy the pictures J
While
this is not an accurate D Cat, I have learned a lot from scratch building some parts
from plastic card. I am currently working on an old Revell F-18C salvaged from
my junkyard and will post again in the near future.
Chee
Hong
|