1/48 Academy F-14A Tomcat

by Paul Nortness

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This is the first completed build for the "Tomcat Project" comparison build.  The Academy kit is a pretty easy build and shares many similiar features (and in some instances, parts) as the Revell/Monogram Tomcat.

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Decals are Aeromaster "Anytime Babe! Pt. VI" using the VF-14 Tophatters markings from Desert Storm.  Paint was MM acrylics, dark ghost grey over light ghost grey.

Weathering is dark grey pastel chalk mixed with water and some liquid soap (1 part chalk powder to 2 parts water).  As this is a Desert Storm era Tomcat, I wanted it to look like it just flew through a crap storm, so I applied the wash to it once and wiped it right away.  That gave me a good base of dirtiness.  Then, after a couple of days I came back.  I had left the solution in the cup and let the water evaporate a bit, leaving a dark sludge of chalk powder on the bottom.  I then covered the entire model with this thicker "wash" and let it dry completely.  After a couple hours, I came back and wiped it off, making sure to go with the airflow.

Paul

Photos and text © by Paul Nortness