Tamiya 1:32 F-14

[Ancientmariner]

WELL James due to the time of the yr it may take longer
chrisb

Yeah there was no option for SD as I'd have paid the extra £3 just to get it quicker.

[Ancientmariner]

So after a long wait the canopy arrived. Annoyingly while removing the flashing I dropped a file on it so need to buff out the damage and clear coat it away. Fit isn't as good as I'd like so will likely be open when done.

Mr Colour clear GS super smooth gloss applied all over and done decals on one side.
I have only applied the extra decals for this side, none of the standard ones yet (not step markings etc).

[boatman]

VERY Nice James very unusual colour but i like it should look a great model when maskin is removed brilliant modelin
chrisb

[Ancientmariner]

So a grey dull day, so best place to spend it was the shed.

Extra decal sheet all applied and I have used the Tamiya ones that were common to all makes of F14A just to add detail and features.
A longer soak and washing up liquid removed them without any cracking like I'd had before.




Also decided to start making a base.
50 x 50 sheet of MDF, routed the edges and then covered top in filler and waiting for it to dry.

[Ancientmariner]

So base research.

Google Earth amazes me. Literally in 5 mins went to NAS Fallon, looked at the apron and found the bit I am going to use.
50cm x 50cm base works out 16m x 16m at 1/32 scale.

[Ancientmariner]

Decals completed, clear coat applied and drying now.
Front part of canopy done but not fixed in place as yet.



Also started marking the base today. Have decided to put in lights for taxi way so drilled pilot holes for these.

[boatman]

LIGHTS on taxi way should look good James
chrisb

[Ancientmariner]

Base sanded, holes drilled for tie down pints which is what I think is in the centre of each slab (educated guess as it's a naval Air station). I have ordered some 3d printed ones off eBay which I have drilled pilot holes for, main holes to be drilled when they arrive.
Sprayed with under coat, have to rout the back now with channels for wires and recess for the battery box and switch.

[boatman]

James SHE looks really good an im pleased that you dint bin it as i think all big models deserve a chance at gettin fininshed brilliant modelin sir very well done
chrisb

[Ancientmariner]

So no plane progress but progressed the base.
Undercoated and lights for taxiway fitted. Cheap £1.99 LEDs of Amazon. Just used router to make space for battery pack and wires.

[boatman]

well DONE James very nice work on them leds
chrisb

[Ancientmariner]

Filled in the tie down pilot holes as they are never going to be here before Xmas. Pre shade done for tomorrow's top coating.

[boatman]

HELLO James just been lookin through your build again an is that copper foil tape on the bottom of your board as i found this very good on my nimitz aircraft carrier on the nr 9ft long flight deck an all in i used 18ft worth to power the flightdeck lights very good that foil is
chrisb

[Ancientmariner]

Hi Chris,

No I think it is just the way the light has caught it.
That's just a 1.99 set of pre wired green LEDs cut down to only 6 lights. I did but a big mixed pack of LEDs etc but decided to use these ones to start just to make it easier and save time.

Base board is basically painted apart from sides now. Still needs to be weathered and have dirt applied. I have removed the lights and these are to be set in clear resin in their respective channels.

[Steven000]

Lovely project James, looking forward to the next steps :thumb2: Cheers