Tamiya 1:32 F-14

[Ancientmariner]

So done for today. Masked and sprayed the wheel wells and the tops of the tail fins and tbh it's starting to look better.

I know it's a long shot but I'm going to email Tamiya and beg for a new canopy and surround as it's really not good even after polishing.

Thanks for all the kind comments, glad I didn't put a hammer through it now!

[Ancientmariner]

A lot of masking tape and kitchen towel has been used today......

[boatman]

WELL James told you done a really good build an yes it might pee you off at times if a few probs surfuce but thats the whole art of modeling an you have sorted it an its paid off with a really nice model very well done sir hope mine comes up as good but im a novice now on plastic kits so got a lot to learn again
chrisb

[Ancientmariner]

Bet you'll do a cracking job! I'm looking forward to following along.

Currently researching base. Looked at a preprinted one but it has no texture. Now trying to think of a way of making tie down pad eyes. Planning to drill holes, fill with filler and then make a mould I press in and make the shape rather than buying pre made ones.

[Tworrs]

Well James, you get an A+ for tenacity from me mate, and she is looking really good now.
Good luck with your email to Tamiya.
Garry

[boatman]

Bet you'll do a cracking job! I'm looking forward to following along.

Currently researching base. Looked at a preprinted one but it has no texture. Now trying to think of a way of making tie down pad eyes. Planning to drill holes, fill with filler and then make a mould I press in and make the shape rather than buying pre made ones.

HI James yes the model will look good on a concrete lookin base as i bought mine in sheets about 2ft sqaure from HANNANETS an they not exspensive so bought about 6 sheets an yes aggree with you on texture but in this scale i dont think it will really be noticed but just my opinion an James you say I know it's a long shot but I'm going to email Tamiya and beg for a new canopy and surround as it's really not good even after polishing. so i gather your canopy also had a seam down it YEA ?
Chrisb

[Ancientmariner]

HI James yes the model will look good on a concrete lookin base as i bought mine in sheets about 2ft sqaure from HANNANETS an they not exspensive so bought about 6 sheets an yes aggree with you on texture but in this scale i dont think it will really be noticed but just my opinion an James you say I know it's a long shot but I'm going to email Tamiya and beg for a new canopy and surround as it's really not good even after polishing. so i gather your canopy also had a seam down it YEA ?
Chrisb

I don't think it had a seam but some clown did drop glue all over it.

I shall look into hose squares from Hannants but I usually make my own bases as I have a lot of wood kicking about currently.

[Ancientmariner]

So more progress however I did make the mistake of standing it on it's tail, unattended on what turned out to be not as flat a surface as I thought. A large crash and bye bye fwd wheel well doors.

Anyway damage fixed and under carriage on, also air brakes attached now in the open position.

I did not realise how many of the Mr colour range of paints are actually gloss.

Hope to got all the fwd ladders and pitot tubes etc in place this evening.

[boatman]

I don't think it had a seam but some clown did drop glue all over it.

I shall look into hose squares from Hannants but I usually make my own bases as I have a lot of wood kicking about currently.

HI James COR bet you felt sick when you dropped glue on your canopy dint you ? is it very bad then ? an im not goin to open my canopy bag till im at the end of the build to be on the safe side as accidents happen easy like this so in the bag it will be well protecked but love your tomcat in them colours is it in yank navy colours as i havnt seen this colour scheme before ?
chrisb

[Ancientmariner]

Yeah I think it is salvageable with some work.
It's a US aggressor squadron, the air brake inside is not accurate but I like the look, used a bit of artistic licence.

[boatman]

Yeah I think it is salvageable with some work.
It's a US aggressor squadron, the air brake inside is not accurate but I like the look, used a bit of artistic licence.

REALLY nice build James very well done be nice to see decals on her
chrisb

[Ancientmariner]

My thoughts entirely but need to add all the external bits and also the phoenix missiles and drop tanks. Might go and do a bit of that now.

[Ancientmariner]

Nav' lights sprayed in with clear red and green.
Front gun pod sprayed titanium.
Filled the crack around the nose cone with putty so it's not as evident.

Also,Tamiya supply two sets of the covers that go behind the wings. I have cut one down so it fits for wings either way (extended or swept back). Going to need to fill with putty around the edges before masking and spraying however simply slotting these in places not an option.

Canopy I cannot even bring myself to photograph currently :loudly-crying:

[boatman]

Nav' lights sprayed in with clear red and green.
Front gun pod sprayed titanium.
Filled the crack around the nose cone with putty so it's not as evident.

Also,Tamiya supply two sets of the covers that go behind the wings. I have cut one down so it fits for wings either way (extended or swept back). Going to need to fill with putty around the edges before masking and spraying however simply slotting these in places not an option.

Canopy I cannot even bring myself to photograph currently :loudly-crying:

[ATTACH]496309[/ATTACH][ATTACH]496310[/ATTACH][ATTACH]496311[/ATTACH][ATTACH]496312[/ATTACH]

HI James have sent you a pm an love seein the airbrakes open in the pancake an i hope to do the same on mine
chrisb

[Ancientmariner]

Yes more photos. Sorry if the amount is going to crash the site.
After doing the nav' lights, that aren't nav' lights these have been redone as formation lights but also did all the ones of missed.
Mixed sand, luminous green, clear green, silver and light duck agg for this.

Also filled the gaps round the covers behind the wings and painted these dark grey.

Lastly made a start on the drop tanks and phoenix missiles. Found photos of missiles grey with white heads and vice versa, opted for mainly grey.
Now gloss varnish is drying and decals on these next.