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Showing results for tags 'Tamiya 1/48th scale F-14A'.
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In case anybody was wondering what happened after i finished my F4U-2 for Bob Brunson, wait no longer... This is "Gypsy 203". An F-14A Tomcat from VF-32, the "Swordsmen" based at NAS Oceana, VA and flown by John Lawler , an F-4 and F-14 instructor pilot. He flew F-4s in VF-74 with Heater Heatley, and then transitioned to F-14s in VF-32, flying with "Hollywood" Dishart , who was the technical advisor to Paramount for "Top Gun". After a tour in VF-32, he was assigned to VF-101 where he instructed in the F-14. John was one of my instructors when *I* was training to be an instructor at FlightSafety in Vero Beach FL. The model is the 48th scale Tamiya kit and in case you didn't get the memo, the kit lives up to the hype. I built it *mostly* out of the box, though i did use Quickboost Ejection Seats, Eduard pull rings, and the Furball decals sheet for East Coast Tomcat Squadrons. I don't consider myself very good at painting resin ejection seats, but i am even worse when it comes to working with photo etched belts and buckles. Quickboost 48-223 by convairb58, on Flickr The model was something of a test case for Tamiya and Mr Color paints, again using Mr Leveling Thinner like i did with my F4U-2 project. I am totally sold on Mr Color paints, especially the light gull gray. Sprays beautifully and VERY fast drying.This was also a test case for Mr Color GX-100 super clear, which has pretty much replaced Future as my "Go To" Clear gloss finish. There are some Model Master enamels here and there in places but the majority is painted with acrylics and lacquers. The model is displayed on a carrier deck base made my Mario Catania of Italy. Not easily visible, but i used some wheel chocks made by Wheeliant (part no. 148-004). Although delicate they painted up well. I'll take some better photos, once i get access to my friends photo studio. But with this one in the books, i can turn to CORKTIP 632 and get thru the drudgery of cockpit and internals for that.... In any case, this is my second most favourite model aeroplane kit i've built; only the 32nd scale Tamiya Corsair is better. Hope you likee, -d-