My name is Alan Purusram from London, UK. I have built this 1/32 Tamiya F-14A Tomcat, modified to F-14D standard.

This model represents a VF-31 Tomcatters CAG bird at the height of Operation Iraqi Freedom in early 2003. Decals were made by me from a 1/48 Iraqi Freedom set by Yellowhammer Models. This particular aircraft was the squadron commander's; the air wing CO's airplane had an all-red stripe with large NK lettering. This aircraft completed 19 combat missions and is depicted with distinctive "Felix the Cat" mission markings.

I used Teknics' excellent cockpit and exterior conversion sets to make the update from F-14A to D. I also used Eduard's updated F-14A exterior detail set, Cutting Edge AIM-9L/M Sidewinders, Teknics LANTIRN pod, CAM US Navy JDAM and Flightpath GBU-24 LGB. I used Tamiya lacquer and Mr Color for the painting. Weathering was done with pastel chalks and oil wash. Other details like wheel well hydraulic lines, HUD, Angle Of Attack vanes and seat belts were scratchbuilt. Wing leading edges, air intake lips, gun backplate and oleo compression struts were finished in BareMetal foil.

Building this expensive kit took a lot of effort. It needs a lot of sanding and filling, and the entire rear fuselage needs all new panel lines to be etched. The final result is very satisfying - now I need to find somewhere to keep this huge model!

I hope you can find room for it on your excellent site.

Many thanks,

Alan & Jo