The model is based on the revised Tamiya F-14A Black Knight's boxing , released last year. This version of the original kit retains all those elements that made it such a milestone of modelling, a brilliant wing sweep mechanism , superb undercarriage etc, while retaining all the elements that drove original builders of the kit mad, Decals for cockpit details, raised panel lines on 3/4's of kit and huge raised panels. Also included in the new version of the kit are a number of sprues of modern weapons, and the appropriate ECM bulges.

After managing to secure of these kits via E-bay, I set to work planning the build. I knew I wanted to build either a B or D variant, so a Tekniks F-14B airframe conversion was bought , along with a Black Box cockpit set. I decided to go with the B model, since the BB Set depicts a fighter variant A model cockpit, this means a number of major changes are required to build a D cockpit, whereas a change to the set to producer a Bombcat B model merely required a change in the WSO instrument panel.

In addition to the resin pieces , I also bought the Eduard PE sets for the kit. I used elements of the cockpit set to enhance the resin pieces, (in particular the instrument panels), the set also has a number of useful pieces to add to the cockpit canopy. The airframe also had a number of useful enhancements that add to the kit.

I used the CAM decals for VF-102 ,as in researching Operation Enduring Freedom, I had founds some excellent references relating to the Diamondback's operation over Afghanistan in OEF.

The actual construction was relatively straightforward, with the BB cockpit set fitting ,with only a small amount of additional work the normal beyond cleaning up of the castings. The airframe conversion was also a fairly simple addition, the hardest part being the courage to cut up such an expensive kit! The re-engraving of the kit was a long and tedious process that really had to be done. With that achieved , all that remained to do was to paint the kit.

I used, as I always do Xtracolour enamels, when dry the model was weathered using selective panel pre and post shading and washes, and some work with pastels.

The carrier deck section comes from Flightpath , and consists of a single sheet of brass with holes etched in for the tie down anchor points I also bought the carrier diorama set , which include PE tie downs , standard USN tow bar, and a length of chain, and PE chain end pieces. Overall the set is useful, however the choice of brass for the main deck panel proves difficult in practice, as attaching the white metal Tie down bases, without soldering , is difficult. In addition securing it to a base after completion is awkward. Resin would have been a more sensible approach I feel.

Overall all the model is pretty well as I imagined it , at the start of the project in November , but as with most things there are elements I feel could be improved, and indeed will be later this year!

Photos and text © 2005 by Colin RItchie

www.carrierbuilders.cjb.net

Tuesday, March 15, 2005