Italeri 1/48 F-14A (TARPS) Tomcat

[skypirate]

This is another of my older models that has recently had a better session in front of the camera.
But firstly, this is what inspired the build:



This is from an old Airpower magazine, and as I only kept this centerfold, I'm afraid I cannot credit the photographer.
I had never seen F-14 models presented in such a well-worn finish. I had to try it.
Here is an early photograph.



And these are some recent photos.



Oops! I have lost the small nose pitot.



For a change, I deliberately did not arm this model.



The intake doors are scratch-built.



How's that for grubby? Not quite the 'Top Gun' image, eh?
The only catch is that the reference photos did not show the underside, so my model is pretty clean underneath!

Thanks for looking,

David

[Spaceowl]

A masterpiece of weathering - I've noticed that a lot of aircraft in low-viz schemes end up looking one step ahead of the scrapyard. You've certainly caught the look of the original, also it's nice to see a Tomcat modelled 'lean' if not 'clean'. Excellent work, David.

[PropWash]

As SpaceOwl stated, you certainly made it look weather-worn and just "one step ahead of the scrapyard." Nice work, SkyPirate.

[Clashcityrocker]

Great looking Tomcat. You've captured the worn look very well.

Nigel

[ShaunW]

Excellent work, David that is a great shot at what I imagine would be quite a difficult effect to achieve.

[iggie]

Looks excellently done to me! That's great work indeed

[rob_van_riel]

As others have noted, great result.

I've noticed that a lot of aircraft in low-viz schemes end up looking one step ahead of the scrapyard.

Could it be that the USN is suffering from the same problem many modelers moan about: can't get no decent paint no more

[shangos70]

Love it, that's a great piece of work.

[Michael modeller 48]

You must post your models to model magazines?

[skypirate]

Thanks, chaps.
It was a bit scary, 'going to town' with the weathering on this model!

You must post your models to model magazines?

That's very flattering, MM48, thank you, but no, I don't make a habit of it at all. I am certainly not quick enough to meet magazine deadlines!

Cheers,

David

[MarkyM607]

As others have noted, great result.

I've noticed that a lot of aircraft in low-viz schemes end up looking one step ahead of the scrapyard.

Could it be that the USN is suffering from the same problem many modelers moan about: can't get no decent paint no more

I wonder if the pics were taken near the end of the Tomcat's service life?. You know how they stop doing stuff the closer the out of service date gets. Paint?, nah, just touch it up along the worn bits. It'll match!!.

[skypirate]

I wonder if the pics were taken near the end of the Tomcat's service life?. You know how they stop doing stuff the closer the out of service date gets. Paint?, nah, just touch it up along the worn bits. It'll match!!.

Quite possibly, but these photos are now quite old, and definitely a few years before F-14 retirement.
On the other hand ship-borne aircraft used to get very grubby towards the end of a carrier cruise. I believe that quick touch-ups, with whatever anti-corrosion paint was handy, was the order of the day during the length of the cruise.

Cheers,

David

[Old_Tonto]

Love it. Super lived in look.

[MarkyM607]

I wonder if the pics were taken near the end of the Tomcat's service life?. You know how they stop doing stuff the closer the out of service date gets. Paint?, nah, just touch it up along the worn bits. It'll match!!.

Quite possibly, but these photos are now quite old, and definitely a few years before F-14 retirement.
On the other hand ship-borne aircraft used to get very grubby towards the end of a carrier cruise. I believe that quick touch-ups, with whatever anti-corrosion paint was handy, was the order of the day during the length of the cruise.

Cheers,

David

That sounds more probable!

[PTB11]

Wow! Thats a beauty. Very nice work indeed.