Well, it has been quite some time since I've had the chance to update this, much less build anything. With Comicon and the IPMS Nationals as well as other issues, I barely had any time to do anything until recently.
I started by removing all the Silly Putty from the wheel wells of both aircraft. I'm only showing one aircraft here:
Next I added the landing gear and wheels:
On the F-14B I also added the weapons pylons and targeting pod on the underside along with the landing gear:
Later I added the landing gear doors to both of these and set everything aside to dry while I went to work on the ordinance. As mentioned, these did not come in the kit but the instructions mentioned using their aftermarket weapons sets. I pulled out two sets I had, one air-to-air, one air-to ground. I started on the air-to-air weapons first:
The Sparrows and Sidewinders:
The Phoenixes:
After painting them up. I had a full weapons load out for the F-14A:
I had also pulled out the air-to-ground ordinance and chose four Mk 84 2000lb bombs for the F-14B. After painting them up, I had my load out ready:
Once these all went on the Tomcats, I was able to declare them finished:
This first one is the F-14A Tomcat from the Jolly Rogers:
Followed by the F-14B Tomcat, also from the Jolly Rogers:
Overall, I'd say these models were a challenge to build. Most parts went together well when it was only plastic. However, the use of the included photo-etch parts added a level of challenge that some may wish to pass up. Fortunately, attractive models can be built either with or without the photo-etch parts. Kudos to Hasegawa for giving modelers this choice. That being said; if they can add photo-etch parts to the kit; I see no reason that ordinance could also be included as most modelers wish to show their aircraft loaded for bear. Granted, they do mention using their aftermarket weapons sets, but that is an additional expense modelers shouldn't have to pay. I was fortunate that I had a number of sets already on hand so I was able to load my aircraft up.
The instructions need to be read with care. There are some significant differences between the -A model and the -B model and the instructions have a unique symbol for Version I (-A model) and Version II (-B model). Care must be taken to pay close attention to these symbols to insure an accurate build. Most of the steps have very adequate indicators to show how sub-assemblies are built and where parts are to go. they have extensive side diagrams showing alternate assembly options, but one place they fall down on is the proper way to attach ordinance. the drawings are vague at best; and in the case of Sparrows and bombs; nonexistent.
One of the biggest challenges to these models is the addition of the photo-etch parts inside the cockpit. The parts themselves are not 'cut' to fit on the side consoles properly and so need to be 'finessed'.
The parts themselves had a lot of flash; a lot more than I would have expected from a company like Hasegawa. Cleanup was easy, but there was a considerable amount for a modern release which one doesn't normally find.
Other issues I feel Hasegawa fell down on are the wings themselves. While the addition of added slats and flaps is excellent with great detail, I felt that having the wings glued in place is a letdown. If I am building a swing-wing aircraft, I'd like those wings to actually swing. I'm sure it is possible to make it happen on these kits but it would take expensive modifications that I was not willing to do on a review kit. I do like the inclusion of grommets that hold the horizontal tail surfaces in place allowing them to be positioned as desired.
Aside from all that, many parts of these models did assemble well. The decals were thin, in register and quite strong. They laid down well with minimal silvering if at all. Some of the larger decals did have some issues, but overall these were easily fixed with a decal solvent.
I commend Hasegawa for including the squadron patches for these two aircraft. This gives the modeler a great opportunity to make up an attractive display for these two models. I'd rate these models as 7 out of 10, mostly for the fit issues of the photo-etch parts.
That completes this long overdue review; my apologies for taking so long on this. My thanks goes to Lyle for the review kit.
Thanks for looking in, comments are welcome.