Tamiya TAM61114 1/48 Grumman F-14A Tomcat Plastic Model Airplane Kit, Navy

Product Information

Nozzles: The kit includes one extended and one retracted nozzle, but it would have been nice to have both options for both engines. F-14A-85 (BuNo BuNo 159588 - 159637) – AN/ARC-159 UHF radio replaced AN/ARC-51A radio, 2-holed gun vent first installed during construction of airframe BuNos. 159612 - 159615 The kit is designed for a satisfying and enjoyable building experience. The parts fit together well, and the instructions are clear and easy to follow. The end result is a stunning model that captures the spirit of the Top Gun movie and the power and elegance of the F-14A Tomcat. Pros & Cons The F-14A was the initial two-seat, twin-engine, all-weather interceptor fighter variant for the U.S. Navy. It first flew on 21 December 1970. The first 12 F-14As were prototype versions [120] (sometimes called YF-14As). Modifications late in its service life added precision strike munitions to its armament. The U.S. Navy received 478 F-14A aircraft and 79 were received by Iran. [ citation needed] The final 102 F-14As were delivered with improved Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-414A engines. [ citation needed] Additionally, an 80th F-14A was manufactured for Iran, but was delivered to the U.S. Navy. [ citation needed] We’ve done our best to provide you with accurate, reliable, and up-to-date information, drawing on our extensive experience and expertise in the field. We trust that this guide will serve as a valuable resource in your model plane kit buying journey.

Choosing the best F-14 Tomcat models wasn’t a task we took lightly. Our team of seasoned model plane enthusiasts and experts embarked on a meticulous journey to ensure we provide you with the most reliable and comprehensive guide. Here’s a peek into our rigorous selection process: Availability of Replacement Parts: During the assembly process, parts can sometimes break or get lost. Therefore, it’s beneficial to choose a model kit from a manufacturer that offers replacement parts. Unrivaled Tamiya’s engineering – all parts fit extremely well and almost no filling is required. This is excellent for those looking for a no-hassle, no-stress build. Works very well as a mojo-restoring kit. Anyway, enough of box art bashing. This kit is really good and can be built almost without any fit issues. Some details may be missing such as the dampers on the front gear leg, but for the money this kit costs, I would not mind doing some scratch-building. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the process of building your F-14 Tomcat model. By keeping these key points in mind, you’ll be well on your way to choosing a model kit that provides both a rewarding building experience and a stunning final product. You Bought It, Now What?The F-14's maximum speed is limited by the scheduling of the inlet ramps, and the inlet ramp programming for the F110 was optimized more for transonic performance; at higher speeds, the installed dynamic thrust of the TF30 actually exceeds the F110's. Quality of Materials: The quality of the materials used in the model kit significantly impacts the final result. High-quality plastic, clear instructions, and well-crafted decals contribute to a more satisfying building experience and a more impressive final product. When it comes to the world of plastic model plane kits, we’re not just enthusiasts—we’re experts. Our team is composed of seasoned modelers, aviation historians. We’ve spent countless hours assembling, painting, and displaying model kits, and the F-14 Tomcat is one of our favorites. The first F-14 arrived in January 1976, modified only by the removal of classified avionics components, but fitted with the TF-30-414 engines. The following year 12 more were delivered. Meanwhile, training of the first groups of Iranian crews by the U.S. Navy was underway in the US; one of these conducted a successful shoot-down with a Phoenix missile of a target drone flying at 50,000ft (15km). [ citation needed]

Space Dynamics Laboratory: Tactical Air-borne Reconnaissance Pod System – Completely Digital". sdl.usu.edu. Archived from the original on 21 June 2010 . Retrieved 22 April 2012. Price: While it can be tempting to go for the cheapest option, remember that price often reflects quality. A more expensive model kit might offer more details, better materials, and clearer instructions. However, it’s essential to find a balance and choose a model kit that fits your budget without compromising too much on quality. NAS Oceana Memorial Park, Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia. Last F-14 manufactured, assigned to VX-4, later VX-9, at Naval Air Station Point Mugu, California during its operational service and used the callsign "Vandy 1". [214] In conclusion, an F-14 Tomcat model is more than just a kit; it’s a journey into history, a challenging project, and a source of immense satisfaction. Whether you’re a seasoned model builder, a history aficionado, or a flight enthusiast, this iconic aircraft model has something to offer you. The Ultimate F-14 Tomcat Model Buyer’s GuideHobbyBoss’ F-14 family of 1/48 kits is the oldest one of the modern trio and is widely considered the worst one but that does not mean it is a bad kit. It is actually a very good kit and it is miles ahead of the old F-14 kits by Revell, Academy, Italeri, and possibly even Hasegawa. F-14A-110 (BuNo 161138 - 161168), F-14A-115 (BuNo 161270 - 161299) – AN/ALQ antenna added to the beaver tail and above and below wing gloves Secondly, the model kit comes with a variety of weapons and accessories, including GBU-24 and GBU-16 bombs, AIM-9L/M Sidewinder, and LANTIRN pod. This allows you to customize your model to your liking, adding an extra layer of realism and authenticity to your build. United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland; transferred from Quonset Air Museum, North Kingstown, Rhode Island [182] VF-2 Bounty Hunters (Pacific Fleet through 1996, Atlantic Fleet 1996–2003, Pacific Fleet 2003–present; redesignated VFA-2 with F/A-18F, 1 July 2003)

The F-14A and the TARPS pod will follow later during the Early Access period and the tutorials and campaigns will be implemented and expanded during this early access as well.Our passion for model planes goes beyond a hobby—it’s a deep-seated love for the art of modeling and the history of aviation. We understand the joy of opening a new kit, the anticipation of assembling each piece, and the satisfaction of seeing the completed model on display. We also understand the challenges and frustrations that can come with choosing and building a model. That’s why we’re committed to providing you with the most accurate, comprehensive, and helpful information possible. How We Tested While Iraq's army claimed it shot down more than 70 F-14s, the Foreign Broadcast Information System in Washington DC estimated that Iran lost 12 to 16 F-14s during the war. Cooper writes three F-14s were shot down by Iraqi pilots and four by Iranian surface-to-air missiles (SAM). Two more Tomcats were lost in unknown circumstances during the battle, and seven crashed due to technical failure or accidents. [99] During the war, the Iranian Air Force F-14s suffered ten confirmed losses, one lost due to engine stall, one in unknown conditions, two by Iranian HAWK SAMs, two by MIG-23s and four were shot down by Mirage F-1s. There are also unconfirmed reports of the downing of 10 more Tomcats. [100] Patuxent River Naval Air Museum, Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Lexington Park, Maryland. It is a former VX-23 flight test squadron aircraft. [215] Minimum system requirements (LOW graphics settings): OS 64-bit Windows 7/8/10; DirectX11; CPU: Intel Core i3 at 2.8 GHz or AMD FX; RAM: 8 GB (16 GB for heavy missions); Free hard disk space: 60 GB; Discrete video card NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760 / AMD R9 280X or better; requires internet activation.

No openable speed brakes: The model does not feature openable speed brakes, which some model builders might find disappointing. Iran had an estimated 44 F-14s in 2009 according to Combat Aircraft. [105] Aviation Week estimated it had 19 operational F-14s in January 2013, [106] and FlightGlobal estimated that 28 were in service in 2014. [107] Formation flight of Iranian Tomcats, 2008

Embarking on the journey of building your first F-14 Tomcat model can be an exciting endeavor. However, it’s not uncommon for beginners to stumble upon a few pitfalls along the way. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable model-building experience, here are some common mistakes to avoid when purchasing your first F-14 Tomcat model.