Meng AIR Modeller – April-May 2019

I took my time to study other F-14 models and images of the

operational aircraft. I found that aircraft in service would show

many heavily weathered areas. Furthermore, the weathering did

not spread evenly or nor have the same features. On carrier-

based aircraft, dirt or touched-up paint spots on their rear and

fluid leak marks around the engines were siginificantly different. Air

flow marks, sea salt corossion marks and footprints of service

crew were mainly seen on the tops of the wings. These effects

were added together but are shown more significant in different

areas. I produced a detailed sketch before starting with the whole

model separeted into visual centres with surrouding effects

produced at different levels providing different focal points. Some

areas like the cockpit and front air intake I only did light weathering

but with much stronger tones around the rear engine areas with

heat discolouration and fluid leaks.

Much of the surface weathering was gradually

airbrushed by adding differnt ratios of brown or white

to the base grey paint. I imitated dirt spots and

colour fading with very dilute colours and a gradual

process until I got the effect I wanted. After finishing

weathering I applied the decals and then a flat

clear coat. I used oil paints to add other effects

very patiently in gradual layers. The curved

scuffs on wing roots were created by a

brush attached to a drawing compass.

During the oil painting I frequently

referred to real images and also I

made sure the rear areas around

the engines remained a focus

with the strongest shifts of

colour and contrasts.

With the main airframe complete I concentrated on the details such

as the exhaust nozzles and landing gears. One of my final and most

favourite touches is the HUD support and screens, I applied

polarizing film on top of transparent accetate, with different lights the

HUD will show different colours like the actual unit.

It took me 18 months to complete this project. Honestly, the 20 year

old Hasegawa kit was behind times when I started but at that

moment, Tamiya’s 1:48 tomcat kits were not released and are a far

better starting point for a super-detailed project but I learned a lot

during the process which I can apply to future projects. It was a

great experience. I hope you agree the work involved with the

lighting was worth the effort and adds an interesting dimension to

(^16) my Tomcat.