F-14D Tomcat
First look at Tamiya 1/48 F-14D Tomcat
J
ust as we were about to go to
press we received Tamiya’s
new F-14D Tomcat. When
the F-14A was released in 2016
it was obvious that further
variants would follow and two
years later we have the final
Tomcat variant the F-14D.
Originally over 300 new build
F-14D models were ordered but
this was cut back to just 37 new
build aircraft and 18 upgraded
from existing airframes.
The main distinguishing
features of the D are the twin
pods under the nose containing
an infrared track system and TV
camera rather than the single
pod of earlier models. The other
recognition feature shared with
the F-14B is the General Electric
F-110 engines with their noticeably
different exhaust pipes. The new
Tamiya kit correctly captures all of
these features as well as the various
other smaller changes of the F-14D.
Where this kit excels is in
the underwing stores, which
illustrate the D Models change
from out and out Interceptor
to a Multi Role Aircraft.
The kit supplies enough
weaponry and equipment to
produce an aircraft in a number of
different roles starting with the
original Fleet Defence role using
a mix of Sidewinders, Sparrow
and Phoenix missiles. , For the
Reconnaissance role we have a
nice representation of the TARPS
reconnaissance pod. This is the best
I have ever seen in any scale with anice representation of the internal
cameras something I have never
seen reproduced before. Finally
we have a choice of two bomber
load outs using GBU-12 and GBU-16
laser Guided Bombs as well as the
GBU-31 JDAM joint attack munition.
To support the bombing role, you
also have a nice representation
of the AN/AAQ-25 LANTRIN
targeting pod which is mounted
under the port wing glove pylon.
One of the two decal sheets
supplies full markings for all the
of the ordinance as well as the
airframe stencilling. If you like
colourful markings this sheet
will not disappoint as it suppliesmarking for all four operation
squadrons including three
examples with very attractive
full colour markings, while even
the fourth subdued example still
feature a rainbow on the rudder
as well as a full colour unit crest.- F-14D, VF-2, Bounty Hunters, CAG
Bird, USS Constellation May 2003. - F-14D, VF-11, Red Rippers, CAG
Bird, USS Carl Vinson, 1995. - F-14D, VF-101, Grim Reapers,
September 2004. - F-14D, VF-213, Black Lions, USS
Theodore Roosevelt. March 2006
This new kit is sure to be popular
due to its widespread distributionand ease of construction and
is a fitting tribute to the last of
the proper US Navy fighters.
Our thanks to Tamiya’s UK
importer the Hobby Company
for supplying the review
sample which is now available
from all Tamiya stockist.WWW.SAMPUBLICATIONS.COM • SEPTEMBER 2018 • 43
FIRST LOOK!
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