new releases
48
Its been a little while since Tamiya released their stunning F-14A
Tomcat but now they have followed up with this release of the
later D version most easily distinguished by under nose sensor
pods. When I built the original release I was extremely impressed
by the kit and in re-examining the parts of this new version its
impossible to not feel the same way again. Obviously the kit
carries over many elements of the original A version but there are
new instrument panels for the updated digital displays in the
cockpit as well as new seats and updated pilots. The seats are
beautifully detailed, the only complaint being that the seat
harnesses are supplied as decals, but if you fit the pilots they are
not required. This is one of those kits where you can happily build
the cockpit from the box with stunning results something which
always gets things off to a good start! I clearly recall the
unbelievable engineering of the kit with nose section slide fitting
into the main fuselage with a snug precision that I have yet to see
bettered. There are a few sprue runners to be removed from the
impressive lower fuselage moulding which just a fantastic
example of Tamiya at the top of their game. The intakes will also
fit perfectly so no aggravation with filler and the wings which arecarried over so no adjustable flight controls but to be honest they
all fit so beautifully you wont care! New exhausts for the uprated
F110 engine are provided with good internal and external details
cancelling out the need for aftermarket replacements. The
refuelling probe can be modelled in the open position and there is
also an option for the crew ladder to be deployed. Canopy
mouldings are just exceptional! The kit comes with a generous
assortment of weapons and here again the levels of detail are so
good that there is no need to look further. The TARPS pod for
example comes with internal camera detail and clear moulded
window sections. The kit comes with a choice of four different
schemes with a pleasing mix from the more colourful VF-213
scheme seen on the boxart to the more muted VF-11 scheme.
There is a separate decal sheet with the weapons stencils which
also includes carbon fibre effects for the exhaust mounts and unit
markings for the crew helmets. There is also a set of paint
masking stencils and self-adhesive stickers used to replicate
reinforcement on the fuselage. Without doubt this is THE state of
the art Tomcat in this scale, a sheer delight to assemble and with
just the right level of detail to be built from the box. Superb!Tamiya 1:48 F-14D Tomcat