AMK : F-14D SUPER TOMCAT : 1/48 SCALE MODEL

Kit No.: 88009
Scale: 1/48

Subject: F-14D Super Tomcat

Paints : Mainly stuck with Tamiya lacquers since when starting the build, I just received them in to put up on BJ Hobby Supply. Used Mr. Surfacer 1500 for the primer, and sprinkled in a color or two from Tamiya’s acrylic and Vallejo’s Model Air ranges.

Clear coats: I almost exclusively used Tamiya’s LP gloss, satin, and flat finishes. I think these are absolutely comparable and just as high quality as the Mr. Hobby lacquer clears (superclear III, super smooth flat, etc). The flat coat especially, LP23, produces a very amazing finish without subduing anything underneath it.

Weathering:  Abteilung oils, Ak Interactives streaking grime effects, a couple acrylic model washes by Vallejo

Aftermarket: Eduard Brassin resin wheels

Build Thread: First step-by-step for Genessis Models, 15 episodes. I’ll get better at the video presentations the more I do. Here is a link if you’re subscribed.  https://www.genessis-models.co.uk/videos/building-the-amk-f-14d-super-tomcat-1-48-scale-basic-step-by-step-video-build/
Sorry, I didn’t do this as a forum build. I just had too much on the plate with learning video, audio, effects, etc. Putting that all together is a lot of work. It gives me a more profound respect for those, like Bobby, who make it look easy.

I thought the kit was magnificent. This is definitely a high part count kit, and consequently, a relatively high degree of attention-to-detail is needed in various assembly operations, and this is right up my alley. However, a bit of planning and test fitting will get one comfortable with the assembly, and it should go together with ease. The level of detail is astonishing, and the only reason why the resin wheels were added was to get some tread on the rubber for better effect.

I disliked the engine exhausts because of the nasty seamlines. The peaks and valleys of the ribs made the seamlines too difficult to work out effectively, but luckily, these don’t show much in the end. I also disliked the clear parts for the nav and position lights. They protruded too much, but that’s what Micro Kristal Klear is for!

The decals were truly magnificent, the engineering on the slide-in cockpit tub was a dream, the single mold missiles were efficient to work with, the single piece canopy was super clear and only needed minor polishing, the extended wings with flaps, slats, and spoilers all adds character to the static display.

And I have to say thanks to @Gamerleveldad for building his along with me. We followed each other on a Discord chat, and it was cool to discuss the ups and downs, bounce ideas off each other, and then friendly bantering about user error when something didn’t go right. Below are some pics, as well as a link to the final reveal section of episode 15 that adds a few more shots not in this thread: