Tamiya's Tomcat has been upgraded and ready for launch with a heap of new features in the new 48th scale "F-14A Tomcat (Late Model) Carrier Launch Set". We have the new information released about the set, the improvements to the kit and everything else we know in our preview...
Preview: Tamiya's new 1/48th scale F-14A Tomcat (Late Model) Carrier Launch Set
Grumman F-14A Tomcat (Late Model) Carrier Launch Set
From Tamiya
Product No #61122
1/48th Scale
Plastic injection moulded kit.
Decals for four aircraft are included
Price: $67 USD from Hobbylink Japan
Tamiya's latest 1/48th kit is a boon for F014 lovers. The recreates the Grumman F-14A Tomcat (Late Model) that saw service from the late 1980s to the early 2000s, but with a few extras that many modellers will relish. The addition of a full deck, lowered (take off) flying surfaces. The kit includes one crew figure (shooter") and a paper flight deck sheet for use on a super realistic diorama set.
The box art version included in the kit is the F-14A "Tomcat" VF-32 "Swordsmen". this is the CAG high-viz aircraft BuNo. 162701 from around the year 2000 with two MiG-23 kills on the nose.
The Kit Features:
• 1/48 scale plastic model assembly kit of the Grumman F-14A Tomcat (Late model). Fuselage length: 398mm, Wingspan: 408mm.
• A deck pattern that realistically expresses the details of the flight deck is made of paper, with a size of 460 mm x 276 mm
• Dedicated parts for the F-14A Tomcat (late model). The main wing can be expanded to the most advanced position to reproduce the state where the leading edge slats and flaps are fully down.
• Tamiya has prepared a large number of special parts such as the launch scene kit with the features of the F-14A late model.
• The main wing is modelled with the leading edge slats and flaps deployed as separate parts.
• The dirt/grime effect mark that expresses a concentric dirt pattern on the part that overlaps the wing glove when the variable wing retreats are represented in decal form.
• Robust main wing box parts that are integrally moulded to connect the left and right wings. The main wing is fixed at the correct angle to ensure reliable assembly. (The parts in the photo are painted)
• The telephoto camera pod (AN / AXX-1 TCS) is equipped on the underside of the nose, which is a feature of the late model F-14A.
• In addition to the shortened front gear that can reproduce the state where the nose is lowered at the time of launch, two types of catapult shuttle are available.
• You can create a dramatic scene just before the launch of the ship with the front gear legs contracted and leaning forward.
• The canopy reproduces the bubble-shaped cross-section with slide moulds.
• Three types of degassing panels are available to allow the firing gas of the 20 mm Gatling gun on the left side of the nose to escape to the outside of the aircraft. You can select according to the aircraft of your choosing.
• The crew wear equipment of late variant specifications such as a helmet without a visor cover. Two types can be selected according to the marking. (The parts in the photo are painted)
• There are two types of ejection seat cushions. Tamiya has also prepared parts with a simple shape (on the right side of the photo) that are often seen in the late model of F-14A. (The parts in the photo are painted)
• The instrument panel and side console panel can be selected according to the aircraft to be manufactured. The features of the late F-14A cockpit can be reproduced in detail. (The parts in the photo are painted)
• The fairing of the antenna (AN / ALQ-126 ECM antenna) added to the lower front surface of the wing glove is also faithfully modelled.
• Two types of main landing gear wheels can be selected according to the specifications of the aircraft.
• A large suite of weapons such as air-to-air missiles, guided bombs, and reconnaissance camera pods can be installed according to the aircraft of your choosing. Tamiya has also added Mk.82 regular bomb parts that aren't included in the F-14A and F-14D kits.
• The fully open engine nozzles reproduces the aircraft in full afterburner as it would be at launch.
• The horizontal stabilizer is movable by the poly cap. The airbag and sealing panel that fill the gap between the wing and the fuselage use parts for the wing forward state.
• A "1/48 Grumman F-14 Tomcat Detail Up Parts Set" (sold separately) that enhances the texture with precision metal parts is also available.
• Color diagrams that introduce the four types of markings and detailed manuals for actual machines will motivate you to make them.
• Four types of markings, including the "MiG killer" aircraft, warning and data plates for all parts of the aircraft are included, along with the slide/ grime marks that reproduce the dirty patterns on the main wings are included. Tamiya also includes a mask sticker for canopy painting.
The kit is due for release on the 20th of November
Price: $67 USD from Hobbylink Japan
You can see more of Tamiya's kits on their website...
