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JSI Jolly Rogers Tomcat Advice Needed
Posted: Sat Dec 17, 2011 2:55 pm
by Tinman
Fellow board members, any thoughts on these items?
Missing the pitot tube (nose probe). Can replacements be found, or has anyone had success in fabricating one? My skills are very basic.
The glove vanes are loose and prone to sliding inside where they become a challenge to pull out again. How have you tightened things up? I'd like them to remain movable, but to tend to stay in place once adjusted.
Loose tail hook flops down. Glue it up, or has someone found a better way?
Thanks!!!
Re: JSI Jolly Rogers Tomcat Advice Needed
Posted: Sat Dec 17, 2011 3:39 pm
by AJWW2
Here is an F-16 pitot tube, I don't know if it is compatible with an F-14, but I thought I'd try:
http://www.badcattoys.com/fpitu1bbi.html
Re: JSI Jolly Rogers Tomcat Advice Needed
Posted: Sun Dec 18, 2011 9:43 am
by pizzaguy
I made a mold of mine to use while making covers. I didn't want to take the chance of losing or breaking the original. I can make you a couple. PM Me if your interested.
Re: JSI Jolly Rogers Tomcat Advice Needed
Posted: Sun Dec 18, 2011 11:29 am
by Tinman
PM sent
Re: JSI Jolly Rogers Tomcat Advice Needed
Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2011 6:39 am
by toyktdlgh
To be honest a pilot tube is probably one of the easiest items for a novice modeler to fabricate. The only thing you may need to buy would be some metal files. You can get a basic file kit at Harbor Freight or any modeling store. All you need then is a plastic sprue from an opened model box. Just cut a long piece off and start filing it down to the correct shape. Make it long enough to hold the end while filing then cut it off at the correct length when finished. If you happen to use a grey model sprue painting the tube may not be necessary. After you have the right shape just sand it smooth.
Re: JSI Jolly Rogers Tomcat Advice Needed
Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2011 7:21 am
by Bruzilla
I used sprue tro make a replacement for mine, but there's an easier way than filing. Just light a candle and hold the sprue above it until it starts to sag in the middle. Then slowly stretch it. It takes a couple of times to get it right, but it sure beats filing.
Re: JSI Jolly Rogers Tomcat Advice Needed
Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2011 7:25 am
by toyktdlgh
I guess I’m old school. Now the kids are using candles.
Either way you can make one pretty easily.
Re: JSI Jolly Rogers Tomcat Advice Needed
Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2011 7:27 pm
by Tinman
Thank you all for your advice, and especially to pizzaguy who is sending me pitot tubes.
One more question -
I accientally bumped the the side of the tan-painted nose into the gun on my JSI Tiger I tank (the toy shelves are crowded, what can I say). Now there's a small, but noticeable mark on the F-14 nose. Is there a way to buff it out without making things worse (it's really not that bad, just one of those little imperfections that will drive me nuts)?
Re: JSI Jolly Rogers Tomcat Advice Needed
Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2011 8:35 pm
by tko211
Hey tinman- just read your PMs... Bummer about your pitot tube! I don't have any extra nor do I have any connections to get a replacement.
Sorry bro! As for your nose- if you like you can send the nose to me and I'll repaint the tan section! Super super easy and I can turn it overnight- no charge! Happy to help!
Re: JSI Jolly Rogers Tomcat Advice Needed
Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2011 7:13 pm
by 456THBG
tko211 wrote:Hey tinman- just read your PMs... Bummer about your pitot tube! I don't have any extra nor do I have any connections to get a replacement.
Sorry bro! As for your nose- if you like you can send the nose to me and I'll repaint the tan section! Super super easy and I can turn it overnight- no charge! Happy to help!
That's pretty cool, Zach...
Re: JSI Jolly Rogers Tomcat Advice Needed
Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2011 4:45 pm
by Tinman
tko211 wrote:Hey tinman- just read your PMs... Bummer about your pitot tube! I don't have any extra nor do I have any connections to get a replacement.
Sorry bro! As for your nose- if you like you can send the nose to me and I'll repaint the tan section! Super super easy and I can turn it overnight- no charge! Happy to help!
Zach, I really appreciate your generous offer - thank you! Let me try buffing it first. If that doesn't work, then I will definitely take you up on your offer.
Re: JSI Jolly Rogers Tomcat Advice Needed
Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2011 4:46 pm
by Tinman
tko211 wrote:Hey tinman- just read your PMs... Bummer about your pitot tube! I don't have any extra nor do I have any connections to get a replacement.
Sorry bro! As for your nose- if you like you can send the nose to me and I'll repaint the tan section! Super super easy and I can turn it overnight- no charge! Happy to help!
Zach, I really appreciate your generous offer - thank you! Let me try buffing it first. If that doesn't work, then I will definitely take you up on your offer.
Re: JSI Jolly Rogers Tomcat Advice Needed
Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2011 3:11 pm
by Tinman
Happily, the paint scuff on the nose turned out to be no big deal. I was able to buff most of it off and it's barely noticeable now.
A big Thank You to pizzaguy for sending me pitot tubes. Took a gray sharpie marker to one, and it fit perfectly and looks great on my F-14.
Today I spent about an hour and a half mounting the big beast to a wall. Hung it belly to the wall (gear up) at a precise 45 degree angle, jetting up and to the right. Used 50 lb test fishing line. It was a bear of a job, but it turned out beautifully.
Special thanks to TKO for the fantastic paint job early this year, now finally displayed in all its glory!!!