1/18th F-14A "BLACK KNIGHTS" Tomcat, JSI's 2nd release

[A-10LOADER]

Let me start out by saying that this did not start out as your traditional "model kit" and I did not build it. It is a pre-built / finished model released by JSI International LTD. It was their second release, of their F-14 Tomcats, in 2011 and since I'm nuts about Tomcats I had to have it. Their first version was a very poorly finished VF-84 F-14A, released in 2009. I am currently converting the VF-84 F-14A into a VF-103 F-14B.

I was much happier with their paint job on this second version that I chosen to leave her as is, kind of a BEFORE and AFTER versions if you will. I did do a couple of modifications however, first I added a Pilot and RIO and custom painted their helmets in VF-154 livery and added kneeboards to the aircrew. I also painted the CCG ( Computer Control Group ) of the GBU-16's flat brown.

I hope you all enjoy the photos and don't mind that I posted this here, thanks.


Steve

[granch]

Very impressive beast and nice "small" work... How many different versions of the Cat do you have? A full hangar?

[A-10LOADER]

Thanks granch. I only have 2 of the Big Cats, this one and the one I am currently converting from an A model to a B model.


Steve

[A-10LOADER]

Some pics with her on her new base that I made, enjoy.

[Jwcarpenter]

That is awesome! I love the base, It really makes the plane pop!

[rschaap]

Nice display for a worthy bird.

[tmanthegreat]

Nice display stand! Doesn't look too difficult to make... Now you've got me thinking

Fantastic-looking F-14 as well Wish I had gotten one when the VF-154 planes were for sale. There was one that sat at my hobby store for months and I was even offered it at a discount, but didn't bite... At the time I had different living arrangements and only one room with limited display space and with my repainted VF-84 F-14 taking up a bit of space, I couldn't justify another at that time.

[A-10LOADER]

Working on a new display for my 1/18th scale " Black Knight " Tomcat. Here's a teaser shot. The base is 43" X 40". The box stands 41" tall. The top will be done with water and that carrier will be incorporated as well. Stay tuned ...






Steve

[rschaap]

Looks like the display will be awesome. Can't wait to see the finished product.

[granch]

Wow, a very strongly stretched forced perspective, very nice! You could add a complete squadron flying over your Cat, scaled 1/32, 1/48, 1/72, 1/144... or a 1/600 one (scale of the carrier?) on final approach...
Can't wait to see how you're going to make the see!

[A-10LOADER]

Thanks guys for the encouraging words.

Granch, I want to keep it simple. I don't want anything to distract from the main subject, the Tomcat. I just thought the carrier would add a little interest. I wish I could find a die-cast Kitty Hawk carrier about 10" long however. I DO NOT want to build anything.


Steve

[normandy]

Beautiful looking plane, I had no idea how big they are in 1:18. With the F-14 on that base this will be the center
piece of the room, nice job!

[A-10LOADER]

Thanks Normandy,

Yes, they are large. From the back end to the tip of the nose pitot tube, she measures @ 42" long. My other Tomcat will be displayed going vertical and that base will only be @ 26" X 26" but, the whole display ( base + glass cover ) will be about 67" tall.


Steve

[dannyc]

Thanks Normandy,

Yes, they are large. From the back end to the tip of the nose pitot tube, she measures @ 42" long. My other Tomcat will be displayed going vertical and that base will only be @ 26" X 26" but, the whole display ( base + glass cover ) will be about 67" tall.


Steve

saw your photos on Facebook it looks great

[A-10LOADER]

Thanks Danny.

Small update for today,

I've finally obtained all my materials for doing the ocean. My first step is to seal the top of the base with a sanding sealer so the water making materials won't harm the surface of the MDF.



I also had to disassemble the carrier because it had 3 small wheels inside of it. I wish I could find a better die-cast Kitty Hawk carrier about 10" long. I DO NOT want to build anything plus, I know nothing about ships and, more time on this means less time on the F-14B. I did open up the hanger bays by sanding the backs off.






Steve

[granch]

I've searched for the CV-63, and found this, scale 1:800:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Academy- ... wwod6YMNbw.
Seems to be much more detailled, but it would also meen more work...
This Academy Model is also to be find on eBay.

[A-10LOADER]

Granch,

Thanks for the link. I did search for other options and saw these as well. The 1/800th scale carrier is 15 3/4" long, 3 1/4" wide and, 3 1/2" tall. They are very well detailed but, that is more work than I wanted to do and at that size it would have to be really close to the jet to fit on the base. I don't think it would look right.

Steve

[granch]

A-10 Loader,
I know, cause you told it to me before, that you don't want to spend more time on kit of the vessel. I thought it was smaller than the die-cast model you found.
I'm very impatient to see how you're going to make the water surface, please show us the different steps...

[A-10LOADER]

Will do.


Steve

[A-10LOADER]

I know I said I didn't want to build anything but, I scored this off EBay for $9.00. It's at least the correct carrier ( the metal one was CVN-62 Independance ) but, needs some updating to the Island / super structure to bring her up to 1998 time frame. I won't be able to use the aircraft either. I still wish I could find a pre-painted metal one.







I also got the sanding sealer applied and sanded on the top. I left a 5/8" space around the outer edge and painted this flat black to help hide the screws that will hold the top down. I'm working on some other small items to help dress up this display when it's finished. I also need to make, stain and, clear all the trim for this box as well. Thanks for looking.


Steve

[granch]

Is this Monogram model more detailled? I can't recognize the planes, some skyhawks, perheaps, but the others... At this scale, they are very small. You will not be able to paint the blue eyes of any pilot...

[A-10LOADER]

Is this Monogram model more detailled? I can't recognize the planes, some skyhawks, perheaps, but the others... At this scale, they are very small. You will not be able to paint the blue eyes of any pilot...

The Monogram kit is slightly more detailed than the die-cast version. The aircraft included are A-4's, F-4's and, A-3's, none of which I can use for the time frame.


Steve

[granch]

I found this on the web:
Kitty Hawk: They are 6 F/A-18, 4 F-14 and 2 SH-60 in this kit...
Manufacturer : Fujimi
Scale : 1/700
Series : Sea Way Model , SWM-38
Regular Price : 4,600yenabout39.28USD
Sales Price : 4,140yenabout35.35USD
Shop name is Hobby Search, if the link below doesn't work.
https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10011363
http://static.hlj.com/images/fuj/fuj44138_0.jpg

[A-10LOADER]

Thanks Granch, I saw this one too. This one is even bigger than the 1/800th scale carrier so, it's not an option either.

Steve

[A-10LOADER]

Small update for today,

I needed to sand down some of the hull of the carrier to create a "waterline" carrier. This will allow the carrier to sit down in the water. I marked out the hull with some tape to give me a reference mark while sanding.



Once the bottom was sanded I then needed to cutout a blank for the bottom of the hull. I used some .030" sheet plastic for this.



While I write this the blank is already glued on to the hull and I will let it sit over night to fully dry. I will post more tomorrow, thanks for looking.


Steve