F14A Tomcat USN 1:48 [ Ex-AC1659 ]

F14A Tomcat USN 1:48 [ Ex-AC1659 ]

First issued back in the 1980's & still holding it's place as one of the best 1/48 scale F14's on the market. I have a recollection that Squadron Mail Order declared it 'Kit of the Year' not long after it appeared.This is where I begin to show my age- I could swear that I saw these on the shelves back in 1983 [ I got my copy from Pen Models in Oakville- sob, where are you now,Pen??? ], but Scalemates is saying it was first issued in 1988!  I really have to dig up my stash of Squadron Mail Order catalogs & monthly sale sheets from the 1980's [ I don't throw anything away ! ] & verify this little fact. Hang tight, kids- I will let you know [ don't hold your breath-this may take a while! ].

There are more modern toolings of the F-14 available, but none offer the same bang for the buck. For example,this kit offers WAY more external stores & weaponry than the Hasegawa kit, yet the Hasegawa kit allows you to drop all the flaps & slats. The Tamiya kit may actually eclipse ALL 1/48 scale F-14 kits as to detail & accuracy, but it is TRIPLE the price of the Academy kit! If you are looking for a straight-forward, problem free build, this is the kit for you. The resulting model looks, smells & feels like a Tomcat! Yes folks, the Academy kit does have scribed [ recessed ] panel lines, not the dreaded raised lines that your Grandfathers had to deal with !

Highly recommended for the everyday modeller. A fanatic can, with the addition of aftermarket parts & lots of TLC, turn this model into a showpiece!