This is my straight out of the box Tomcat in the
80s "Jolly Rogers" markings. The Kit provided parts for different
Block production 'Cats so some research had to be done to get some authencity
:). It's an excellent kit although there were some fitting problems in the
front fuselage and the engine sections. Not a kit I'd recommend to a newbie
modeller.
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I decided to build the 'Cat with wings
folded as it takes up much less display space :) and it looks much nicer
this way anyway.
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Click on image to
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I
decided to just leave the canopy closed. Just two strips of double sided
tape were used to tape the canopy into place. I lost the steps to the
ladder so I had to scratchbuild some from some metal rods. They turned out
quite ok, much to my relief.
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The reason why one engine nozzle is open while
the other is closed is that once landed, the pilot will shut down one engine
(usually the left one) while taxi-ing. This only happens in the A model
Tomcats. B and D 'Cats get uprated engines that look different and don't
behave the same way.
Click on image to
right to see larger image |
The VF-84 "Jolly Rogers" is
probably one of the most recognizable squadrons in the world, with its
distinct skull and crossbones insignia. "AJ" was the tailcode
assigned to Carrier Air Wing 8 which VF-84 was a part of.
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Weapons were taken from the Hasegawa Weapon Sets.
My 'Cat is armed with the standard Combat Air Patrol loadout of 2x AIM-54
Phoenix AAMs, 2x AIM-7 Sparrow AAMs and 2xAIM-9 Sidewinder AAMs. I made the
mistake of using the 90s version of the Sidewinders. Oops...
Click on image to
right to see larger image |
During
the 80s, Tomcats tended to be very clean but after seeing a slightly dirty
High-Viz 'Cat photo from the web, I couldn't resist weathering mine. It's
basically heavily diluted artist oil. I added liberally around the areas I
felt would need them and wiped them with my fingers. A simple and
straightforward method. |
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Eddy
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