Larger images are further down in this article.

   Some time ago, I decided to try and build all of the F-14 Tomcat squadrons in 1/72 scale. I spent the better part of a year collecting the different decal sheets and patches, then searched out as many Tomcat models as possible. Since there would be so many, I tried not to pay more than $10 for any of the kits. I wanted this project to be something that was a break from “serious” modeling. They were going to be shelf sitters, so I built them relatively quickly, with no extra detailing, just making sure that the basics were done, and even then sometimes I skimped on those! A couple of the kits I reclaimed from when I was a teenager. It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint and decals can do. The rest were built over the last 2-3 years. I’m about halfway through the project, so I’d thought I’d share some of the completed models. All different manufacturers were used, so let’s take a little test and see if you can identify which kits are from which company. The answers are down below, so DON”T cheat and go looking for them until you’ve tried.  

Darren

Airfix – VF-84
Academy – VF-2,
Academy – VF-74
ESCI (AMT/ERTL) – VF-31,
ESCI (AMT/ERTL) – VF-301
ESCI (AMT/ERTL) – VF-302
Fujimi – VF-142
Hasegawa (old mold-includes Hobbycraft) – VF-24
Hasegawa (old mold-includes Hobbycraft) – VF-143
Hasegawa (new mold) – VF-1,
Hasegawa (new mold) – VF-101,
Hasegawa (new mold) – VF-102
Italeri – VX-4,
Italeri – VF-213
Revell/Germany – VF-154