We’ve all seen Top Gun and the aircraft that fascinated me the most was Iceman’s F-14. I’m not sure why, but the idea of an F-14 in VFA-25 markings gets to me. Anyway, this is a progress report on an old F-14 model I’m trying to salvage.

 I got it a few years back but found that the fit left much to be desired and the cracks got to me so I quit. Years later I decided to add some filler and sand it down. It needs to be repainted because I was “smart” enough to paint the two halves while they were still on the tree. The emblem on the tail was printed out and taped on. I’m currently making custom decals including the 104 and Ice & Slider’s names and callsigns on Adobe Illustrator and decal paper.

A guy at a model train shop gave me a nice tip. Set the decal in water until the glue is completely gone then brush some Microset (not Microsol) on the model, place the decal on and the ink on the decal will melt onto the model as if it was painted. As far as the paint goes, I plan on redoing what I did earlier. Spray painting Testors light gull gray and weathering using pastel dust and a watercolor marker.  I actually bought a cheap F/A-18 model just for the decals but it was the low-viz scheme so that was a no-go. The only thing I managed to get out of it was making Slider’s helmet. I plan to use the rest on my next project.

This is just a salvage project and my next venture will be a 1/48 scale Hasegawa F-14B “what if” Operation Enduring Freedom Iceman with much more care and detail put into it. As for this one, I hope to update very soon.

Edgar