Subject: Re: 1/48 Italeri F-14B Converted to D version
From: "Submissions for ARC" <[email-masked]>
To: <[email-masked]>
Date: Tue, 17 Jun 2008 21:24:11 -0700

Hi,
I just wanted to let you know your article went on ARC today.  Thanks again for sending it in.

Steve Bamford
Aircraft Resource Center
http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com

Live like there is no tomorrow;
Love like you've never been hurt.
Work like you don't need the money.
Dance like nobody's watching.
Sing like nobody's listening.
Live like it's Heaven on Earth.

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: [email-masked] 
  To: [email-masked] 
  Sent: Thursday, May 15, 2008 3:23 AM
  Subject: 1/48 Italeri F-14B Converted to D version 

   

  1/48 Italeri F-14B Converted to D version  

  by Chee Hong Wong
  --------------------

        Steve Bamford will insert full sized version of photo 01.jpg here 

  I am back with some photos of an Italeri F-14B that is converted into the D version. It represent VF-31 Tomcatters on board the Carl Vinson back in the 90's.

  For those who want to build a B or D version, I would advise not to use Italeri kit because it is going to involve a lot of modifications especially around the exhaust section. The mid section of the exhausts for Italeri F-14B are missing so they have to be build from scratch.

  It is a painful experience because you need to bend the plastic card in shape to match the shape of the main fuselage and the exhaust noozle. Worst case is I have another Italeri F-14B which was bought many years ago.

  If you don't want to spend too much for a Hasegawa F-14B/D, the other option is Revell but the cockpit and ejector seats need to be modified to represent the D version. 

  Click on images below to see larger images

        Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 03.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 03.jpg 
       Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 04.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 04.jpg 
       Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 05.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 05.jpg 
       Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 06.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 06.jpg 

   

  Needles to say the control panel for Italeri is also incorrect. It belongs to the A version. I have to modify the front panel to match the D version. I have also added control panel for the RIO in the back seat. The HUD and the stand are built from scratch from beer can and transparency.

  The ejector seats are also modified. Seat belts are added.

  Front landing gear was cut and placed in turning position. I also "stole" some parts from Revell F-14D.

          

        Steve Bamford will insert full sized version of photo 02.jpg here 

  Decals are a mix of  Revell and Italeri. Weathering was done with water soluble crayon (sad case - I lose the crayon and I can't find this item in Malaysia L).

  As the kit does not come with LANTIRN pod or any bombs which are common on F-14B and D, I decided to arm my Cat with AIM-54 Phoenix and AIM-9 Sidewinder on the outer pylon configured for air to air mission.

  I hope you enjoy the pictures J

  While this is not an accurate D Cat, I have learn a lot scratch building some parts from plastic card. I am currently working on an old Revell F-18C salvaged from my junkyard and will post again in the near future.

  Chee Hong.