Two Bobs Aviation Graphics

1/48 F-14B Last of the Tomcats 1 decal sheet

Product #48096

Product Article by Steve Filak on Aug 29 2005

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Here's a review of a new 1/48 sheet from Twobobs, sheet 48-096, "F-14B Last of the Tomcats 1".  This sheet is literally hot off of the press, as I received my sample from the first batch available at the 2005 IPMS/USA National Convention.

This sheet covers the final two schemes worn by VF-103's showbird, F-14B, BuNo 163217.  Both these schemes commemorate two of the last sets of markings to adorn the full color jet from this historic unit. The first set of markings is the 60th Anniversary markings, which lists all of the squadrons who have worn The Bones since their inception in 1943.  The 103 bird wore thse markings until earlier this year, when the tail markings were changed to read "Jolly Rogers: Final Tomcat Cruise", and these markings comprise the second set of decals on the sheet.  Several other markings changed at that time, including the deletion of the 'MUTHA' and 'Safety S' awards, and the addition of the 'Golden Wrench' award, which you'll find on the sheet.  Other changes to the 2005 scheme include a change in the pilot's name from Ens. Jack Ernie to CDR 'Bear' Koehr, XO, as well as mission markings on the nose.

 

This sheet is of excellent quality, as we have come to expect from Twobobs, and of course, the subject matter of the Jolly Rogers is always a popular one with Tomcat modelers.  My example is in perfect register, and the yellow trim color is accurately matched to the real thing.  Stencils and slime lights are also included, and another nice feature is the fact that the wingtip slime lights are marked as to their postion on the aircraft, left/right, fore and aft.  This is especially useful as each slime light is sized to fit in the proper place - a nice touch in my opinion.  

A few very minor nitpicks with the instruction sheet as follows:  Both aircraft are listed as VFA-103 aircraft, when in fact they were still VF-103 until they got their Super Hornets.  No big deal, just something to correct the historical record, and has nothing to do with the markings themselves.  Also, the instructions reference Lt. Emily Kochenash on the bottom of the second scheme.  This was more than likely a holdover from the previous VF-103 sheet, as I believe Lt. Kochenash had her name on the 110 aircraft (161435).  At any rate, the markings don't appear on the sheet, but this information is being provided to clear up any potential confusion.

As usual, the instructions contain four-view color drawings which display not only decal placement, but color schemes as well.  Color callouts are provided for Testors, Humbrol, Gunze, and Xtracrylics.  You'll also find no less than twenty small reference photos on the instruction sheet itself.

1/48th Scale Kits and Accessories
  • Hasegawa F-14B
  • Italeri F-14B
  • Black Box Cockpit
  • Aires Wheel Bay
  • Aeroclub Ejection Seat
  • Verlinden Ejection Seat
  • EZ Mask Canopy Mask

This sheet is available through http://www.twobobs.net/ and select US Hobby Shops.  Overseas customers can purchase these from Twobobs site or through Twobobs network of overseas distributors.  Remember, shipping is always FREE to US Customers at Twobobs!! 

Steve

Photos and text © by Steve Filak