*COMPLETE* The Final Countdown Zero dogfight diorama - Part 1: 1/72 Academy F-14A
- Thread starter JNordgren42
- Start date
JNordgren42
Sr Member
Tonight's progress. I've got the sides of the fuselage almost done. The nose of a high viz Tomcat is very busy, but it looks fantastic.
The nose is looking great.
Lots of small data plates under the wings.
I was worried that the slime lights wouldn't show well against the yellow tail tips, but they look great.
Squadron number on the ventral fins.
Starboard nose is almost done. Just need the danger trefoils.
The nose is looking great.
Lots of small data plates under the wings.
I was worried that the slime lights wouldn't show well against the yellow tail tips, but they look great.
Squadron number on the ventral fins.
Starboard nose is almost done. Just need the danger trefoils.
Analyzer
Master Member
There are so many various stencils and markings on planes, most of the stuff you never really notice too much until you have to actually have to apply them all, other than that they just kind of blend in with the details compared to the larger hazard markings and squad markings
The most tedious for me are the No Step ones
The most tedious for me are the No Step ones
JNordgren42
Sr Member
And Tomcats have A LOT of No Step warnings...
Blackscreen
New Member
I just found this thread looking around because I'm working on the "same" project. Though we're working in different scales...
JNordgren42
Sr Member
Nice! 1/144? And looks like you're using actual Zero kits?
JNordgren42
Sr Member
Decals are complete. Another coat of gloss clear tomorrow, and it will be time to start weathering.
Blackscreen
New Member
Yes they're 1/144. The Tomcats are Revell kit RVL4021 and yes, they are actual Zero kits, Minicraft MMI14751. I was going to go after T-6's online but my buddy gifted me the Zeros from stock they had collecting dust at the shop he works at. I figured "historical" accuracy wouldn't be too heinous a crime...
Blackscreen
New Member
Looks great! One question, unless I'm completely missing it, you've still got exhaust nozzles to install, right?
joberg
Legendary Member
Great job overall...eager to see it without a taped cockpit 
The only critique I have is that I wouldn't have sprayed it with a gloss finish. I think that most of the pics you find online are showing a matt finish...maybe a clear satin at most...unless that gloss will permit you with the "Wear & Tear" of the final look.
The only critique I have is that I wouldn't have sprayed it with a gloss finish. I think that most of the pics you find online are showing a matt finish...maybe a clear satin at most...unless that gloss will permit you with the "Wear & Tear" of the final look.
Analyzer
Master Member
excellent, really shaping up
I am guessing it is gloss right now for applying decals and then to protect things during weathering?
Will you be adding the navigation/anti-collision lights?
I always struggle with trying to add those and make them like more than just a painted on red and green spot/ Have good over them helps, but I find using inks instead of paint and leaving a little bit of darker around the edge and lighter in the middle/leading edge helps
I am guessing it is gloss right now for applying decals and then to protect things during weathering?
Will you be adding the navigation/anti-collision lights?
I always struggle with trying to add those and make them like more than just a painted on red and green spot/ Have good over them helps, but I find using inks instead of paint and leaving a little bit of darker around the edge and lighter in the middle/leading edge helps
Blackscreen
New Member
I actually have a Quickboost kit for that sitting with my 1/48 Tamiya F-14A:
F-14A Tomcat - Position Lights, Quickboost QB 48 776 (2017)
Quickboost detail set in scale 1:48, QB 48 776 is a NEW tool released in 2017 | Contents, Previews, Reviews, History + Marketplace | Grumman F-14 Tomcat | EAN: 4589913228467
www.scalemates.com
Analyzer
Master Member
Nice
I guess the green winds up looking more blue before it is lit, or are the lights actually blue?
Blackscreen
New Member
The lenses were blue, but the bulbs that were commonly used had a yellowish tint, resulting in the green...
JNordgren42
Sr Member
I've been debating which way to go for the Zeros, I'm pretty sure I'm going to attempt the T-6 conversion, but I haven't bought anything yet. And free would definitely tip the scales.
JNordgren42
Sr Member
The gloss is to give the decals a better surface to adhere to, and the gloss sealing coat should be better for washes and weathering. I'm going to do a final flat or semi-gloss coat after weathering. I haven't decided which, I'm going to test both on one of my practice panels and see what looks better.Great job overall...eager to see it without a taped cockpit
Analyzer
Master Member
Makes total sense and good to know
Some kits includes decals for things like that, but sometimes they are very blue, but others are more green
I thought the blue was maybe a printing issue
I may have to revisit some of my stuff and redo them more blue
JNordgren42
Sr Member
Yep, I tried the decals, but I didn't like how they looked so I'm going to paint them. I'm going to try a white or silver under coat with clear red and blue over the top.
JNordgren42
Sr Member
Yep, I'm waiting to install the cans and nozzles until after I glued the horizontal stabilizers on so I can access the posts from the inside.
Analyzer
Master Member
I did not think about that. Silver underneath with the clear ink might be the effect I was looking for. I will have to give that a try
Maybe both?
The black areas here for example have a slightly glossier satin appearance compared to the rest of the body
Also things like the missiles I think would be more satin if not full gloss as well?
hi-res
