If You Could Buy ANY but ONLY One 1:48 Scale F-14 Which One Would You Pick?

[Boba Debt]

Normally, I only collect 1:72 die cast models but I originally built shelves for a 1:48 F-14 and a 1:48 F15 into my display area

Then the cockpit details kind of changed my mind.


The best models looked good but I'm an AC Electrician that has been working on Marine Corps Aircraft since 1990

I’ve pulled the instruments, sticks and seats

I just wasn’t sold on the look

Until JNordgren42 introduced me to Quinta Studios 3-D Printed Deals in his Final Countdown F-14 thread

Now 1:48 SCALE is back on the menu

I’m going to start with the F-14, but I only want one so cost isn’t an issue

I’m not a builder so I don’t have a lot of experience with the various model companies and available kits

So I figure this is a good place to ask

If you could only have one F-14 on you shelf, which kit would you go with and why

 

[JNordgren42]

I don't build in 1/48 anymore but I've heard the Tamiya is hands down the way to go. Check out crackerjazz's Top Gun build, it's amazing!

Top Gun F-14s Take Two

Hi I'm trying to redeem myself from my failed, or should I say abandoned, project of building Hasegawa Top Gun F-14s. After learning that the Hasegawa wing gloves were too thick I just couldn't unsee them. I also made the mistake of gluing the canopies on to protect the cockpit from dust...

www.therpf.com

Also if you want the Quinta decals, I'd start looking now, they're in Russia and unfortunately they're hard to find because of the sanctions. Try Hobbynut Models, they appear to have quite a bit of stock on hand.

HobbyNut Models

Your source for plastic model kits for the discerning modeler, specializing in new releases, hard to find, and discontinued model kits. We buy used collections!

www.hobbynutmodels.com

 

[Attirex]

Any variant by Tamiya.

/endthread

 

[Boba Debt]

Oh no, I just discovered they come in 1:32 scale

 

[edge10]

Yep, Tamiya. They have both and A and a D variant. Choose the form of the Destructor, yourself.

 

[OlivierC]

For the f-14, at 1:48, Hasegawa is considered one of the best.
At 1:32, Tamiya was considered the best for a long time, but it's an old kit, I remember already owning one in the 90's when I was a kid. Then Trumpeter released one about 10 years ago considered better (including more accurate shapes over all). I haven't really kept up for the last 10 years, so unless Tamiya has released a newer version since, I'd go with Trumpeter.

It also depends which variant you want to make, A, B or D. The main noticeable difference between the 3 are the engines, and I think the D also has extra sensors. The Tamiya only has the A variant, while Trumpeter has all 3 I think. Edit: my bad, Tamiya has the D variant too like edge10 said.

Tamiya are great kits anyway, you can't really go wrong with them, but if you only want to very best, I'd consider the other options.

 

[Boba Debt]

Then Trumpeter released one about 10 years ago considered better (including more accurate shapes over all).

How do the wings fold on the 1:32 Trumpeter

I have been looking for a build video but can not find one

 

[OlivierC]

No idea, I have not built one myself. my comment was just based on the reviews remember reading at the time, like "this is the new best tomcat model, period"
I just watched an unboxing video so I got to see the parts and they don't seem to have the cog system like tamiya does, allowing to open both wings in sync. Looks like you have to manually rotate each wing individually

 

[mach7]

I think Tamiya released a new one in 1/32 scale a few years back.

I think Tamiya has the reputation as going together very well with minimal seams.
I built a 1/48 Trumpeter T-38 during lockdown, it was the new tool kit and I was not impressed.
I expected better.

 

[Dedalus5550]

As I recall, the "new" Tamiya 32nd scale kit is labeled "1994 version." If that's the last one, not that new. Seems like the oddity with that one is flat panels with decals, which is a head-scratcher all the way down to 1/72nd scale. Anyway, I'd ask at www.zone-five.net.
Mike Todd

 

[Axlotl]

I'd steer clear of Trumpeter if you're not an experienced modeler.
I've built two of their P-40B and one of their P-38L, both 1:32, and while the overall shape/proportions/impression is spot on, they both have a ton of small, terribly frustrating inaccuracies that just shouldn't exist on a model of that scale.

 

[Boba Flint]

Tamiya 1/48 are the best.

 

[Dedalus5550]

Tamiya 1/48 are the best.

View attachment 1594494

Those wings look like they're in the stowed position, beyond fully swept. Did they ever do that in flight? Be aware, I think the Tamiya is package two ways; one has the wings "clean" and the other "dirty."
Mike Todd

 

[enterprise0216]

The build looks terrific F-14 or back in the days of testing when it was being developed 303. Great job all round love the base ties all together.

 

[Analyzer]

I have not looked into 1/32

A bit late to the party, but as others have mentioned, the Tamiya kits are the ones recommended most for 1/48 scale

However, the announced Great Wall Hobby 1/48 F-14 may wind up being better than even Tamiya's, especially if it is anything like the 1/72 version

Here are some discussions about the upcoming 1/48 kit

F-14 Great Wall Hobby - another Quarter scale Tomcat on the way

After Tamiya released their two Tomcat versions, now its time for Great Wall Hobby to hit us with their representation of the mighty F-14 jet.

dnmodels.com

1/48 - Grumman F-14A Tomcat by Great Wall Hobby (GWH) - 3D renders

No it's not a joke. Great Wall Hobby (GWH) is also preparing a 1/48th Grumman F-14A Tomcat kit - ref. L4823 Sources: http://www.moxingfans.com/new/news/2018/0928/5025.html https://tieba.baidu.com/p/5896435363 V.P.

www.britmodeller.com

I have the 1/72 kit and it is truly amazing. It is the most detailed and complete featured one I have ever seen, and it has parts for showing all kinds of things open, in maintenance. Things like posing the radome open, dropping the flaps, and leading edge slats, opening the airbrakes, wheel options for compressed tires to look like great weight is on them

out of the box, you can build one in take off position with no aftermarket parts needed. That is a rare ting for aircraft models

With all the options and details, it has nearly 300 parts just for a 1/72 version kit!

You also get a choice of 3 different markings, one of them being a run of the mill, plain old everyday, non-cag bird, or two of the fancier USS Constellation CAG birds.

Can't recommend it enough for 1/72

This is the Fine Scale modeler review of the 1/72 kit

Build review of the GWH F-14D Tomcat scale model aircraft kit | FineScale Modeler Magazine

FineScale Modeler reviews the 1/72 scale plastic model aircraft kit. This is the company’s second release in its Tomcat line, the first being an early F-14A in VF-1 Wolfpack markings. This new kit represents the last version, the F-14D “Super Tomcat” with the improved GE F110 engines. Most parts...

finescale.com

 

[Analyzer]

oh, and there is also the AMK 1/48 to consider

biggest difference

The AMK provides all the other part to display the tomcat on the catapult (wings forwards, slat and flaps in takeoff, nose gear compressed, launch bar extended, …) but does not provide pilots. It’s a small details, but you have never seen a aircraft on the catapult with nobody on boards…
On the other hand, the Tamiya tomcat cannot be displayed on the catapult (no flaps, no slats, no compressed gear and no launch bar extended) and is more meant to be displayed parked (or in flight)

AMK Kit No. 88007 - Grumman F-14D Super Tomcat Review by John Miller

AMK 88007 1/48 F-14D Super Tomcat Kit First Look

Here is our first-look at AMK's 88007 1/48 F-14D Super Tomcat kit.

www.cybermodeler.com