SPA Modeler

mustang1989 wrote:Hope all is going alright with you John. Hang in there brother and looking forward to your return.

You know how it is, Joe! It's just... Life! If I take a step back and take the time to get a good perspective on things, I have way more things to be thankful for than not. But thanks for asking! I'm gonna leave the F-14A alone for a while but I promise I'll get back to her in time!

It's been a few years but I've been getting the urge to revisit the Tomcat. I left her with the front fuselage and cockpit all buttoned up. One of things that I wasn't completely happy with were the yellow and black pull handles on the headrest. I used this task as a test run to see if my interest in building this kit would re-spark. I fashioned some new handles from copper wire. Not a huge difference but I like them better.



I also re-painted the instrument panel shrouds for both the pilot and co-pilot positions.




At some point during the build or maybe even after I stopped, I picked up a set of 3D-printed landing gear from Detail & Wonder. Not knowing anything about 3D-printed parts and how to remove the intricate parts from the complex web of supports, I hesitated on looking at these parts any further.


I've since used a few 3D-printed parts and now feel comfortable using them. The set has a combination of 3D-printed parts (for the legs) and traditional cast resin (wheels).


However, the nose strut has already been secured into place within the nose wheel well and wheel well is now sandwiched between the glued fuselage halves.



For reference, this is what the kit nose gear looks like after painting.



I removed the nose strut pieces from their protective cage and gave it a coat of primer to see how much of an upgrade this would be.



WOW... No contest! After seeing the incredible detail that D&W poured into the nose strut, I just had to try and use it. So... I busted the nose assembly apart. Carefully and incrementally, trying to keep the separation at the glue joints and avoid cracking plastic. The only "break" were the mounting pins on the base of the nose gear, which will be replaced anyway. The receiving holes in the sidewalls of the nose well were easily re-drilled.


It looks like a more than worthy upgrade... if I can manage to paint it adequately.

Great so see some progress in the Phantom-department!

" If you can manage to paint it adequately " Don't sell yourself short man....you are a very advanced builder, who goes for every minute detail. I personally watch every one of your builds with joy and complete jealousy. But I'm ok with that. I'll be watching you finish this one, its not often you do a jet.

Thanks guys! Sorry for jumping from one project to another! Sometimes I have to switch gears just to keep the motivation levels high. I went ahead and busted out the main landing gear legs from their cages.


D&W provide a very complete set of instructions to guide the separation process. Since the print material is black, it is a bit harder to work with than the typical light greys.



A coat of primer reveals the full detail of these parts and also pinpoints the left over sprue attachments that I missed.



The nose gear and landing gear legs are hollow and D&W thoughfully provides metal rod inserts for both the main and nose landing gear to add strength to the legs.


Cast resin wheels with printed hubs are provided in this set.


Almost too much detail on these nose tires, I think.

Wow! They looks great! I may have to look into them.

Beautiful work John.
I too am going to start airbrushing some lures when I retire in 4 years as beautiful Norris Lake in east Tennessee is visible from our retirement home front porch and the launch ramp is about 1/4 mile away.
Sold my 19' Champion bass boat several years ago and plan on buying a used Ranger when I get there.

Proud Marine Dad wrote: ↑Fri Jul 19, 2024 10:14 pm Beautiful work John.
I too am going to start airbrushing some lures when I retire in 4 years as beautiful Norris Lake in east Tennessee is visible from our retirement home front porch and the launch ramp is about 1/4 mile away.
Sold my 19' Champion bass boat several years ago and plan on buying a used Ranger when I get there.

I hope you're giving us an open invitation to fish.

tempestjohnny wrote: ↑Sat Jul 20, 2024 2:18 am

Proud Marine Dad wrote: ↑Fri Jul 19, 2024 10:14 pm Beautiful work John.
I too am going to start airbrushing some lures when I retire in 4 years as beautiful Norris Lake in east Tennessee is visible from our retirement home front porch and the launch ramp is about 1/4 mile away.
Sold my 19' Champion bass boat several years ago and plan on buying a used Ranger when I get there.

I hope you're giving us an open invitation to fish.

Yes sir.

Amazing work as usual. Cockpit looks fantastic