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Tamiya F-14 Prototype BAM Models conversion from F-14A 1:48 – build

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Feature Article with Dave Coward

Background

This is a short article about my conversion of the production Tamiya F-14A into a early prototype. The Tamiya kit provides the base for this conversion and has been covered extensively both by myself and other reviews in SMN so I won’t go into depth on the main build but concentrate on the conversion in this article.

Before we go any further here’s a quick picture of the finished model

In addition to the BAM Models conversion and Tamiya F-14A I needed appropriate decals which are produced by Caracal decals along with some other additional parts listed below:

  • Tamiya 1/48 F-14A Tomcat
  • BAM Models F-14 Conversion
    This set combines the features commonly observed on F-14 prototypes:
  • F-14A Early beaver tail without dielectric panels
  • F-14A Test nose probe
  • F-14A Early wing gloves
  • F-14A Short gun muzzle
  • F-14A Early IRST w/ ECM fairing
  • F-14A Internal (RIO) windshield

Designed to fit Tamiya’s F-14A kit #61114


Caracal Decals F-14 Tomcats ‘The Early Years”

In this decal sheet, we go back to the first few years of the F-14 and provide markings for prototype and development Tomcats. The ill-fated first prototype (which crashed in its second flight), AIM-54 Phoenix development aircraft (complete with YAIM-54 missile markings!), Pacific Missile Test Center and Patuxent River-based development jets are all here. 

As is the norm with our “Early Years” series, we spent many hours to study the subjects depicted on this sheet. Stencilling to build any one of the options is included. While the decals were designed to fit the Tamiya kit, they should work with any 1/48 scale F-14A kit in the market.

  • F-14A No.1 prototype BuNo. 157980
  • F-14A No.2 prototype BuNo. 157981
  • F-14A No.3 prototype BuNo. 157982
  • F-14A No.4 prototype BuNo. 157983 (Phoenix Missile System development markings)
  • F-14A No.4 prototype BuNo. 157983 (PMTC markings)
  • F-14A No.5 prototype BuNo. 157984
  • F-14A No.6 prototype BuNo. 157985
  • F-14A No.8 prototype BuNo. 157987
  • F-14A No.9 prototype BuNo. 157988 (Naval Missile Center markings)
  • F-14A No.11 prototype BuNo. 157990
  • F-14A No.1/X prototype BuNo. 157991 (NASA 991)
  • F-14A BuNo. 158612
  • F-14A BuNo. 158616
  • F-14A BuNo. 158619

Sabre models Tomcat Crew

  • Eduard Brassin Interior
  • Eduard Brassin Wheels

Read on…