Taking Tamiya's F-14D Tomcat to the next level! Extended Sandwich Shading and Oils

[@joemoore4027]

I worked for Grumman Aerospace for 15 years at their Calverton, New York final assembly plant #6 building all the Tomcat versions. The biggest project was the re-engine competition for the Super Tomcat, soon to be the F-14D model. The first engine runs with the GE F110-400's were amazing. Running number one engine at full afterburner for the first time was scary. Engineers were worried it would over strain the nose gear tie down anchor chain. Only once was the Tomcat run at full afterburner on both engines for data needed. It shook the concrete base so violently the concrete slabs were moving under the plane ! Pratt & Whitney also had a prototype engine competing with GE for the D model. The media, Navy and other government officials were watching us install the prototype P&W engine for the first time but it came out being 3/4 of an inch too short to fit in the engine mounts ! During a long lunch break we sandwiched a piece of 3/4 in. plywood between the burner and the main engine core to make up the short fall in engine length. To make it short, Pratt & Whitney was out after this huge embarrassment. We were sad the day the last Tomcat rolled off the assembly line. I have the aircraft's assembly ID number sign hanging at home signed by all the plant workers on the F-14 assembly line.The F-14D was truly a "Super" Tomcat.

[@TheModelGuy]

One thing I really enjoy about doing this is reading stories like yours. This may just be a plastic kit, but it inspires people to remember and start conversation.

[@ronaldkonkoma4356]

I used to live out that way and loved going to see the Tomcat and Intruder static displays. You must have some great memories. You reminded me of a story I heard back when afterburner was first introduced into carrier aircraft. The crew had not been made aware of the new technology, and some were diving for cover when the burner lit, believing it to be an explosion.

[@AvengerII]

I think the Pratt & Whitney engine you're referring to is the P&W F100-PW-1128. It was a predecessor to the F100-PW-229 which powers the F-16C/D Block 52 as well as ANG F-16C/D Block 42 aircraft and most F-15Es and derivatives after the early 1990s. The F100-229 incorporated technologies developed for the F119 engine used in the F-22 Raptor. While I never heard of the PW1128 powering an F-14 in flight it was tested in an F-15A for a program that NASA managed. It managed at least 27,000 lbs thrust but was called 1128, the "28" signifying potential thrust in the 28,000 pound range. The "-229" in the F100-PW-229 classes it as a 29,000 lb thrust engine. I read a brief mention of the modified F-15A in a book about the F-15. That F-15A potentially could have been the hottest-performing F-15 ever flown. It had at least 6,000 lbs extra thrust over the standard A and C-models and was at least 4000 lbs lighter than the E-model empty I'd bet as long as NASA didn't load it up with a ton of test equipment! I used to own a compilation of military aircraft books called the Great Warplanes (I think) and the F-14 section discussed the potential engine upgrades. This was published before the F-14A+ (the modded F-14 Super Tomcat prototype) flew in 1986 so the book was a little out of date. It was nice though because sometimes these "out of date" books have information the later books don't have!

[@scalemodellerbyaccident8671]

@joemoore Lucky you to be a part of this project!

[@Jacky_man542]

Not many modeller’s tell us how long it took to build the aircraft.Thanks for that because people watching the video think it takes a few days or even a week.👍🏻.Great video.

[@TheModelGuy]

Thanks Dean. I try to be as transparent as possible in my videos. If a kit has been a gong show, I say it. I don’t kiss the ass of manufacturers hoping to get free stuff.

[@Jacky_man542]

@@TheModelGuy as usual lots of great tips as well 👍🏻

[@billbowman8747]

Terrific video. I only recently took up the hobby again after 45 years, I mostly build classic cars, and race cars but have never built a plane (or any military models for that matter). Building a fighter jet is definitely on my list. Weathering models instantly makes them so much more realistic and visually interesting. Great work!

[@TheModelGuy]

That’s awesome! I should probably do a car at some point too. What brought you back to the hobby?

[@AVIOCHAHINEMODELS]

Hello my friend. As usual your work is absolutely my favorite of most modeling projects around ! Everything is the way I like it. From the video editing, narration technique etc.. I really enjoyed every second of it. Thank you for sharing and looking for your next projects. 🤙🏻🍺🤗

[@LaurieFuchihara]

Is a brilliant build. I messed up my wing bladders trying to make them look right. Gortunetly it displayed withe wings in stowed position. You did a fantastic job.

[@TheModelGuy]

Thanks dude. I was town between spread or tucked back but ultimately shelf space made the decision. Those wing bladders probably had the most time researching

[@NOSHER]

The only thing better than a Tomcat is.....nope,can't think of anything! Great work

[@adamjohnson4821]

Actually it would be 2 Tomcat's.

[@TI4438]

Outstanding build.

[@Adamslee72]

Great vid and very informative I have the tamiya F14'S awesome kits to build the version you did looks epic very inspirational thanks for sharing your technique as well cheers

[@TheModelGuy]

They are awesome kits! I didn’t show the build because it’s very easy and there are dozens of videos of them going together step by step. I figured it’d be more interesting to show the weathering

[@ArkansasBassMan]

I do the same stuff. Circle what I want. X out what I don't do. And I even check off steps as theyre done and put post its of substeps that I miss if I go out of instruction order (which is many times during a kit).

[@TheModelGuy]

That’s awesome! It’s very easy to miss stuff when you’re adding aftermarket. Or have different variants

[@modeltankguy]

good job on the jet nice work i have to start mine and tell me more on the show your going to ps keep them cominng

[@TheModelGuy]

There are two shows in Calgary coming up. September 9th is the AMPS show and October 7th is the GOMBs show

[@beckersmodels]

Been waiting for this, thanks Robbie!

[@TheModelGuy]

Sorry that it’s not wheels up dude :)

[@CAPNMAC82]

Actually, the TPS paints are a pre-catalyzed CARC paint. The pigments can often respond to storage conditions. So, the differing runs of paint may "cook off" to greens, or violets, or blues. It's not a case of different paint in the paint locker (the paint lockers are huge) put the paint cans labeled the same looking different.

[@andrewgowing9815]

Nice job. Bravo.

[@TheModelGuy]

Thanks dude :)

[@flightlinemedia]

Nice work man.

[@TheModelGuy]

Thank you!

[@rafaell.4585]

A great and nice modelling job and nice encorauging words about the hobby!!!! Thanks for sharing your techniques!!!!!

[@Razgriz0111]

I did this model a while back. Went with the Ace Combat 5 Razgriz paint scheme.

[@TheModelGuy]

I’ll have to look that up. I’m more of a DCS guy

[@TheCrimsonFckr]

My Uncle was on the design team at Grumman for the F-14. I managed to save a lot of the promotional materials he had after he passed away. Coolest aircraft to ever fly... but I'm biased. Cats rule.

[@majesticgrey4769]

Great build. DEE-CALS not DECK-UHLS

[@TheModelGuy]

Not everyone in the world speaks with the same accents you know.

[@majesticgrey4769]

@@TheModelGuy no offense intended it’s just that you’re the only person I’ve ever heard pronounce it that way.

[@TheModelGuy]

@@majesticgrey4769 really? There are quite a few people on here that say it the same as me. Especially the Canadians

[@roydrink]

Reminds me of that potato song…

[@kudukilla]

I hear lots of Canadians, Aussies, and Brits say it that way. It’s us Americans that say “Dee-cals”

[@georgethomas9040]

Your videos are always quality, i care about that more then quantity. Love your content whenever it comes

[@TheModelGuy]

Thanks George. I appreciate that

[@DarksouIjah]

Amazing. My father was the Chief Safety Inspector for the F14 for most of its life. This aircraft is very sentimental to my family.

[@TheModelGuy]

That’s awesome! I bet he knows the exact challenges of keeping them flying

[@DarksouIjah]

@@TheModelGuy Yeah, he could literally talk about Grumman and work for days. I never met someone who loved their job that much. He also inspected the E-2C and a few others but it was all about the F-14.

[@TheModelGuy]

@@DarksouIjah that’s too cool man! I grew up next to CFB Shearwater and had lots of opportunities as a kid to see panels open

[@DarksouIjah]

@@TheModelGuy Yeah, I’m really proud of it/him. That’s why I mention it in every F-14 build I see. Lol

[@sgtango4310]

​@DarksouIjah My uncle retired from the Navy and worked on the E-2D project until recently. His wife works on the Hornet. Now he works on some super classified stuff. All I can know is that it's called the doomsday plane

[@christopherlang5489]

Awesome Job. The F-14 was the most beautiful plane ever build. Great work on that model!

[@warrenweber5426]

Dang never gotten to a vid this quick

[@TheModelGuy]

Haha thanks Warren. I hope you found it entertaining

[@jaanikaapa6925]

Then there is the game Afterburner.

[@TheModelGuy]

…and the top gun game haha

[@mr.turnerx7615]

Aboot

[@ScaleHangar182]

Thanks for mentioning me! Very nice build mate!

[@TheModelGuy]

I have to give credit where credit is due!

[@ScaleHangar182]

@@TheModelGuy Glad I could help.

[@modelrestorations]

Beutiful work! Subd!

[@charlesemerson6763]

Boy those low vis decals and colours certainly make the Tomcat look bland. But your weathering treatment certainly adds a dimension to it. I did the CAG's aircraft out The Final Countdown from the Tamiya F-14A. I look at all pristine and colourful and dread the thought of weathering it.

[@TheModelGuy]

There’s no rules that you have to weather it. I’m not a big fan of the CAG paints because they seem too flashy. But I’d still weather them with the same level if I did them :)

[@wchaysen]

This came out great I'm gonna use this as a guide for a macross model!

[@TheModelGuy]

That’s great to hear bud, thank you :)

[@davidp7414]

What kind of pressure do you use on that fine line preshading? Thanks!

[@TheModelGuy]

I’m shooting at about 17 PSI.

[@widowmaker-f-1046]

440 Squadron-Twin Otter part 1. This is a video you commented on 14-13 years ago. My dad was the one who recorded the video, he was a flight engineer at the time, now he's the pilot and flight commander of the DHC6 in 440 sqn

[@TheModelGuy]

What is the title of that video? I’d like to check it out again

[@widowmaker-f-1046]

440 Squadron-Twin Otter part 1

[@widowmaker-f-1046]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2jIZaR4n9msasUsi=945aUtsq416iQaHr

[@unclejg1975]

Thank you for the video. Outstanding work! Keep up the excellent work.

[@vadimf8301]

Beautiful work. About your last comment with women, handsome and handy.... I'm always say I'm not 100 dollar bill for everyone to like me.

[@felderup]

had much truck with vf-1 kits? i only wish i could get larger ones, they're all pretty much 1/72, 1/48 toys are available, but that doesn't match scale for other things, i'd go smaller to HO scale for a bit of fun, but that'd be hell to paint.

[@TheModelGuy]

Is VF-1 the brand? 1/72 is too small for my mechanic hands

[@felderup]

@@TheModelGuy the vf-1 is a... modified form of the f-14, mostly a concept from a time when nuclear heated jet engines(instead of avgas/kerosene) was an idea bandied about by the more peculiar people out there. swingwings, twin wide set engines, twin vertical stabilisers and elevators replaced with vectored thrust, a much smaller plane, so in 1/72 even smaller than an f-14. mounts for small guns under the cockpit with a large gun pod about the size of the one built into the a-10, ultimately a boring plane, but holds a place in many peoples heart for some of the special features.

[@TheModelGuy]

@@felderup oh gotcha why I didn’t know it.

[@felderup]

@@TheModelGuy it's also entirely fictional, from an 80's anime, there's kits all over the jungle site.

[@allanrichards3752]

I built this model about a year ago and must admit it is a very enjoyable build with loads of potential for using the full gambit of pre shading / post shading and other weathering techniques. It builds into a spectacular model.

[@TheModelGuy]

It sure does. Any links to pictures of yours?

[@allanrichards3752]

@@TheModelGuy Unfortunately no. I still have the mode but have never really posted anything on line

[@MANHATTAN379]

Excelente trabajo!!! El efecto de corrosion es realmente maravilloso y muy realista. Parece como que realmente entro en combate. Estas tecnicas me serviría mucho . Gracias!!

[@newjerseydamo]

Thanks for the detailed explanation and examples. Really great help!

[@chrisg7398]

Awesome vedio and beautiful build. You have a eye for detail and are one talented individual. I love it when you guys talk about what your doing. And the Lil history lesson here and there are the cherry on top. Thanks for the ideas and keep up the awesome work. 👌

[@TheModelGuy]

Thanks Chris! The Tomcat definitely isn’t short on history.

[@kevinkelly6524]

This was really good. Are the Mr Metal Colors lacquers? I’m experimenting with natural metals right now, and my LHS’s don’t carry the Mr. Series of paints

[@TheModelGuy]

Thanks Kev! They are lacquer paints and I prefer them to AKs Enamel line. Just have to be very careful as they polish with any handling if not sealed under a clear.

[@jamesellison9588]

Outstanding work! Wow! Thank you for listing or describing most of the products you use!

[@TheModelGuy]

Thanks James. I try to be as transparent as I can. If I can help someone save some hours by showing my process, that’s a win

[@Tj23models]

Fantastic build!

[@raymadani270]

subbed and liked. On top of being a capable modeller, you are a good storyteller and a very respectable gentleman.

[@TheModelGuy]

I don’t know if I’d use the word “respectable”! Thanks :)

[@je611ang]

Great video Robbie! Have to catch up with you in the Green Room again.

[@TheModelGuy]

I should be popping in a bit more with a few lower key projects on the go.

[@the-creech4790]

👍👍👍

[@simonkubacki9823]

The Tomcat is nice, but the VF-1 Valkyrie is nicerer

[@TheModelGuy]

Haha. Sci-fi is definitely not my bag

[@Andy.Gledhill.Models.]

Brilliant Tomcat mate. I have the same kit with plenty of after market goodies. Hope to make a start on her soon.

[@TheModelGuy]

@@Andy.Gledhill.Models. it’s a great build that is only disappointing when it ends

[@chazsmith615]

im scared i'll run out of model guy videos to watch...

[@TheModelGuy]

I think the biggest issue with this build is I’m not passionate about the Tomcat so when it came time to editing the video and narrating, there wasn’t a lot of mojo there. Just looking to change things up for a minute

[@ronaldkonkoma4356]

That's great So many people finish with a dark wash that makes the plane look Sci-Fi dirty to my eye. You did great shading and took into account high traffic areas and repainted panels. I strive to mimic your style for realism

[@gordonlangdon780]

Hi from Scotland. I’ve recently subscribed and find your work fantastic and of the highest quality , plus your videos to be enjoyable, informative and inspirational for me, who is yet another model maker returning after a 40+ year hiatus. I’ve just started airbrushing and I’m still getting to grips with the best paints. You refer to the use of lacquer as your paints of choice. May I ask why and which is your preferred manufacturer? Many thanks

[@TheModelGuy]

Thanks for the kind words Gordon. I like using Mr Color Lacquers because they are a very durable paint. They hold up to handling well, masking and again be lightly sanded to fix any small errors. Acrylic paints can be very fragile and can be easily removed when masked on. Enamels can take ages to dry, slowing things down.

[@gordonlangdon780]

@@TheModelGuy thanks for your reply. Something for me to think about and practice!

[@jamesgriffiths3176]

Fantastic instructional video and great build, thanks!

[@TheModelGuy]

Thanks James! It’s off to the races this weekend

[@briannolasco4911]

I get confused, r u referring to Procon PS 770 with 0.15 needle instead of PS 270? Love your build though🤩

[@TheModelGuy]

PS-270…my wife would kill me if I got a 770

[@briannolasco4911]

@@TheModelGuy I stand corrected. Well just wondered if the PS-270 0.2mm needle can be replaced with smaller needle? Thanks man..

[@johnathan133]

@@briannolasco4911 They don't make a smaller nozzle for it. You can put a 0.3mm needle/nozzle in the 270.

[@robertjensen1438]

Just a comment for the algorithm

[@ChrisK-LTC]

Nice build and I love the Red-Green reference.

[@TheModelGuy]

Gotta keep the Canadiana strong

[@fotomakr]

Nice video and techniques on your Bombcat. The preshading, and touch up paint plus the oils worked well to make this look like the real deal.

[@KyleSchwanz]

Amazing work!!! Also it’s pronounced (De-cal) not deckle lol 😂

[@TheModelGuy]

Not in Canada.

[@KyleSchwanz]

@@TheModelGuy should have known lol 😂

[@davidrosen5137]

Tight! Stunning! Your corrosion control is fire!

[@TheModelGuy]

Thanks David! It’s my favourite part :)

[@gui1hem_m]

Pleeease do a rafale at 1/48 scale

[@joker102877]

Deckuls LOL.

[@nexmer]

👍👍👍

[@Repairman87]

Great Model and video!

[@TheModelGuy]

Thanks bud. I took even longer narrating to make sure I didn’t have the clicking sound of the mouse in it

[@mr.turnerx7615]

Aboot

[@wombat_models]

Really nice!!

[@TheModelGuy]

Thanks Wombat !

[@thomasbell6655]

A masterpiece.

[@TheModelGuy]

Thanks bud. It’s definitely one of my favourite builds to date

[@billray7703]

Very nice

[@TheModelGuy]

Thank you

[@Wentwerth713]

DEE- CAL.

[@TheModelGuy]

Ca-na-di-an

[@Wentwerth713]

@@TheModelGuy lol. You Canadians need to speak American better. Awesome work though man.

[@TheModelGuy]

@@Wentwerth713 I’ll start with just speaking better. Then work on my American

[@dev1360]

"dee-kalz".....

[@vmoney9106]

No.

[@tonyyhap3370]

Hi Sir, I Wanted to know do you Accept Requests for Builds?

[@TheModelGuy]

I usually have a planned line up unless I get commission work. What is your request?

[@tonyyhap3370]

Well, I wanted to know if you Could Build me a 1:32 Scale Tamiya F-16C Block 50 using a Separate Set of Declas for the South Carolina 157 FS, "Swamp Fox" in Flight Configuration, No Landing Gear Down, and IF I Already have the Model and the Decals for it, How much would you Quote me for the Build, including Shipping to Miami, Florida. Thank You Here's a Link to a Video featuring the South Carolina 157 FS kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3vXm61rfppjrbcsi=uwJH2BGJw3ltU4WC

[@TheModelGuy]

@@tonyyhap3370 send me an email: [e-mail]

[@Scrapy-ih7ob]

I was the creator and Team lead on this Post 9/11 F/A 18 C VFA-86 aircraft paint Scheme during the last days of deployment. Was A/C 415 been copied many times made into wooden displays. even very detailed scale model. One of my best Paint schemes ever enjoyed by many of the officers they loved it. Trying to attach Photo but don't think it will allow me so hers link to it, this repaint rewarded the team with unlimited Liberty on last Port prior to returning home from this deployment. Painting aircraft in Hangar is no easy task. enjoy your detail work. very impressive. the wash on the aircraft panels is very accurate, when a panel is closed it is sealed with DARK gray sealant, many times this done after corrosion shop has already completed there paint repair really peas them off,. but hey ehrn dont get part til after the inspection you put it when you get it. i.pinimg.com/originals/4e/ff/27/4eff2761bcd38c88196747d7bf859973.jpg