F-14B Tomcat/Bombcat
Cockpit Superset

Teknics

Reviewed by Rodger Kelly

HyperScale is proudly sponsored by Meteor Productions

Whilst Teknics have taken care of the external differences between the F-14A and -B/-Ds with the issue of their F-14B Tomcat/Bombcat exterior conversion set (TK32013) there is still a fair way to go to replicate a -B/-D in 1/32 scale. This set addresses those differences.

The opening note on the excellent and well-detailed three page A-4 sized instruction sheets is very valid and is worth reproducing here. To quote:

“The USN is not strong on configuration and management and it is VERY common to see the same model Tomcats’ cockpits configured differently – even in the same squadron! This is confirmed by Tomcat drivers and RIOs as well as photos. This set was produced from F-14B/D technical orders (which do not match reality very well) and photos of operational jets at NAS Oceana in May 2001”

If you need any further confirmation of this just visit the discussion pages here on HyperScale and look up the threads on this topic. It is discussed often and at length. To quote another line from the instruction sheet “Check your photos!”

Basically, with the issue of this set Teknics have provided the modeller with the bits required to build either a -B, or-D in their different configurations.

What do you get for your money? Well, lots! Have a look at the photos of the parts and you will see what I mean. The resin pieces are all crisply cast and detailed to the max, whilst the brass-etched sheet is equally impressive.

As alluded to above; the three-page instruction sheet is very comprehensive and offers sage advice as well as clear and precise drawings of the parts and how they meant to go together.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

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All up, this is an impressive detail set that has been well researched, produced and packaged.

As with the exterior conversion set, this set has been engineered to fit the Tamiya kit and a cursory dry-fit has proved that it does quite well (thanks Rob!). However, I only wish that Teknics had chosen the cheaper Revell kit to use as a base kit to keep the cost of producing a –B or-D down. This set retails for USD$47.99, add that to the cost of a Tamiya kit as well as the cost of the exterior conversion set and you are looking at a very expensive Tomcat!

Recommended!
 

Thanks to Meteor Productions for the review sample

Cutting Edge Modelworks products are available from Meteor Productions Website

Review Copyright © 2002 by Rodger Kelly
Page Created 08 February, 2002
Last updated 20 July, 2003

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