F-14B Tomcat

The Hobby Boss F-14 series is actually a very good series of Tomcats, although they have some inaccuracies. Their inaccuracies mainly come from over engineering in the mold, like some rivets are there when they should be. The B version differences in particular are the engine shrouds and late type cockpit. One penchant of these kits are the inaccurate air intakes, which can be fixed by removing the part where the intakes join the main fuselage, and then swapping the engine ramps. Other than that, this kit is very good out of the box.

One of my favorite F-14 Models (have built four so far with two more waiting). this kit has some very nice details right out of the box. There are some minor issues that only the most knowledgeable F-14 guru would notice and if you really want know what these are do an internet search for this kit and read the reviews. I myself only had one gripe about this kit and it was that the wings do move unless you glue them in place but they do not mesh together (like the cheaper priced Revell and Academy kits) and sweep forward and aft. You do have the option of having the slats and flaps extended or retracted as well as the gun bay, boarding ladder and canopy open or closed. Both engines are complete and highly detailed from intake to exhaust but once installed you never see them except for the exhaust nozzles. The decal set in this kit depicts a VF-103 F-14B with the Santa Bones on the tail. However, I built mine with my own custom printed standard Jollyroger Skull and cross bones on the tail and the victory stripe on the external tanks. Overall a great model, a fun build, and I would recommend it to anyone looking to build a 1/48 scale TOMCAT!