This is my 1/48 Hasegawa F-14B Tomcat, it's done in the markings of VF-102 Diamondbacks during "Operation Enduring Freedom" Oct, 2001-June, 2002. The particular aircraft I build is a flight line bird F-14B BuNo 162692, modex 105, in about the middle of the cruise. It has a loadout of 2 GBU-12's and 2 Mk83's, plus 1 Sidewinder.

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I used Fightertown Decals, Gunze paint, Avionix F-14B Deluxe Cockpit Set. The Sidewinder and GBU-12's are from the spares box, the exhaust nozzles are by Aires. With the nozzles I made my own covers and then recast them in resin. (that way I can use them again on other Tomcat projects) I also cut the arrestor hook and pitot tube to their correct length. The air intake covers are made from contact painted red. I also used RBF tags in the cockpit, these I got from Eduard. I used the salt weathering method on this bird, and it was the first time I've ever tried it and I'm pretty happy with the results.

Enjoy the photos.

Michael Hickey

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