This is an updated version of SAM Publications earlier book on the F-14 Tomcat. The book starts with a brief history of the origins of the F-14 and has separate chapters for each of the three variants of the Tomcat, the F-14A, F-14A+/B, and the ultimate Tomcat – the F-14D. Each chapter includes descriptions of each variant, covering things such as the avionics, air-to-air weapons, and other systems for that variant. The chapters are lavishly illustrated with mostly color photographs illustrating many of the squadrons that operated the Tomcat and each chapter includes a listing of the Bureau Numbers for that variant.

The release of the Wolfpack and Trumpeter T-38 Talon/ and F-5B/ RF-5A/E/S Freedom Fighter kits brought this light weight multi-role fighter into the modern age. I hate having to remove the mold lines. I can never keep the roundness of cross section. Then there is the strength of the brass itself. No plastic can withstand the same amount of pressure as the brass can.

Packaged in a resealable plastic bag, with card stock backing, are three beautifully turned metal pieces. One pitot tube and two gun barrels. Depending on what aircraft variant you want to do depends on what you will use. The T-38 only needs the pitot tube. Any variant of the F-5 would need the pitot tube and the gun barrels. Again, it depends if one or two guns are used.

The instructions are printed on a small one-sided sheet of paper that explains the correct size drill bits to use and how deep to make the holes. This is very informative and useful.

Scale Aircraft Conversions (SAC) offers an extensive range of replacement landing gear parts for a wide variety of kits. I have some experience using SAC items to replace kit parts and I’ve found that the SAC items add strength to the model without sacrificing any of the detail found on the original parts.

As mentioned in other reviews, I tend to be a rather heavy-handed modeler and I have a long history of “critical parts” failure with WWI models which is self-made and not a reflection on the quality of the original kit. I’ve snapped wing struts in half, broken off tail skids, and caused catastrophic damage to undercarriage support structures.