Navy jets can be boring in their all grey color schemes, however, that is not always the case. The CAG birds tend to get the full color treatment, hence this sheet and the title of Showboats. These aircraft sported all kinds of markings at different times in their lifecycle.

With the release of the Tamiya, and now the AMK F-14 Tomcat kits, there is a need for some colorful markings for them. Fightertown Decals has the answer for those markings.

Fightertown Decals has produced decals for 14 different aircraft. Well that isn’t quite true. They provide markings for eight aircraft at different timeframes to show 14 different marking options. Fightertown produces some great looking Tomcat decals. This sheet is no different.

UMM USA has come to modelers rescue with another excellent tool, this time, the Micro Template Scriber. As the name describes, this tool is used to scribe using templates to replicate specific shapes being added to a model or to fix what was lost sanding and filling. Modelers have used many things in the past to do this same task- needles, line engravers, etc., and each has their drawbacks. UMM has produced a Template Scriber designed to fix these problems. The engraving tip is hardened tool steel to make sure the edge stays crisp. It is very fine and will glide around the interior of the template. Very importantly, the handle is ergonomically designed and has a grip to avoid slipping and allow even pressure to keep lines consistent.

Down the home stretch! Last time we had just completed the wings, tail, fuselage, nose and wheel-wells, leaving just the final assembly and finish for the last segment of this three-part review. To recall: I chose to display only the port wing’s inboard engine detail, and to cover up the remaining three engines. Otherwise, the aircraft is built up from the box with the exceptions of a set of brass gun barrels, and a set resin control panels and accompanying decals. The brass barrels will be part of a separate IPMS review.