Tamiya’s Product Description

“This Detail-Up set can be used for Item 61114, 61118, and 61122. The set is very useful to give more detail to your model Tamiya F-14 model kits

• A stainless-steel alpha probe on the radome facilitates further rigidity and realism. (2pcs. included)
• Photo-etched parts are included to depict seatbelts and rear-view mirrors.
• Includes two types of seatbelts to depict the F-14A and F-14D (two for each).

This is Tamiya’s simple add-on kit for the recently issued F-14A Late Model Tomcat.”

Using the Photoetch Parts

While the underlying kit is far from their original F-14A kit and exhibits a great many differences, this ‘add-on’ kit differs very little from that needed by either the earlier F-14A or F-14D kit as it’s primarily contains the nose pitot and the seatbelts for the F-14 kits. A previous version of this small set was issued in 2017 as # MA-48014. This particular kit contains the aftermarket PE for all three of the Tomcat kits: F-14A, F-14B and F-14D. The seat harnesses are different in each of these variants.

I find that the best approach in using any photo etch pieces is to lay down a primer coat or layer first. I normally use Alclad II Lacquer (# ALC 306 or Grey # ALC 302), which dries very fast and provides a good working base for subsequent painting. With the very small surfaces involved with these PE parts, I hand painted each part. I find there are two approaches to the ‘gluing’: I use Bob Smith Industries Extra Thick 10-25 Second Cyanoacrylate glue (# BSI-135H) (red label) where a strong join is necessary and Mig Acrylic Ultra Glue (# A.Mig-2031) for the small mirrors.

Interestingly, when accessing the web site for this set, it contains a note stating: ‘This product is not currently available for purchase’. Even more to the point this identical note is found when one attempts to order the underlying F-14A kit. You are to consult “your local Hobby Store or Request Availability Notification” where one hopes to learn where you might actually find this aftermarket set or the base kit itself.

I am most appreciative for the opportunity to build the basic F-14 kit as well as this ‘Detail-Up Parts’ set and want to thank Tamiya America and IPMS-USA for the opportunity to review this set.