When Tamiya released its 1/48 scale F-14A, it was made the new standard in F-14 kits and from the layout, it seemed like the F-14D would be coming and now, it has arrived. First, it’s gorgeous as far as plastic, general engraving, etc. and that should not surprise anyone. Most of the parts for the F-14A are still in the box and won’t be used. The kit comes with four marking options:
- VF-02 "Bounty Hunters", CAG Plane, May 2003, USS Constellation
- VF-213 "Black Lions", CAG plane, March 2006, USS Theodore Roosevelt
- VF-11 "Red Rippers", CAG Plane, 1995, USS Carl Vinson
- VF-101 "Grim Reapers", September 2004
Some great markings and plenty of aftermarket decals options also. I went through the instructions and compared them to the F-14A instructions and here’s a list of changes/upgrades: