1:48 Grumman F-14D Tomcat closed exhaust nozzles

What the set is for

The rear view of an F-14 is largely made up of the pair of exhaust nozzles and the viewer has them in sight all the time. In kits they tend to be simplified: the edge of the petals is thick, because an injection mold does not allow a crisper edge, and the inside stays smooth. The replacement parts deal with that shortcoming with a thinner edge and a more broken-up inside, so the rear of the model stops looking empty.

The form and the real subject

The nozzles are made in the closed position, that is with the petals drawn in. On the real subject the position changes with the engine setting, so it pays to compare it with a photograph of the machine you are building. The Grumman F-14 Tomcat was an American carrier fighter with a crew of two and a variable-sweep wing. The F-14D version was the last and the best equipped. The engine nacelles are far apart on this type, so both nozzles are clearly visible from the side and from behind.

Building and painting tips

• Test the fit dry first and take up any play by sanding the seat, not the part.
• Cut the surplus material off with a sharp blade a little away from the part and sand the remainder down.
• Wash and degrease the surface before painting, as metallic shades otherwise hold badly.
• Paint the inside of the nozzles before you glue them into the fuselage.
• Suitable glue and the exact procedure are given in the manufacturer's instructions.

Terms of supply

An add-on set is supplied. The model, paints and glue are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise. Check the kit the set is cut for in the instructions.