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

The real subject

The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is a two-seat carrier-borne fighter with a variable-sweep wing. The D version is its last standard and differs from the original A version among other things in its powerplant and with it in the shape of the rear end. The exhaust nozzles are among the places the eye notices first on a finished model, because they are deep and lie on the line of sight from behind.

What the set contains

The set contains replacement exhaust nozzles in the retracted, that is closed position. They replace the parts from a kit and bring above all a finer inner wall and a thinner rim, which kit parts usually do not have. The position of the nozzles on the real aircraft changes with the power setting of the engine, so choose the standard according to the state you want to show on the model.

Building tips

The procedure is the same as with other parts that are not polystyrene:

• cut the excess material away with a sharp blade a little away from the part and sand the remainder carefully
• wash and degrease the parts, otherwise paint will not hold on them
• they are glued with superglue or a two-part adhesive, not with cement for plastic
• apply a base before painting, as the inside of the nozzles is usually toned in metallic shades

Who it is for

The set is for modelers who want the rear of a model finished off without cutting and filling. The target kit is given in the manufacturer's instructions, so check it before buying. The model, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.