1:48 F-14 D engine

The F-14D engine in 1:48 scale

An accessory set from the manufacturer Black Dog model for a model of the Grumman F-14D carrier fighter aircraft in 1:48 scale. It is not a model of an airplane, but a detailed treatment of the powerplant, with which a model can stand in a display case with the engine bay uncovered or with the engine taken out and placed beside the aircraft on a diorama.

The real subject

The F-14D version differed from the original Tomcats above all in its engines. While the first series flew with the problematic TF30 engines, the F-14D received General Electric F110 engines, which brought higher thrust and considerably better engine behavior during abrupt throttle movements. It was precisely with the F110 that the Tomcat became a machine whose flight envelopes pilots could use without the earlier restrictions. Changing an engine was a routine service operation on the deck of an aircraft carrier, and a powerplant pulled out on a service dolly is therefore a credible subject for a model scene.

Building tips

Decide in advance whether you want to show the engine in the fuselage or outside it. Plan any cut into the fuselage before gluing it and make the cut in thin steps with sanding afterwards. Paint the engine separately, as metallic shades stand out on a smooth surface, so level the surfaces first and prime them. Grading the metallic tones and a fine wash will give the surface depth, and at the end light tinting of the exhaust section comes in handy. Glue the plastic parts with plastic cement, and joints with another material with cyanoacrylate glue in a small quantity, so that it does not run into the detail.

Who the set is for

• Builders of modern combat aircraft in 1:48 scale
• Modelers who want to show the powerplant
• Makers of service dioramas from the deck of an aircraft carrier
• More experienced builders who dare to cut into the fuselage