1:32 F-14A Upgrade PE set

Photo-etched upgrade set for the F-14A, 1:32, HAD models

This is not a model of the aircraft but an accessory for one. Photo-etched metal makes it possible to replace detail that cannot be molded in plastic at a realistic thickness: grilles, flaps, covers, fastenings and similar small items. The result is noticeable mainly in the large 1:32 scale, where the thickness of plastic parts is most visible on a model. Before buying, check against the box that the set matches your kit.

The real subject

The Grumman F-14A Tomcat was a two-seat carrier fighter of the US Navy with a variable-geometry wing. It entered service in the mid-1970s, it was powered by a pair of turbofan engines and it was equipped with a radar whose range allowed the use of long-range guided missiles. The A version was the first production variant and differed from the later versions in its power plant and equipment.

Tips for working with photo-etched parts

Nip the parts out with a sharp knife or photo-etch shears on a hard surface, and never tear them out. Make the folds in a bending tool or between two blades, so that the edge is sharp and straight. Degrease the metal, go over it with a primer for metal and glue it with super glue applied in a micro-drop, ideally with a pin, because ordinary cement for plastic does not hold on photo-etched parts. A smaller but well placed amount of photo-etched detail looks better than everything glued in at once, even in places where it will not be seen in the end.

Who the set is for

• For builders of large F-14A models in 1:32 scale
• For modelers who want to take a model beyond the level of a build straight from the box
• For more experienced builders with experience of working with metal parts
• For those who build a model with open panels and open compartments

This is an accessory. The model, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.