1:48 LAU-138/A BOL Launcher Set for F-14 Bomcat

The real subject

The LAU-138/A is a launch rail for an air-to-air guided missile, into whose body a BOL decoy dispenser is built. One attachment point thus fulfills two tasks at once: it carries the missile and at the same time it enlarges the stock of means by which the aircraft defends itself against guided missiles. That is precisely the whole point of the arrangement, because a classic dispenser would otherwise take up space that is always precious under the wing. The name of the set ties it to the F-14 aircraft, specifically to its strike conception, for which the designation Bomcat took hold among the aircrew.

What the set offers

This is an accessory for a model in 1:48 scale, not a model on its own. The name lists it as a set, so count on more than one piece in the package. How many exactly there are and how they are seated on the pylons is stated in the maker's instructions.

• The LAU-138/A launch rail with a BOL dispenser
• Scale 1:48, meant for models of the F-14
• An accessory for a kit; the model is not included
• It is glued with super glue

Building and painting tips

The parts are not of polystyrene; join them with super glue. Cut the excess material away with a sharp blade a little distance from the part and sand the rest, so that the mating surface stays level. Wash and degrease them before painting, then apply a primer. While gluing, make sure the rail points parallel with the longitudinal axis of the aircraft and is horizontal; an attachment seated crooked is more visible on a model than any inaccuracy of shape.

Who it is for

For modelers who are building the F-14 in 1:48 scale and want the pylons under the wing to be more worked out than the basic kit allows. A kit, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.