1:72 F-14 Tomcat ECS heat exchanger exhaust grills

The real subject

The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is an American carrier fighter with a variable-geometry wing that served for decades on the decks of aircraft carriers. The air for cooling and air conditioning of the systems left the airframe through the heat exchanger exhaust grills. These are small but conspicuous areas: a dense louvered texture on a smooth surface catches the eye and, seen close up, gives away how finely a model is built.

What sort of item it is

This is an accessory for a model in 1:72 scale that replaces the exhaust grills, which a kit handles in a simplified way. The replacement part has the texture carried right through, so the grill does not look like mere engraving in the surface. Check how many parts the package holds and which kit the set is cut for against the manufacturer's part number QB72635 and the manufacturer's instructions. The parts are not polystyrene, so the glue has to be chosen accordingly.

Building and painting tips

Carefully remove or level the original area on the model according to the instructions, so that the new part seats flush with the surface. The parts are not polystyrene and cement for plastic does not hold on them; use super glue in a small amount, so that it does not run into the texture. Cut the excess material off with a sharp blade a little way from the part and sand the remainder. Wash and degrease before painting and apply the paint in thin coats, otherwise the fine grill will be filled in.

Terms of supply

The accessory alone is supplied. The kit, paints and glue are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.