1:72 F-14A Tomcat exhaust nozzles - opened position

The real subject

The Grumman F-14A Tomcat was an American two-seat carrier-based fighter with a variable-sweep wing. Both nozzles sit far apart at the sides of the flat rear fuselage and nothing covers them, so even on a small model they make up a prominent part of the silhouette when it is seen from behind.

What the set is for

The set replaces the exhaust nozzles of both engines. In 1:72 scale the part from the kit is as a rule the thickest, because a thin wall cannot be made in the mold, and a shallow nozzle cannot be sanded out from the inside without damaging the rim. A replacement part solves this through its shape: it has a thin rim and a depth you can see into. According to the name the nozzles are in the opened position, so the set is fixed in shape; choose the position according to the state you are showing on the model. The scope of the set and the kit it is designed around are stated in the manufacturer's instructions.

Building and painting tips

The parts are not polystyrene, so the usual glue for plastic has no effect on them; make the joints with super glue. Cut off excess material with a sharp blade a little way from the part and sand the remainder down, so that the shape is not damaged. Before painting, wash the parts in lukewarm water with dish soap and degrease them, otherwise paint will not hold on the smooth surface. The specific procedure for preparing them is given in the manufacturer's instructions. Paint the inside of the nozzle before seating it on the model. In a small scale choose muted metallic shades and keep the transitions fine, otherwise the rear end will optically jump out of scale.

Terms of supply

The model, paints and glue are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.