1:72 M. B. GRU-7A ejection seats - (for F-14A versions)

M. B. GRU-7A ejection seats 1:72 (Aires) - for the F-14A Tomcat

This resin accessory brings a pair of faithfully rendered Martin-Baker GRU-7A ejection seats in 1:72 scale. It is not an aircraft model but a detail set with which you replace the simplified seats from a plastic kit of the American F-14A Tomcat carrier fighter with its tandem crew arrangement. The castings carry a fine relief of the harness, the handles and the headrest.

The real subject

Martin-Baker seats of the GRU-7A family served in the two-seat F-14 Tomcat carrier fighter, where they ejected both the pilot and the rear radar intercept officer. They are powerful rocket seats that allow the machine to be left safely across the whole speed range, including at zero altitude and zero speed. It is precisely the seats that are among the most conspicuous details of an open cockpit.

Building and painting tips

First wash the parts in lukewarm soapy water and rid them of mold release residue. Cut off the casting blocks with a saw and sand the surfaces with respiratory protection. Bond with super glue (cyanoacrylate). A primer, dark shading and a color contrast on the straps and cushions work well; a fine wash will bring out the relief.

Who the set is for

• Builders of an F-14 Tomcat model in 1:72 scale
• Modelers who want a faithful cockpit with detailed seats
• More experienced enthusiasts used to working with resin
• Collectors of aviation detail sets

The detail set is supplied unassembled and unpainted, as a resin part. Glue, paints and the base model are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.