1:48 Grumman F-14 A Tomcat - GRU-7A Seats (2 pcs / 3D-Printed)

The Tomcat and its GRU-7A seats

The Grumman F-14 flew in December 1970 and reached the naval squadrons several years later. A variable-geometry wing allowed it to leave the deck at low speed while still flying supersonically, and the radar together with long-range guided missiles made it a patrol platform able to cover an enormous area around a task force. The version given in the name was the most numerous and at the same time served the longest.

Two men flew in the machine: the pilot in front and, behind him, a specialist in operating the radar and the guided missiles. Early Tomcats used rocket-powered seats of the GRU-7A series, which allowed the machine to be abandoned in an emergency even while standing on the deck; only a later variant of the aircraft received a more modern type.

The package contains a pair of seats from 3D printing in 1:48 scale. The cockpit of the Tomcat is wide and with the canopy raised it reveals both places at once, so it is exactly the seats that carry the main weight of the final impression. After removing the supports, degrease the parts and apply a thin base coat; the covers are best painted in matte shades and the buckles then brought out with careful dry brushing with a metallic pigment.

Modelers who build the machine in a state ready for takeoff usually add safety items with conspicuous flags to the cockpit as well. Insert the seat only after the paint is finished, then, and consider whether you will leave it empty or put a figure in it; either calls for a different depth of seating and it is better to try it out beforehand. The difference shows on finished work at first glance.