Caracal Models

1/72 F-14 "Tomcat" - The Early Years decal sheet

Product # CD72106

Product Article by Steve Bamford on Mar 13 2021

This new decal sheet from Caracal Models includes markings for 14 different 1/72 F-14's from the Early Years of the Tomcat.  

In this decal sheet, we go back to the first few years of the F-14 and provide markings for prototype and development Tomcats. The ill-fated first prototype (which crashed in its second flight), AIM-54 Phoenix development aircraft (complete with YAIM-54 missile markings!), Pacific Missile Test Center and Patuxent River-based development jets are all here.

As is the norm with our "Early Years" series, we spent many hours to study the subjects depicted on this sheet. Stencilling to build any one of the options is included. While the decals were designed to fit the Fine Molds kit, they should work with any 1/72 scale F-14A kit in the market.

Click on images below to see larger images

The 14 aircraft on this decal sheet include 11 prototype Tomcats including 1 NASA Tomcat. 

  • F-14A No.1 prototype BuNo. 157980

  • F-14A No.2 prototype BuNo. 157981

  • F-14A No.3 prototype BuNo. 157982

  • F-14A No.4 prototype BuNo. 157983 (Phoenix Missile System development markings)

  • F-14A No.4 prototype BuNo. 157983 (PMTC markings)

  • F-14A No.5 prototype BuNo. 157984

  • F-14A No.6 prototype BuNo. 157985

  • F-14A No.8 prototype BuNo. 157987

  • F-14A No.9 prototype BuNo. 157988 (Naval Missile Center markings)

  • F-14A No.11 prototype BuNo. 157990

  • F-14A No.1/X prototype BuNo. 157991 (NASA 991)

  • F-14A BuNo. 158612

  • F-14A BuNo. 158616

  • F-14A BuNo. 158619

I am very impressed by the variety of early Tomcats captured on this decal sheet.

You can buy this decal sheet directly from Caracal Models.

Steve Bamford

      

Photos and text © by Steve Bamford