In
1974, the Royal Air Force took delivery of their first Tomcats. The first
squadrons equipped with the ‘cat was 43rd and 111th
squadrons, where it replaced McDonnell Voodoo FAW.2s. Overall, Tomcat F.1s were
similar to U.S. Navy F-14As, and could carry the same armament of
Phoenix
, Sparrow and Sidewinder missiles. They didn’t have any reconnaissance
capability, as the RAF didn’t think it was necessary when they had both the
Voodoo PR.1 and the BAC Eagle GR.2 (TSR.2). Later, when the F-14B (F-14A+) based
Tomcat FR.2 came into service, reconnaissance capability was added. The Tomcats
are still in service with the RAF, the most numerous type today is the Tomcat
FGR.3, with the Tomcat FA.4 entering service. By 1993 all Tomcat F.1s had been
converted to FR.2 or FGR.3 standard. The model shows a Tomcat F.1 from 111th
Sqd, RAF Leuchars,
Scotland
, in 1975. The load is 4
Phoenix
, 2 Sparrow and 2 Sidewinder missiles and the internal gun. This was a common
load for patrols over the
North Sea
, looking for Soviet patrol and spy planes.
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The
kit is the Hasegawa 1/72 F-14A Tomcat in the old-tool version. Unlike the
new-tooled kits, this one has weapons and pilots in the box, and where the newer
kits have engraved panel lines, this one has raised ones. The Sparrow missiles
came from the box, the
Phoenix
’ and Sidewinders from a Hasegawa weapons set.
The
decals are from Xtradecal sheet X003-72, Phantom FG 1/FGR 2. 43 Sqn; 111 Sqn
Camouflaged. The fuselage roundel and the tail flash came from a Revell Tornado
GR.1 kit. The stand is an Airfix Clear Stand.
I
hope you enjoy this model, I sure had fun making it.
Special
thanks to brainstorming partner and mad South African Damian M. He and I
continue to think up new what-if ideas.
If
you’re interested in what-if building, take a look at
www.whatifmodelers.com
Swing by the forums there, where the men are men and the sheep are nervous!
Also,
if you haven’t been there already, have a look at the ARC Air Discussion
Forums, the link should be at the top of this page.
Cheers
Martin
(hatchet)
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