 Hasegawa's Limited Release 1/48 F-14A Tomcat 'VF-154'
Click on thumbnails for full image Background NOTE: The good folks at Hasegawa have been issuing a number of limited releases in 1/48 scale. In the past, these have been the same kits that were currently on the market, but contained special markings. The buzz from Hasegawa is that they will be minimizing the number of 'stock' kits that they will continuously produce in 1/48 scale and only reissue them periodically, usually with special markings (similar to the way Revell-Monogram is now doing business with their kit line). Hasegawa seems to have a soft spot for the Tomcat, as this aircraft has been released in numerous special editions and markings. This edition commemorates the 25th anniversary of VF-154 at NAS Atsugi, Japan. The aircraft markings are for the Squadron Commander's mount (Modex 100) as it appeared at the airshow (see box photo). Unlike other Tomcats that have been featured in previous 1/48 editions, the aircraft chosen for this release has a number of interesting features: 1. It is a TARPS modified F-14A
2. It has the TCS camera system installed under the nose
3. It has the F-14B/D-style gun gas vents being retrofitted to some F-14As
4. It has all of the latest ECM 'bumps' fitted
5. It has slime lights installed
6. It has bomb shackles installed (Bombcat!) If you're an F-14 lover, this will be an interesting configuration to put on the shelf. The Kit The kit comprises 286 parts, carried on nine light-grey plastic trees and one clear tree for the canopy, etc. As you may have read previously about the Hasegawa 1/48 Tomcat, this is the best Tomcat model offered in any scale! The cockpit is a completely detailed model of its own. The ejection seats are six pieces and build up nicely (from previous experience). The side consoles are separate from the cockpit tub, making painting a detailing a little easier. Two crew figures are also included. The only thing missing is the throttle handles in the front cockpit, but those are easily fabricated. Photo-etched parts are provided for detailing the canopy. The landing gear is positionable, as are the wing flaps & slats, the speed brakes, the canopy, and boarding ladder. Speaking of landing gear, the wheels are white metal, while the tires are rubber. Also normal for the Hasegawa Tomcat kits, two external fuel tanks and a TARPS reconnaissance pod are included, but no armament. If you want to arm the aircraft, Sidewinder, Sparrows and Phoenixes are available in the Hasegawa Weapons Set C. There are no additional parts provided to configure this aircraft as a Bombcat, though most of the parts and armament you'll need are in Hasegawa Weapons Set A.  The Decals
The markings are represented well. The decal photo has been adjusted so that the white details (that go over the black-painted tails and fins) would be visible. This has caused the color representation to not be accurate. The oranges in the photo are actually yellow, the intake warnings are red, and many of the black markings are subdued grey. Conclusion As always, the Hasegawa Tomcat is hands-down the best-of-the-best in any scale, and this example is no exception. This kit is recommended to all modelers. My thanks to HobbyLink Japan for this review sample! |             
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