US Navy VF-1 Wolfpack build

In 1972/73, the first US Navy squadron to be equipped with the Grumman F-14 Tomcat was formed being VF-1 Wolfpack along with sister squadron VF-2 Bounty Hunters at NAS Miramar near San Diego, California.

Just before Christmas I began an anniversary build to acknowledge the 30th Anniversary since VF-1 was disbanded.  Once the Tomcats departed and were either scrapped or went to other units, the squadron ceased to exist.  In a what if scenario, had VF-1 continued to operate that they would have operated the EA-18G Growler and became VAQ-1.

For the build I’m using Hasegawa’s 1/48 F-14A Tomcat VF-1 Wolfpack boxing and Italeri’s 1/48 EA-18G Growler.  Everything was built up before Christmas.  Last week I primed everything in Mr Surface 1500 Finishing Primer.  Once dry they got a polish down ready for paint.  All paints used from now on are Scale Modelling Supply (SMS) Lacquers.  Radome Tan used on the nose, masked then in came Insignia White.  All left to dry until I get chance to apply the Gull Grey on top.




 

Suck big planes in any scale, looks good so far mate.
Thanks for posting this Andrew, it's a bit quiet at the moment and we need people of your calibre and standing to help promote and regrow Kiwimodeller.

That's an awesome idea for a what if build! Looking good so far.
What's the four engine aircraft wing in the background? Liberator perhaps? 
 

Cheers Gaz, happy to help add content to the new forum.

It most certainly is a Liberator, Hobby Boss 1/32 B-24J to be exact, well spotted.  I have a post in the Follow as I build section for it where I’ve shown progress to date and there is a link to one of my YouTube videos showing installation of LED lights:

www.kiwimodeller.com/index.php/forums/fo...1-32-b-24j-liberator

AlisterC wrote:

That's an awesome idea for a what if build! Looking good so far.
What's the four engine aircraft wing in the background? Liberator perhaps? 

 

Ahhh yes! two and two put together now lol The liberator is looking amazing as well.

Good to see a Hase Tomcat being built. Look forward to some updates.

Sweet build!!! I’ve a soft spot for the Tomcat. I’ve heard of Mr. Surfacer but never heard specifically how it’s used, and why… specifically the polishing. Is the technique/product meant for a smoother than normal (as in, straight paint on traditional primers) surface result after paint is indeed, applied?

So the Mr Surfacer Finishing Primers can be thinned with any kind of lacquer thinners. My preference is Mr Color Levelling Thinner at about a 70/30% ratio. It dries fast with the thinners but obviously as with anything, it depends on your airbrush setup ie pressure, needle size, distance from the subject, that will determine the final finish. I polish it to give a smooth finish particularly in areas where one joint meets another when the airflow is turbulent therefore a rough finish is often the result. I wouldn’t say it’s a must but it does help towards the final finish being smoother had I not done it. Hope this helps.

This is solid advice, I do the very same thing and also recommend this process.