In 1974, the Royal Air Force took delivery of their first Tomcats. The first squadrons equipped with the ‘cat was 43^rd and 111^th 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 111^th 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.

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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