Tamiya 12693 - 1:48 Grumman F-14 Tomcat Detail Up Parts Set

Detail-up set for the Grumman F-14 Tomcat models (Tamiya 61114, 61118, 61122) in 1:48 scale

Tamiya 12693 is a detail-up set for the 1:48 models of the Grumman F-14 Tomcat carrier fighter. It targets the two areas where plastic mouldings fall furthest behind the real aircraft: the slender angle-of-attack probe on the radome and the cockpit fittings - the seatbelts and rear-view mirrors.

The angle-of-attack probe is turned from stainless steel and supplied in two pieces, enough for two models. The photo-etched fret carries seatbelts in two variants - separate sets for the F-14A and the F-14D - along with the rear-view mirrors fitted to the canopy. The set is intended for the Tamiya 61114, 61118 and 61122 kits. The base models are sold separately - this box contains the accessory parts only.

What's in the box:

• Angle-of-attack probe for the radome, turned from stainless steel (2 pcs, for two models)
• Photo-etched fret with seatbelts in two variants (F-14A and F-14D)
• Rear-view mirrors for the canopy (photo-etched parts)

Specifications:

• Scale: 1:48
• Product number: 12693
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Dedicated models: Tamiya F-14A Tomcat (61114), Tamiya F-14D Tomcat (61118) and Tamiya F-14A Late Model, Carrier Launch Set (61122)
• Type: detail-up set (turned metal part, photo-etched parts)
• Material: turned stainless steel, photo-etched parts

Turned metal parts - a quick upgrade

The angle-of-attack probe is a thin, protruding part and one of the most vulnerable on the whole model. A plastic moulding has two drawbacks here: a mould parting line that must be filed off a very small diameter without distorting the shape, and a tendency to bend at the slightest careless touch. A part turned from stainless steel has a perfectly round cross-section, crisper detail and markedly better mechanical resistance.

Metal needs different preparation than plastic: before painting we suggest degreasing the surface and using a primer intended for metal. Cyanoacrylate glue works well for seating the probe in the radome.

Photo-etched parts - fine, delicate detailing components

Seatbelts and rear-view mirrors are details that injection moulding cannot handle convincingly - a moulded strap will always be too thick and a moulded mirror too heavy. Photo-etched parts are close to scale thickness, and the belts can be posed: bent, threaded through a buckle and draped over the edge of the ejection seat, which brings the cockpit to life at once.

The fret carries belts in two variants, so before fitting them it is worth checking the instructions to see which ones match the version you are building - F-14A or F-14D. The parts are cut out with a sharp knife, the remaining tabs smoothed with a file, and a minimal amount of cyanoacrylate glue is used for bonding. Fit the belts before closing the cockpit.

About the aircraft - Grumman F-14 Tomcat:

The Grumman F-14 Tomcat was an American two-seat carrier-borne fighter with variable-geometry wings and, for more than three decades, the backbone of US Navy carrier air defence. It served from 1974 until 2006.

The swing wings reconciled conflicting demands: good low-speed behaviour for carrier take-offs and landings, and supersonic performance at high speed. Its armament included the long-range AIM-54 Phoenix missile, which allowed it to engage targets at distances beyond the reach of other fighters of the period.

Original aircraft specifications (Grumman F-14 Tomcat):

• Type: two-seat carrier-borne fighter
• Design: variable-geometry wings
• Operator: US Navy
• Service period: 1974-2006
• Armament: including long-range AIM-54 Phoenix missiles

About the manufacturer - Tamiya:

Tamiya is a Japanese company based in Shizuoka, active in the modelling industry since 1946. Alongside its plastic kits it offers detail-up accessories for its own models: turned metal parts, photo-etched frets, detail sets and display stands. These accessories are designed for specific Tamiya kit numbers, so they fit without modification. The range is completed by Tamiya paints, glues and modelling tools.