Tamiya 60795 - 1:72 Grumman F-14D Tomcat

Plastic model kit of the Grumman F-14D Tomcat carrier fighter in 1:72 scale

Tamiya 60795 depicts the F-14D Tomcat – the last and most advanced version of the two-seat U.S. Navy carrier fighter. The aircraft's hallmark is its variable-geometry wing, which automatically adjusts its sweep to flight conditions. The D version received, among other things, more powerful GE F110 engines and a chin pod with infrared observation systems and a television camera.

The kit is from new Tamiya tooling, which brings to 1:72 scale many of the details known from the 1:48 kit. The wings can be depicted spread or swept back, and the canopy and refuelling probe open or closed. The generous armament includes AIM-54 Phoenix, AIM-7 Sparrow and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles and drop tanks. The decals finish the aircraft in one of five U.S. Navy schemes.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with fuselage, variable-geometry wing and tail parts
• Two-seat cockpit with Martin-Baker Mk.14 seats
• Chin pod (FLIR/TV camera) and GE F110 engine nozzles
• AIM-54 Phoenix, AIM-7 Sparrow and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles and drop tanks
• Opening canopy and air-refuelling probe
• Waterslide decal sheet for 5 U.S. Navy marking options
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Item number: 60795
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: approx. 265 mm, wingspan: approx. 272 mm (wings spread)
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate

Note: glue, paints and modelling tools are not included. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

As a new Tamiya tooling it features good parts fit and thoughtful engineering. Before gluing, decide whether the wings are to be spread or swept back, and plan the weapons configuration. Paint the two-seat cockpit before closing the fuselage.

U.S. Navy Tomcats wore various grey schemes, often with colourful squadron markings. Lay the decals over a gloss coat to prevent silvering, then finish with a matt or satin varnish. The instructions provide paint references for all five schemes.

Tools you'll need:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes of various sizes and modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Panel-line wash to emphasise detail and recesses
• Gloss varnish for the decals and a satin coat to finish
• Optional: self-adhesive canopy masks

About the aircraft – Grumman F-14D Tomcat:

The F-14 Tomcat was developed as a long-range interceptor to defend U.S. Navy carrier groups. The variable-geometry wing combined good low-speed handling (for example during carrier landings) with high performance at high speed.

The F-14D was the last and most advanced version of the Tomcat. It received more powerful GE F110 engines, digital avionics and a chin pod with observation systems. The crew consisted of a pilot and a weapons systems operator. The Tomcat remained in U.S. Navy service until the mid-2000s.

Original aircraft specifications (F-14D Tomcat):

• Length: approx. 19.1 m
• Wingspan: approx. 19.5 m (wings spread)
• Height: approx. 4.9 m
• Max take-off weight: approx. 33,000 kg
• Powerplant: 2 General Electric F110 afterburning turbofans
• Max speed: approx. Mach 2.3
• Armament: 20 mm cannon; AIM-54 Phoenix, AIM-7 Sparrow and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles
• Crew: 2 (pilot and weapons systems operator)
• Feature: variable-geometry wings, chin observation pod

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 in Shizuoka, regarded as the heart of Japan's model-making industry. It launched its first injection-moulded plastic kit in 1960 and soon set a global benchmark for quality thanks to precise tooling and excellent parts fit. Tamiya's own-tooled kits are popular with beginners and experienced modellers alike, combining accurate detail with thoughtfully engineered, enjoyable assembly. Beyond plastic kits in many scales, the company offers a full range of accessories: paints, glues, tools and brushes. Tamiya operates in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable brands in the hobby.