Tomcat

[Taiidantomcat]

I decided on green. Evolution:










Finished the black just now,this was a bit of a marathon airbrush session: the first Acryl MM black clog the brush- disassemble/clean. I then tried polly scale, Same result disassemble/clean. i finally decided to go Tamiya Gloss black because that was the last option!! Its the reason the paint looks glossy in some areas and flat in others. it will become uniform after a flat coat. but that's for tomorrow...or next week...  Im wiped out!

Let me know what you think!
Ben

[Rafael]

What I think?!!!

That's what I think.

Really, the black tones in the scheme sets this plane apart, looks elegant, and very dangerous.

Rafa

[pyro-manic]

I think the variations in the black make for a very interesting and unique look. Very, very cool. 

[Taiidantomcat]

Thanks Raf and Pyro! Also Keen observers may notice the big armor slabs under the cockpit rail (based off the single slabs on the Flogger) i added them after i decided to do the green scheme, seeing as ground attack was more plausible for that camo. I am also beginning the basics of a backstory...

Ben

[sotoolslinger]

TaiidanTcat , that is absolutely beautiful, EXCELLENT paint.

[Ed S]

I like that camo pattern.  Looks really good.

Ed

[Ian the Kiwi Herder]

Looks very good so far, Ben. Which brush/head you using ?

Ian

[Taiidantomcat]

I'm using a Badger Sotar, and this was the first time i ever had problems with it. normally you can pour the thinned paint in there and it goes and goes until you run out. once i got the Tamiya paint in there though most of the problems cleared up, i just had to occasionally dip the front of the A/B in alcohol spray off the excess for a second and then it was back to nice small lines.

Ben

[cthulhu77]

Beautiful work !  That is really a stunner.

[Taiidantomcat]

4th of july update! still working on this thing!



Front Landing gear, along with scratchbuilt doors and assoicated greeblies



Fin tips scratchbuilt with spare styrene



FOD guards or mesh screens haven't decided yet. plan on painting them gray, adding the bort number on them and a red star with some white stripes as well.





Shoulder pylons. painted them along with some of the touchups i did on the main model. Keen observers will notice i accidently put the pointy end backwords on the pylons (didnt notice until i set them down after painting) Good thing its a Whif!! i think it looks pretty good actually so dumb luck


The Fleetstar after touch ups. I don't think i have ever seen a paintjob like that Foxbat, there seems to be almost no pattern whatsoever which makes it a challenge to paint but exotic and gorgeous in the end. i masked and Tamiya nato black (really a very dark gray) on the nose.
i just need to mask the anti glare on the nose, do some other brush painting, then remove all tape, decal, flat coat to seal and finally paint that canopy gloss black. I plan on using little bits of strip styrene painted gray on the spot for "dielectric panels" in places that don't look "busy" enough or to cover flaws.

So heres a quick backstory, i realize if i spend too much time on these i spend more time thinking than building so this is pretty basic:

1977-

As The Soviet Union realized it was falling drastically behind the US in a far reaching and all important navy, a crash program was implemented to develop more ships and naval aircraft of all sorts. They quickly found that Naval Aviation is a sharp learning curve and that in order to aide in the success of this "crash" program much would need to be copied from the west. The F-14 was an instant candidate, with Sukhoi taking over the prime development of a Tomcat copy, simplified and improved as much as possible to cut cost, ease maintenance, and reduce the amount of parts needed for each aircraft. It was allocated the NATO reporting name FLEETSTAR.
Yakovlev already unhappy about losing their own contract to Sukhoi's knock off, was ordered to produce the Fleetstar adding insult to injury. But the Yak OKB had an ace up their sleeve. They would produce Sukhoi's version and one of their own, built for Soviet frontal avaition as a counter to the Tornado And as a Battlefield Superiority aircraft. Along with other improvements it had heavier more powerful engines, strengthened structure, Armor, and Yaks distinctive Bicycle Undercarriage (to allow the carriage of more ordinance)
Sukhoi was enraged not only due to the fact that they planned on selling their own land based versions to the PVO and VVS, but that Yak was actually cutting into orders for the up and coming Fencer!

Thats what i have so far, this is going to be a Yak version so it will look like an F-14 on a pogo stick with that Bicycle landing gear!

Thanks for looking
Ben

[Sisko]

Nice freehand scheme!!!

Just went throught the whole build. I really like the changes that you have made to give it that agricultural soviet look.

after seeing this I am thinking of making a soviet copy of the A-10. I have the old Tamiya kit lying around and I think that it would be fun sovietise it!

[Eddie M.]

I'm really enjoying your progress and that color really hits the spot!
    Eddie

[Taiidantomcat]

Engines before paint



Stylish FOD Covers (Stars provided by Waco from ARC)




I used Linden Hill Flanker Decals for the Red Stars and Numbers and i have to say these decals are worth every penny, my first experience with a two part decal and it went without a single hitch. Can not say enough great things about these decals.

The Foxbat this Model is based on had relatively few markings, no stencils, and the only thing other than the bare minimum stars and numbers where some commemorative markings...haven't decided if i want to add those yet. I still have to scratch the landing gear and add weapons along with the finished engines. But i felt very excited when i saw how good those stars looked.

[ChernayaAkula]

Really, really like that camo!

At first I didn't recognize your avatar. Taking a closer look it's obvious:

Cause she's got a great donkey. And you got your head...all the way up it. Ferocious, aren't I?

What do I win?
One of my favourite films, if not the favourite.

[Taiidantomcat]

You win my respect for your superior taste in movies