Todays Hobbies F-14A Tomcat build

[heywooood]

some progress

[heywooood]

I have also added the wing pylons (not shown here) - just need to complete the ejection seats and the horizontal tails need to be shaped and sanded - I want to attach them to an axle so they can move.
Still formulating a plan for the painting process... This one will have a lot of if not most of the assembly done PRIOR to painting - that's a little unusual but necessary to get a good, seamless look.

[heywooood]

still have panel lines to add, missile racks and missiles - probably some other small details but..

[heywooood]

[heywooood]

full sweep

[heywooood]

I have added the landing gear doors and finished the panel lines..still need to finish up the missiles and rails.

The pictures above include the F-4J because I think the two Fleet Defenders look good side by side and a ton of Phantom drivers enjoyed transitioning from the
the big Rhino to the Tomcat-A

I will post more pictures when the weapons are attached

[Silver wings]

That is beautiful work, Heywooood. What did you use for filler over the wood frame ?

[heywooood]

I had been using Pactra Sanding Sealer for a while but it is getting hard to come by - it's a hazmat and fewer outlets want to or have license to ship and receive it.
I have been using Pine-Pro - a water based sealant generally used in the pine car derby sector.. I use it a little differently applying a few coats with drying time between and sanding and reapplying to around 7 coats
Then I spray an acrylic matte clear overall...then primer paint - then the topcoat. It's a process and the tape is critical - must be extremely low tack or there is a risk of lifting a layer of paint.

[backyardbalsapilot]

Lookin' good.