Hello everyone, I want to address some concerns and feedback regarding this build. I used an F-14D instead of an F-14A, which has understandably disappointed some of you who are passionate about accuracy in this hobby. I apologize for the inaccuracies and any confusion caused. To clarify, this model is not an accurate representation of an aircraft from the Top Gun movie, as it is a newer version. I removed every reference to Top Gun as far as i can at this moment. Due to technical limitations, I am unable to edit out the references to Top Gun in the video, and the model itself still features the decals from the Top Gun aircraft. Here are the mistakes pointed out by viewers: - Aircraft Model: Used an F-14D instead of an F-14A, which is the version used in the movie. - A2G Loadout: The air-to-ground loadout was not introduced on the Tomcat until decades later. - Canvas Covers: The canvas covers on the instrument cowlings did not look accurate. - LANTRIN and Bombs: The F-14A models in the movie didn’t carry LANTRIN or bombs until the 90s. - Pilot and Helmet: The pilot’s flight suit and helmet were not accurate for a A model. -Paint Scheme: Missing key colors and details specific to Ghostrider 114, such as the gull gray panel on the turtle back and the correct wing bag colors. I appreciate your understanding and continued support. This project was a learning experience for me, and I am grateful for the feedback. I hope you still enjoyed the build despite the inaccuracies. Thank you again for watching and understanding.
@@panasonicsamsung5867 Thanks mate, glad you like it, despite the errors. Humans make mistakes, it’s just about how we can learn from them in the future :)
Just wanted to say I am currently working on an F-14 and this technique is amazing. It gives a look I have been looking for. Thanks and keep up the good work.
As an F-14 mechanic and Plane Captain (Crew Chief) in the early 1990's I can give a tip to weathering Tomcats. The bottom of the aircraft was usually covered with a red grim not brown or black as every scale modeler seems to depict. The hydraulic fluid we used in the F-14 was red in color and leaked out constantly through almost all of the seems under the aircraft. There was always red droplets hanging everywhere under the aircraft.
@@howardelzey2760 Thanks for sharing your firsthand experience! It’s always great to hear insights from someone who actually worked on these aircraft. That detail about the red hydraulic fluid and grime is super helpful for anyone looking to accurately weather their F-14 models. It’s easy to forget that not everything on the aircraft would be perfectly clean or uniformly colored. Your comment definitely adds to the authenticity modelers can aim for! If I’m doing another f-14, I’ll definitely incorporate this into my work and hope other modelers follow. Thanks again.
Actually, the red tint comes from the type of hydraulic fluid that was used in F-14s. Many military aircraft, including the Tomcat, used a hydraulic fluid (like MIL-H-83282 or MIL-H-5606), which had a reddish color. These fluids were prone to leaks over time, and the constant stress on the aircraft systems caused small leaks to accumulate, especially under the plane, resulting in the red grime that some mechanics remember seeing. While scale modelers often use black or brown grime for weathering, this red detail is a key piece of authenticity that’s often overlooked. It’s fascinating how these small details can bring a model to life! I also had to lookup these details after OPs comment, but he is absolutely right about the fact that it should be much more reddish (well, OP worked on the aircraft’s, I didn’t had a doubt about his words anyway).
The history and mechanical accuracy is important IMO if I was building a model on contract for money or diorama/competition at a judged model show. Otherwise for me the joy of modeling is adding your own interpretation of the subject and how well the model actually looks which takes multiple skills. My absolute greatest satisfaction and fun in the hobby is when I did what i wanted and let my artistic interpretation ride freely. That’s how you progress, that’s how you expand your skill set. Turning a project into a 8 month labor of research and meticulous add ons of which 95% you can’t even see and of which 98% of people seeing it don’t know the difference is satisfying to some but like I said before IMO it has its place. Just not all the time. Keep doing what your doing and PLEASE never change anything once completed to satisfy some arm chair military historian. Carry on.
@@shannonmonroe5873 Thank you for sharing your perspective! I completely agree that while historical and mechanical accuracy is important, especially in competitive or commissioned works, there’s immense value in the personal enjoyment and creativity that comes from interpreting a subject in your own way. The freedom to explore different techniques and artistic choices is what makes this hobby so fulfilling and helps push our skill sets further. It’s refreshing to hear someone speak out about not getting too caught up in the tiny details that only a handful of people might notice. At the end of the day, it’s about enjoying the process and expressing yourself through your builds, not just following every historical spec to a T. I think there’s a perfect balance to be found between both approaches. Thanks again for your insight, and happy modeling!
I really enjoyed the time and effort you put in..... I'm a builder myself so i understand how much time and skill the takes to pull this off Even if it is a lil off from the movie Tomcat its still a kick ass peice and ive always said your model your way. Keep up the good work and HAPPY SCALING 👋.
@@benchlife9375 Thank you so much! I really appreciate your support and understanding. Building these models is a labor of love, and it’s great to hear from fellow builders like you. I’ll definitely keep up the work, and I’m glad you enjoyed the build. Happy scaling to you too! 👋
Amazing work!!! I would love to see the "extended version" showing the construction & painting of the gear and weapons. I put these videos on while I'm in my studio building my own models. It's inspiring to work with a "friend" even if it's only on the screen 😊
@@SkipJack1950 Thank you very much. Unfortunately I deleted already all the clips, I indeed had some footage showing the gears and weapons, but the video is already quite long. Maybe next time ;) Funny story. I’ve a screen nearby my workbench, but without internet connections. So I usually watch some comedy series while building. Wish you happy building (hopefully while watching my stuff… 😅)
I wish I knew of this technique before building my. 1/32 Tamiya F14. Something that was brought to my attention from another channel, (something I never thought of either) you could do 2 directions of streaking on the wings. One for wings extended and then one for when the wings are folded. As the air flow over them would possibly create 2 streaking marks making a more unique grime pattern.
@@ICEM4NIII1 oh that sounds like a great idea. I give it a try when I build another f-14 or similar (have a tornado in stash…). The technique is quite new, just invented by Mr. Sieber a couple of months ago… (and probably the reason big shops have the colors now in store 🤣)
I love the voice over - it reminds me of the voice from the 12” Frankie Goes to Hollywood ‘Two Tribes’. You know the one - ‘If you or a member of your family should die in the shelter, place them outside, remembering to tag them for identification purposes…’ superb nostalgia 👍
@@garywhaley4040 glad you like it. Now that you said that, yes indeed quite similar :) I guess the 80s style music also helped a bit with that impression.
Nice work. It's a bit of a shame you used an F-14D for it and not an A version, as they were used in the movie. Also, the A2G loadout wasn't introduced on the Tomcat until decades later.
@@marcranger4596 thanks. That’s indeed a valid critic. As said to another commenter, I know that would come. To be honest it wasn’t really planned to make a top gun build in first place. Then galaxy models released the figures and I said, ah well, maybe I should buy them? Then I thought about the „not-so-great“ tamiya decals and bought the everything for the „not-so-correct“ top gun build :) But hey, I’ve a f-18 from the second movie (the proper f-18) and a p51 with decals that Tom cruise p51 uses… so for top gun 2 I’ll promise to do a better job :)
Nice work! Burner cans look good. The black stripes in the nozzle need a little white dry brushed down the center line. My references show this effect.
Thank you :) And thank you for the tips. Oh, i added some white oil paints to them (see at 1:14:44). But i probably removed to much of it later on. It's indeed not so much visible anymore. Using the drybrush technique would be better.
Thank you. No they are Aftermarket Decals, you can find them here: www.scalemates.com/kits/jeight-design-jd48001-f-14a-tomcat-decal-set--1454744 Usually still sold on ebay.
Excellent Video. I am actually going to build an old 1/48 Revell / Monogram F14 A for a new build and try a few of your tricks to make it a better model (because it's such a poor kit...😏). BTW, get ready for all the comments from people who are going to say "Hey ! There was no F14 "D" model in Topgun !" Really nice build !!!
@@Artguy1789 Thank you very much. Yeah, I fear this comments will come, I know in top gun it’s an f-14a. But I had the kit long before I thought about make a top gun build and refused to pay another 100 bucks just to have an A-Variant. And i personally don’t mind these small imperfections…. But I can understand if others don’t like it because of that. Have fun building the Revell kit, that’s probably much more of a challenge then the Tamiya one.
Awesome video, I'm a newbie and I'm wondering are you able to glue parts that are painted? I see you pant first then glue. Also at the end I see you using a whitish looking glue on the wheels and stuff, what is that?
@@Scott_Graham_86 Hello and welcome to the hobby. There is a lot to unpack in your question, so I try to be as specific as possible. First of all, I glue before and after I paint. That depends on the model, or more specific on the subsections I work. Usually I separate each build into smaller sub builds, that are mostly painted separately. Take the cockpit for example: if I glue everything together before painting it, I couldn’t reach most of the parts. That would make painting difficult or next to impossible. The gears and their bays are another example for that. But the fuselage on the other hand is glued before painting. The instructions are more of an guide that I don’t follow step by step. I study it before I build and decide which things need to be sub assembled before or after glueing. This is different from model to model, and there is no clear rule from that. You’ll learn this the more models you build. Onto the glues: There are multiple glues you need at hand. The most important one is actually not a glue but a cement. Like Tamiya extra thin cement. It works by melting the plastic together with catapilla force. But this doesn’t work very well when pieces are painted. Then there is CA glue. This is a quick dry glue that creates a bond between the pieces, but doesn’t melt them together. It’s great for small parts or photo etched parts. It also works with already painted parts, but the bond isn’t that strong. If the parts fall apart, it will likely remove also the paint. Then there is acrylic glue (the one I used for the wheels). It’s great for already painted pieces or PE parts. But it takes quite a bit to dry (a few minutes) and the bond is week. But it dries transparent, so it’s kind of useless for parts that doesn’t need a strong bond but are already painted. Then there is 2 component epoxy glue. That is a really strong chemical glue, that needs to be handled with care. But it creates and ultra strong bond between the pieces. It takes a while to dry, but once it is, it’s nearly impossible to get off. I use this for parts that have some load, for example in this build the inside (not visible) of the landing gear. If you have any further questions feel free to ask and happy building.
@GeneralPelleScaleModels That was perfect, you explained multiple things I wanted to ask. I appreciate the fast response as I'm in the middle of a model right now lol
The stippling saves a lot of spraying with different tones through the Uschi van Der Rosten splatter template, with a thin overlay of neat base tone gray.
Indeed! Using airbrush templates is faster, but i think the effect isn't as strong as using the ink stippling technique. I probably will use it in other builds in the future.
That stippled grime layer is something else. It looks like the filth I'd see on actual F-14Ds at my local airshow through their retirement from the naval arsenal.
Thanks mate. Well, my wife ask me the same. My answer is always: because i like it dirty :) Seriously, makeing models dirty is not always super realistic, it's more of an artistic choice. When we look at real subjects, they are much bigger then humans, so we can see a lot of details (on the paint) that aren't visible on scale models. When you shrink these subjects to the size of a scale model, and paint it without much dirt, then, at least for me, they look like toys because of the scale effect. This why i usually opt for a more dirty look and feel. That's of course a matter of taste and not everybody like it.
I really enjoyed the work you did in the gear bays and the exterior surface painting. Techniques worth trying. However, those canvas covers did look that great. You'd have been better of painting what existed on the instrument cowlings. They look like slabs of beef rather than canvas. Second, why did you buy new resin cockpit details, only to remove the details? That was a waste of time and money when you could have just removed the details from the kit pane for the 3D decals. Finally, the AG load out did not exist in the early 80s. JDAMS weren't in service until over a decade later. The rest of build was really enjoyable to watch.
@@paulwoods4349 Thanks. The canvas actually looks better in reality then on my pictures. More leather like then meat. But yeah, was my first try with epoxy putty, we all need to start somewhere I guess? I bought the resin kit because I wanted the seats, which where included and not available separately in any shop nearby. Also your assumption isn’t 100% correct. The parts behind the seats are much more detailed than the kit parts and I didn’t remove them. Even they are mostly invisible I show them on UA-cam, that was forth the few extra bucks (for me). I mention the reason for using the F-14D in other comments, so it’s kind of funny if you read them, criticizing that I pay 10 dollars extra for the cockpit, but saying I should better use the F-14A for another 100 dollars while having the F-14D in my stash already. Yeah, it was a mistake using the armaments and the F-14D, especially when displaying it on UA-cam. It’s a valid critique point. I got it by now :) it won’t happen again. I promise ❤
Ink has a lot of pigments so they don't self level itself as other color types. This why it's really important to hold the stippler lightly in your hands, as it will fall off when you push to hard. This way you can prevent brush marks.
Actually they aren't public domain, i've to pay for a license to use them ;) But yeha, these time i used 80s sounds (like you meation in other comments), indeed similiar to Hotline Miami.
@@Collateralcoffee Thank you for the feedback. It's a pity that you didn't like it. Maybe next time ;) Indeed it’s an AI voice (as stated in the description, it isn’t a secret), which btw stands for Artificial Intelligence. No need to say artificial Artificial Intelligence…
Are you doing a weird world build? Meaning why did you model Ghostrider 114 as an F-14D? All Tomcats in both movies are F-14A models. F-14 A models do not have an IRST, the big motors, antenas on the shoulders, and they didn't carry the LANTIRN or bombs until the 90's. Also, your pilot is wrong for a D model. Flight suit is different and the helmet is different. HGU 33 helmet for the 70's & 80's, HGU 55/P for the 90's to retirement. Your missing some key colors signature to Ghostrider 114, most notable the gull gray panel on the turtle back. Also, the wing bags are tan, as is the anti-slip on either side of the cockpit.
@@robertpace4913 thanks for your feedback. I answered this already to other commenters, so instead, here is a list of errors in the MOVIE Top Gun: The MiG-28s are actually repainted F-5 (4:23) CATCC controller is sweating. Those spaces on the ship are usually freezing cold to protect the electronics. (4:26) Bald-headed guy (played by actor James Tolkan) walks in wearing cover, something the crew doesn’t do on Navy ships unless they’re on watch on the bridge. What is this guy’s billet anyway? CAG? Carrier CO? Tomcat squadron skipper? (He’s an 0-5, so that would make him too junior for the first two, but he acts like he’s in charge of everything.) (4:45) GCI controller refers to crews by their callsigns: “Cougar and Merlin and Maverick and Goose.” A controller would refer to jets by aircraft side numbers. (5:00) RIO’s radar presentation shows a 360-degree PPI presentation. Tomcat’s radar only sweeps 65 degrees either side of the nose. (6:00) Tomcat’s wings are swept fully aft, which means - at that altitude - that the aircraft is going supersonic or the pilot commanded them into that position, which he wouldn’t do because the airplane doesn’t turn that well in that configuration. (7:21) Standby gyro is un-caged as Maverick “goes for missile lock” by twisting a nob on the mid-compression by-pass selector - a system that has nothing to do with the Tomcat’s weapons suite (9:03) The RIO wouldn’t be carrying a Polaroid camera. He’d have a regular “intel” camera, and if he didn’t get good photos of an airplane that nobody had ever been that close to before (as Goose says) then he would have failed in his part of the mission, big time (9:59) Merlin taps on a fuel gauge that doesn’t exist in the rear cockpit of the F-14, only in the front cockpit. (The RIO only has a fuel totalizer.) (10:57) Goose has the same non-existent rear cockpit fuel gauge as Merlin (10:58) Maverick crosses the ramp with his hook down and then a second later he has the hook up. (It takes several seconds to cycle between fully up and fully down.) Then he pulls the throttles aft to go around, which would reduce engine power, as somebody screams “Cougar!” over the radio. (12:27) There’s no way Cougar wouldn’t have been waved off based on that wild approach. He gets at least five “power” calls and no “wave off” call. The Air Boss would have had Paddle’s ass after that. (13:58) First glimpse of random patch assortments on flight suits as Maverick and Goose get chewed out by skipper in his really nice stateroom. (And everybody’s sweating.) (17:46) Slider is a lieutenant (junior grade). That’s too junior for a Top Gun slot. (25:52) A hangar isn’t the most conducive place for detailed flight briefs. (26:37) Charlie briefs, “The MiG-28 does have a problem with its inverted flight tanks.” Those must be different than upright flight tanks. (29:53) Smoke effect is actually the Tomcat dumping fuel . . . a stupid idea when you’re about to enter a dogfight. (31:31) Maverick “hits the brakes” by pushing the throttles forward, which would increase power, not decrease it. (35:52) Maverick explains, “We weren’t below the hard deck for more than a few seconds. I had the shot. There was no danger. So I took it.” The hard deck simulates the ground, so basically Maverick is saying, “We didn’t hit the ground for more than a few seconds . . .” (51:43) Charlie says, “That’s a big gamble with a $30 million plane.” Tomcat unit cost (cost per jet) circa ’86 was $42 million. Maybe she wasn’t including the cost of the two engines, which could have been a subtle dig on his energy management skills. (58:42) HUD display looks nothing like the real thing. (1:06:56) Goose says “Shit, we got a flameout. Engine 1 is out.” The RIO has no engine instruments in the rear cockpit of the F-14. (1:07:13) Iceman transmits, “Mav’s in trouble. He’s in a flat spin and headed out to sea.” When an airplane is in a flat spin it is not heading anywhere except straight down. 1:07:22) Goose reports, “Altitude 8,000. 7,000. Six, we’re at six.” They should have ejected already. NATOPS boldface (immediate action steps committed to memory) procedures read like this: “If flat spin verified by flat attitude, increasing yaw rate, increasing eyeball−out G, and lack of pitch and roll rates: 8. Canopy - Jettison. 9. EJECT - RIO Command Eject.” (1:29:08) Maverick walks on the flight deck during flight ops without his helmet on. (1:32:10) Tomcat does an aileron roll right off the cat, which it wouldn’t have the speed to do - not to mention that maneuver would be a gross violation of Case I departure procedures. (1:36:41) Ice says, “I’m going for the shot” while at close range behind a bandit, but he switches from ‘Guns’ to ‘Sparrow/Phoenix’ - the long range, forward-quarter weapons. (1:36:54) Missile magically transforms from an AIM-7 Sparrow into a AIM-9 Sidewinder in flight. (1:37:48) Maverick shoots a Sparrow in the rear quarter at short range, which wouldn’t work because the AIM-7 needs a lot of closure to guide. And the list goes on… looks like a multi million dollar Hollywood production made more mistakes then a small scale modeler with his replication of a movie airplane full of weird world mistakes. Mistakes happen. I said it already and I say it again: I’m deeply sorry for that.
@@GeneralPelleScaleModels Thank you for pointing out the movies mistakes. After nearly 40 years these are all well know by us Navy brats and Tomcat fans alike. You didn't answer my question. My point is to your build title and description as compared to the cat in the video. "What if Top Gun 86 was filmed in the late 90's?" No rivets to be counted in that concept. Your seeming irritation speaks to no research done on the actual filming aircraft and annoyance to being called out on it. Flexing that you can copy and paste from any number of sites that go over the film errors is perplexing as a response. The movie is wrong thus my model is wrong? Major creativity points for coming up with that mental eject handle. There is plenty of research and documentation on each BuNo used in the film and how to organize them into the "individual" hero jets.
@@robertpace4913 Thank you for your detailed feedback, @robertpace4913. I appreciate the recognition of the common mistakes and understand your point regarding the build title and description. My aim was to explore a creative concept rather than a strictly accurate representation, which is why I took some liberties with the details. To clarify, I had already mentioned in other comments that I used the wrong F-14 kit because it was what I had in my stash at the time. Unfortunately, I couldn’t afford the money to buy the proper F-14A kit after already spending so much on this build. I also invested in aftermarket parts to enhance the build. If you’d like to support me, I have a Patreon page or you can use the thanks button on UA-cam. I apologize for any mistakes made. I did conduct research to balance historical accuracy with creativity, but I acknowledge there might have been gaps. The idea to make it a Top Gun build came after I destroyed the original Tamiya decals. At this stage, a scale model is already painted and I don’t have the skills or time to remove it. Then, I saw that Galaxy Models sold some Top Gun figures, but they included the wrong helmet. I didn’t have the skills to modify them to make the perfect helmet as mentioned in your first comment. So this was how this false top gun build was born. I understand that others don’t make so much mistakes. I’m unfortunately a human who makes mistakes. I’m in this hobby for 3 years now. There is still a lot to learn for me. I hope you understand that the current video and model can’t be changed at this point. However, I’m open to suggestions on how we can address your concerns and find a solution that satisfies you. If you’re looking for highly detailed and accurate scale models, you might find better content from UA-camrs with advanced modeling skills. Thank you again for your insights, and I hope we can work this out together.
@@GeneralPelleScaleModels I like how you edited your feeling there. Your original response is in my email, UA-cam does that. I'll ignore that one and address this, except to say you're overreacting young one (at least young in this hobby). You don't have to change anything about your build. I 1000% agree, it is your kit, paint it Joker colors for all anyone should care. Again, it boils down to a title and description misleading the unknowing. Creative concept, fantastic! Then say that. "I built a late Tomcat as if it was in Top Gun." Hell Yeah! I started trolling you because you didn't discuss, you tried to slam with very well know movie facts. Exceedingly well known. You want to be a part of this community? Take critique with grace and learn from it. Talk to the other builders who have done this over and over. I'm 30 years + building and I still learn from other makers. If you actually want a tip, don't think you do... post your build progress photos on IG before you ever start you video edit. We save each other from mistakes often this way. I recently got saved on my VF-2 build this way, almost put the wrong model of sidewinder on it. If you already do that and get nothing but praise, then you need some OG's in your inner circle.
@robertpace4913 Thanks again for your feedback. I appreciate that an experienced modeler like you is taking the time to give me constructive criticism. My initial response was indeed too harsh, which is why I edited it. Thanks for ignoring that emotional response. I’m aware that UA-cam sends such emails, and I am grateful for your insights. I am very open to critique, as can be seen in my responses to many other critical comments. I constantly seek feedback from my UA-cam community, as observed in the “Community” tab where I regularly post updates and polls. I will adjust the description, title, and thumbnail tomorrow to remove references to Top Gun, as per your suggestions, since it’s already late today. Unfortunately, I can’t change the model or the video itself, so the mentions of the film will remain there. I have spoken with other modelers, but I’ve found the OG community, like you called it, to be quite closed. I had an Instagram account for two years where I posted regular updates, but I never received feedback in the manner you described. Nor did I had there any reach. My builds don’t seem to generate the same level of interest as those of the professionals (which is totally understandable for me). I don’t think the hardcore community of professional modelers has much interest in my builds at the moment. Perhaps one day, but for now, this remains a hobby for me. I learn a lot from the publications of professional modelers and try to incorporate my own style. I understand that this may not always be well-received. So I guess for the moment there is no way to get these OG‘s into my, well, inner circle. Thats somehow pity, but of course I can’t force people to communicate with me. So the only way to get feedback for me is indeed here on UA-cam. And I doubt that many of you professionals are watching my small channel. Time is valuable at the end, and why would you waste it with amateur builds. Same as professional soccer players don’t watch games of amateurs. Thanks again for your feedback. I will continue to learn and improve.
Hello everyone,
I want to address some concerns and feedback regarding this build. I used an F-14D instead of an F-14A, which has understandably disappointed some of you who are passionate about accuracy in this hobby. I apologize for the inaccuracies and any confusion caused.
To clarify, this model is not an accurate representation of an aircraft from the Top Gun movie, as it is a newer version. I removed every reference to Top Gun as far as i can at this moment. Due to technical limitations, I am unable to edit out the references to Top Gun in the video, and the model itself still features the decals from the Top Gun aircraft.
Here are the mistakes pointed out by viewers:
- Aircraft Model: Used an F-14D instead of an F-14A, which is the version used in the movie.
- A2G Loadout: The air-to-ground loadout was not introduced on the Tomcat until decades later.
- Canvas Covers: The canvas covers on the instrument cowlings did not look accurate.
- LANTRIN and Bombs: The F-14A models in the movie didn’t carry LANTRIN or bombs until the 90s.
- Pilot and Helmet: The pilot’s flight suit and helmet were not accurate for a A model.
-Paint Scheme: Missing key colors and details specific to Ghostrider 114, such as the gull gray panel on the turtle back and the correct wing bag colors.
I appreciate your understanding and continued support. This project was a learning experience for me, and I am grateful for the feedback. I hope you still enjoyed the build despite the inaccuracies.
Thank you again for watching and understanding.
Seperate from the errors mentioned, but YOU made a very nice model, in a very nice look and finish!
@@panasonicsamsung5867 Thanks mate, glad you like it, despite the errors. Humans make mistakes, it’s just about how we can learn from them in the future :)
Just wanted to say I am currently working on an F-14 and this technique is amazing. It gives a look I have been looking for. Thanks and keep up the good work.
@@willdyer3371 it’s really a game changer, right? Happy building :)
As an F-14 mechanic and Plane Captain (Crew Chief) in the early 1990's I can give a tip to weathering Tomcats. The bottom of the aircraft was usually covered with a red grim not brown or black as every scale modeler seems to depict. The hydraulic fluid we used in the F-14 was red in color and leaked out constantly through almost all of the seems under the aircraft. There was always red droplets hanging everywhere under the aircraft.
@@howardelzey2760 Thanks for sharing your firsthand experience! It’s always great to hear insights from someone who actually worked on these aircraft. That detail about the red hydraulic fluid and grime is super helpful for anyone looking to accurately weather their F-14 models. It’s easy to forget that not everything on the aircraft would be perfectly clean or uniformly colored. Your comment definitely adds to the authenticity modelers can aim for! If I’m doing another f-14, I’ll definitely incorporate this into my work and hope other modelers follow. Thanks again.
I did that because I heard that before and now everyone says, hey why is that so red? It’s actually black and brown? Go figure🫤
Actually, the red tint comes from the type of hydraulic fluid that was used in F-14s. Many military aircraft, including the Tomcat, used a hydraulic fluid (like MIL-H-83282 or MIL-H-5606), which had a reddish color. These fluids were prone to leaks over time, and the constant stress on the aircraft systems caused small leaks to accumulate, especially under the plane, resulting in the red grime that some mechanics remember seeing. While scale modelers often use black or brown grime for weathering, this red detail is a key piece of authenticity that’s often overlooked. It’s fascinating how these small details can bring a model to life! I also had to lookup these details after OPs comment, but he is absolutely right about the fact that it should be much more reddish (well, OP worked on the aircraft’s, I didn’t had a doubt about his words anyway).
What a nice plane
@@express3008 thanks, glad you like it 😊
The history and mechanical accuracy is important IMO if I was building a model on contract for money or diorama/competition at a judged model show. Otherwise for me the joy of modeling is adding your own interpretation of the subject and how well the model actually looks which takes multiple skills. My absolute greatest satisfaction and fun in the hobby is when I did what i wanted and let my artistic interpretation ride freely. That’s how you progress, that’s how you expand your skill set. Turning a project into a 8 month labor of research and meticulous add ons of which 95% you can’t even see and of which 98% of people seeing it don’t know the difference is satisfying to some but like I said before IMO it has its place. Just not all the time.
Keep doing what your doing and PLEASE never change anything once completed to satisfy some arm chair military historian.
Carry on.
@@shannonmonroe5873 Thank you for sharing your perspective! I completely agree that while historical and mechanical accuracy is important, especially in competitive or commissioned works, there’s immense value in the personal enjoyment and creativity that comes from interpreting a subject in your own way. The freedom to explore different techniques and artistic choices is what makes this hobby so fulfilling and helps push our skill sets further.
It’s refreshing to hear someone speak out about not getting too caught up in the tiny details that only a handful of people might notice. At the end of the day, it’s about enjoying the process and expressing yourself through your builds, not just following every historical spec to a T. I think there’s a perfect balance to be found between both approaches.
Thanks again for your insight, and happy modeling!
The Sir David Attenborough of scale modeling
@@fecardona 😂🤣😂
Such a stoic build! Gave me stoicism vibes into building my own Tamiya F-14D stash
@@fester17 Thanks mate. Have fun building it, it’s a great kit 🙏
Archer: DAAAANGER ZOOOONE!
@@Bob-b7x6v hehe, I wish I could license that song for that video…
Truly a masterpiece! This weathering technique is really promising gotta try it out in the future...
@@pauka13 thank you very much. It’s a real game changer for me. Try it out and have fun :)
I really enjoyed the time and effort you put in..... I'm a builder myself so i understand how much time and skill the takes to pull this off Even if it is a lil off from the movie Tomcat its still a kick ass peice and ive always said your model your way. Keep up the good work and HAPPY SCALING 👋.
@@benchlife9375 Thank you so much! I really appreciate your support and understanding. Building these models is a labor of love, and it’s great to hear from fellow builders like you. I’ll definitely keep up the work, and I’m glad you enjoyed the build. Happy scaling to you too! 👋
Great looking model
@@danielwilletts7427 thanks mate
Amazing work!!! I would love to see the "extended version" showing the construction & painting of the gear and weapons. I put these videos on while I'm in my studio building my own models. It's inspiring to work with a "friend" even if it's only on the screen 😊
@@SkipJack1950 Thank you very much. Unfortunately I deleted already all the clips, I indeed had some footage showing the gears and weapons, but the video is already quite long. Maybe next time ;) Funny story. I’ve a screen nearby my workbench, but without internet connections. So I usually watch some comedy series while building. Wish you happy building (hopefully while watching my stuff… 😅)
I wish I knew of this technique before building my. 1/32 Tamiya F14. Something that was brought to my attention from another channel, (something I never thought of either) you could do 2 directions of streaking on the wings. One for wings extended and then one for when the wings are folded. As the air flow over them would possibly create 2 streaking marks making a more unique grime pattern.
@@ICEM4NIII1 oh that sounds like a great idea. I give it a try when I build another f-14 or similar (have a tornado in stash…). The technique is quite new, just invented by Mr. Sieber a couple of months ago… (and probably the reason big shops have the colors now in store 🤣)
Nice weathering work
@@ew5950 thank you :)
Exceptional weathering skills!!
@@markc7002 thanks mate
I love the voice over - it reminds me of the voice from the 12” Frankie Goes to Hollywood ‘Two Tribes’. You know the one - ‘If you or a member of your family should die in the shelter, place them outside, remembering to tag them for identification purposes…’ superb nostalgia 👍
@@garywhaley4040 glad you like it. Now that you said that, yes indeed quite similar :) I guess the 80s style music also helped a bit with that impression.
Nice work. It's a bit of a shame you used an F-14D for it and not an A version, as they were used in the movie. Also, the A2G loadout wasn't introduced on the Tomcat until decades later.
@@marcranger4596 thanks. That’s indeed a valid critic. As said to another commenter, I know that would come. To be honest it wasn’t really planned to make a top gun build in first place. Then galaxy models released the figures and I said, ah well, maybe I should buy them? Then I thought about the „not-so-great“ tamiya decals and bought the everything for the „not-so-correct“ top gun build :) But hey, I’ve a f-18 from the second movie (the proper f-18) and a p51 with decals that Tom cruise p51 uses… so for top gun 2 I’ll promise to do a better job :)
Nice work! Burner cans look good. The black stripes in the nozzle need a little white dry brushed down the center line. My references show this effect.
Thank you :) And thank you for the tips. Oh, i added some white oil paints to them (see at 1:14:44). But i probably removed to much of it later on. It's indeed not so much visible anymore. Using the drybrush technique would be better.
Stunning work!
@@bricktop2938 thanks, glad you like it :)
incredible work!
@@Ragazzo556 thank you :)
Montage, you've gotta have an 80's montaaaaage!
Very beautiful, good job 👏
@@oralice5689 thank you very much 🙏
❤❤❤
Thanks :)
Outstanding build 👍
@@SprueFascinationChannel thank you 🙏
Nice video. Which mini drill do you use? I search a good quality one. Mine frome Ali is more hmm okisch
@@DieTabbi Vielen Dank. Als Minibohrer nutze ich den PPV2237 von Modelcraft. Der ist aus Metal und dementsprechend stabil. Viel Spass beim Basteln :)
Very nice! Did the Top Gun decals come in the kit? If not where did you get them?
Thank you. No they are Aftermarket Decals, you can find them here: www.scalemates.com/kits/jeight-design-jd48001-f-14a-tomcat-decal-set--1454744
Usually still sold on ebay.
@@GeneralPelleScaleModels thank you and again, congratulations on a great build!
Excellent Video. I am actually going to build an old 1/48 Revell / Monogram F14 A for a new build and try a few of your tricks to make it a better model (because it's such a poor kit...😏). BTW, get ready for all the comments from people who are going to say "Hey ! There was no F14 "D" model in Topgun !" Really nice build !!!
@@Artguy1789 Thank you very much. Yeah, I fear this comments will come, I know in top gun it’s an f-14a. But I had the kit long before I thought about make a top gun build and refused to pay another 100 bucks just to have an A-Variant. And i personally don’t mind these small imperfections…. But I can understand if others don’t like it because of that. Have fun building the Revell kit, that’s probably much more of a challenge then the Tamiya one.
Awesome video, I'm a newbie and I'm wondering are you able to glue parts that are painted? I see you pant first then glue. Also at the end I see you using a whitish looking glue on the wheels and stuff, what is that?
@@Scott_Graham_86 Hello and welcome to the hobby. There is a lot to unpack in your question, so I try to be as specific as possible. First of all, I glue before and after I paint. That depends on the model, or more specific on the subsections I work. Usually I separate each build into smaller sub builds, that are mostly painted separately. Take the cockpit for example: if I glue everything together before painting it, I couldn’t reach most of the parts. That would make painting difficult or next to impossible. The gears and their bays are another example for that. But the fuselage on the other hand is glued before painting. The instructions are more of an guide that I don’t follow step by step. I study it before I build and decide which things need to be sub assembled before or after glueing. This is different from model to model, and there is no clear rule from that. You’ll learn this the more models you build.
Onto the glues: There are multiple glues you need at hand. The most important one is actually not a glue but a cement. Like Tamiya extra thin cement. It works by melting the plastic together with catapilla force. But this doesn’t work very well when pieces are painted. Then there is CA glue. This is a quick dry glue that creates a bond between the pieces, but doesn’t melt them together. It’s great for small parts or photo etched parts. It also works with already painted parts, but the bond isn’t that strong. If the parts fall apart, it will likely remove also the paint. Then there is acrylic glue (the one I used for the wheels). It’s great for already painted pieces or PE parts. But it takes quite a bit to dry (a few minutes) and the bond is week. But it dries transparent, so it’s kind of useless for parts that doesn’t need a strong bond but are already painted. Then there is 2 component epoxy glue. That is a really strong chemical glue, that needs to be handled with care. But it creates and ultra strong bond between the pieces. It takes a while to dry, but once it is, it’s nearly impossible to get off. I use this for parts that have some load, for example in this build the inside (not visible) of the landing gear. If you have any further questions feel free to ask and happy building.
@GeneralPelleScaleModels That was perfect, you explained multiple things I wanted to ask. I appreciate the fast response as I'm in the middle of a model right now lol
@@Scott_Graham_86 You‘re welcome.
Great Master's Thesis, Maestro. I probably would've finished college if scale modeling were a Bachelors of Science and not an art degree.
hehe :)
Push it to the limit...
The stippling saves a lot of spraying with different tones through the Uschi van Der Rosten splatter template, with a thin overlay of neat base tone gray.
Indeed! Using airbrush templates is faster, but i think the effect isn't as strong as using the ink stippling technique. I probably will use it in other builds in the future.
"Eyes Without A Face" would've been clutch, too.
That stippled grime layer is something else. It looks like the filth I'd see on actual F-14Ds at my local airshow through their retirement from the naval arsenal.
Right? :) The ink technique is really great to replicate it.
My wife used to ask why all your models are dirty. Great paint job dude!
Thanks mate. Well, my wife ask me the same. My answer is always: because i like it dirty :) Seriously, makeing models dirty is not always super realistic, it's more of an artistic choice. When we look at real subjects, they are much bigger then humans, so we can see a lot of details (on the paint) that aren't visible on scale models. When you shrink these subjects to the size of a scale model, and paint it without much dirt, then, at least for me, they look like toys because of the scale effect. This why i usually opt for a more dirty look and feel. That's of course a matter of taste and not everybody like it.
@@GeneralPelleScaleModels Keep at it dude they look fantastic...
You really replicated that rat's nest of pneumatic tubes and electrical cabling in those gear bays.
Thanks mate, glad you like it :)
Stippled white ink underlay. I can't unlearn this.
Take on me, take me oooooon...
how did you get Jeremy Irons to narate your video, or are you Jeremy Irons ?
very good job on that model.
@@whatsup9260 who knows… who knows ;) thank you
Well executed but if you wanted to represent the aircraft as It Is and F-14A with different engines and no bombs at all
80s digital drum machine...
Maverick Mitchell in Operation Iraqi Freedom? That's an F-14B Bombcat.
Hehe, nah it’s a F-14D from in secret mission from the deleted scenes ;)
I really enjoyed the work you did in the gear bays and the exterior surface painting. Techniques worth trying. However, those canvas covers did look that great. You'd have been better of painting what existed on the instrument cowlings. They look like slabs of beef rather than canvas. Second, why did you buy new resin cockpit details, only to remove the details? That was a waste of time and money when you could have just removed the details from the kit pane for the 3D decals. Finally, the AG load out did not exist in the early 80s. JDAMS weren't in service until over a decade later. The rest of build was really enjoyable to watch.
@@paulwoods4349 Thanks. The canvas actually looks better in reality then on my pictures. More leather like then meat. But yeah, was my first try with epoxy putty, we all need to start somewhere I guess? I bought the resin kit because I wanted the seats, which where included and not available separately in any shop nearby. Also your assumption isn’t 100% correct. The parts behind the seats are much more detailed than the kit parts and I didn’t remove them. Even they are mostly invisible I show them on UA-cam, that was forth the few extra bucks (for me). I mention the reason for using the F-14D in other comments, so it’s kind of funny if you read them, criticizing that I pay 10 dollars extra for the cockpit, but saying I should better use the F-14A for another 100 dollars while having the F-14D in my stash already. Yeah, it was a mistake using the armaments and the F-14D, especially when displaying it on UA-cam. It’s a valid critique point. I got it by now :) it won’t happen again. I promise ❤
Does the ink level itself out to not leave brush texture?
Ink has a lot of pigments so they don't self level itself as other color types. This why it's really important to hold the stippler lightly in your hands, as it will fall off when you push to hard. This way you can prevent brush marks.
This video needed "View to a Kill" as BGM.
This video needed "Beverly Hills Cop" by Herbie Hancock in the background.
A lot of these public domain tracks sounded like music from Hotline Miami 1 and 2.
Actually they aren't public domain, i've to pay for a license to use them ;) But yeha, these time i used 80s sounds (like you meation in other comments), indeed similiar to Hotline Miami.
Your AI narrator sounds like the late, great Tony Jay. RIP, Megabyte, Lieutenant from Fallout 1, and Virgil the sentient chicken from Mighty Max...
♡★♡★♡★♡
Can we agree those curved dirt lines at the wing roots were a disaster.
@@TheHateSpeechChannel yeah, they need to be even stronger: www.aeronef.net/2018/07/f-14-tomcat-of-grumman-at-fully.html?m=1
Too dirty and artificial AI voice.
@@Collateralcoffee Thank you for the feedback. It's a pity that you didn't like it. Maybe next time ;) Indeed it’s an AI voice (as stated in the description, it isn’t a secret), which btw stands for Artificial Intelligence. No need to say artificial Artificial Intelligence…
Are you doing a weird world build? Meaning why did you model Ghostrider 114 as an F-14D? All Tomcats in both movies are F-14A models. F-14 A models do not have an IRST, the big motors, antenas on the shoulders, and they didn't carry the LANTIRN or bombs until the 90's. Also, your pilot is wrong for a D model. Flight suit is different and the helmet is different. HGU 33 helmet for the 70's & 80's, HGU 55/P for the 90's to retirement. Your missing some key colors signature to Ghostrider 114, most notable the gull gray panel on the turtle back. Also, the wing bags are tan, as is the anti-slip on either side of the cockpit.
@@robertpace4913 thanks for your feedback. I answered this already to other commenters, so instead, here is a list of errors in the MOVIE Top Gun:
The MiG-28s are actually repainted F-5
(4:23) CATCC controller is sweating. Those spaces on the ship are usually freezing cold to protect the electronics.
(4:26) Bald-headed guy (played by actor James Tolkan) walks in wearing cover, something the crew doesn’t do on Navy ships unless they’re on watch on the bridge. What is this guy’s billet anyway? CAG? Carrier CO? Tomcat squadron skipper? (He’s an 0-5, so that would make him too junior for the first two, but he acts like he’s in charge of everything.)
(4:45) GCI controller refers to crews by their callsigns: “Cougar and Merlin and Maverick and Goose.” A controller would refer to jets by aircraft side numbers.
(5:00) RIO’s radar presentation shows a 360-degree PPI presentation. Tomcat’s radar only sweeps 65 degrees either side of the nose.
(6:00) Tomcat’s wings are swept fully aft, which means - at that altitude - that the aircraft is going supersonic or the pilot commanded them into that position, which he wouldn’t do because the airplane doesn’t turn that well in that configuration.
(7:21) Standby gyro is un-caged as Maverick “goes for missile lock” by twisting a nob on the mid-compression by-pass selector - a system that has nothing to do with the Tomcat’s weapons suite
(9:03) The RIO wouldn’t be carrying a Polaroid camera. He’d have a regular “intel” camera, and if he didn’t get good photos of an airplane that nobody had ever been that close to before (as Goose says) then he would have failed in his part of the mission, big time
(9:59) Merlin taps on a fuel gauge that doesn’t exist in the rear cockpit of the F-14, only in the front cockpit. (The RIO only has a fuel totalizer.)
(10:57) Goose has the same non-existent rear cockpit fuel gauge as Merlin
(10:58) Maverick crosses the ramp with his hook down and then a second later he has the hook up. (It takes several seconds to cycle between fully up and fully down.) Then he pulls the throttles aft to go around, which would reduce engine power, as somebody screams “Cougar!” over the radio.
(12:27) There’s no way Cougar wouldn’t have been waved off based on that wild approach. He gets at least five “power” calls and no “wave off” call. The Air Boss would have had Paddle’s ass after that.
(13:58) First glimpse of random patch assortments on flight suits as Maverick and Goose get chewed out by skipper in his really nice stateroom. (And everybody’s sweating.)
(17:46) Slider is a lieutenant (junior grade). That’s too junior for a Top Gun slot.
(25:52) A hangar isn’t the most conducive place for detailed flight briefs.
(26:37) Charlie briefs, “The MiG-28 does have a problem with its inverted flight tanks.” Those must be different than upright flight tanks.
(29:53) Smoke effect is actually the Tomcat dumping fuel . . . a stupid idea when you’re about to enter a dogfight.
(31:31) Maverick “hits the brakes” by pushing the throttles forward, which would increase power, not decrease it.
(35:52) Maverick explains, “We weren’t below the hard deck for more than a few seconds. I had the shot. There was no danger. So I took it.” The hard deck simulates the ground, so basically Maverick is saying, “We didn’t hit the ground for more than a few seconds . . .”
(51:43) Charlie says, “That’s a big gamble with a $30 million plane.” Tomcat unit cost (cost per jet) circa ’86 was $42 million. Maybe she wasn’t including the cost of the two engines, which could have been a subtle dig on his energy management skills.
(58:42) HUD display looks nothing like the real thing.
(1:06:56) Goose says “Shit, we got a flameout. Engine 1 is out.” The RIO has no engine instruments in the rear cockpit of the F-14.
(1:07:13) Iceman transmits, “Mav’s in trouble. He’s in a flat spin and headed out to sea.” When an airplane is in a flat spin it is not heading anywhere except straight down.
1:07:22) Goose reports, “Altitude 8,000. 7,000. Six, we’re at six.” They should have ejected already. NATOPS boldface (immediate action steps committed to memory) procedures read like this: “If flat spin verified by flat attitude, increasing yaw rate, increasing eyeball−out G, and lack of pitch and roll rates: 8. Canopy - Jettison. 9. EJECT - RIO Command Eject.”
(1:29:08) Maverick walks on the flight deck during flight ops without his helmet on.
(1:32:10) Tomcat does an aileron roll right off the cat, which it wouldn’t have the speed to do - not to mention that maneuver would be a gross violation of Case I departure procedures.
(1:36:41) Ice says, “I’m going for the shot” while at close range behind a bandit, but he switches from ‘Guns’ to ‘Sparrow/Phoenix’ - the long range, forward-quarter weapons.
(1:36:54) Missile magically transforms from an AIM-7 Sparrow into a AIM-9 Sidewinder in flight.
(1:37:48) Maverick shoots a Sparrow in the rear quarter at short range, which wouldn’t work because the AIM-7 needs a lot of closure to guide.
And the list goes on… looks like a multi million dollar Hollywood production made more mistakes then a small scale modeler with his replication of a movie airplane full of weird world mistakes. Mistakes happen. I said it already and I say it again: I’m deeply sorry for that.
@@GeneralPelleScaleModels Thank you for pointing out the movies mistakes. After nearly 40 years these are all well know by us Navy brats and Tomcat fans alike. You didn't answer my question. My point is to your build title and description as compared to the cat in the video. "What if Top Gun 86 was filmed in the late 90's?" No rivets to be counted in that concept. Your seeming irritation speaks to no research done on the actual filming aircraft and annoyance to being called out on it. Flexing that you can copy and paste from any number of sites that go over the film errors is perplexing as a response. The movie is wrong thus my model is wrong? Major creativity points for coming up with that mental eject handle. There is plenty of research and documentation on each BuNo used in the film and how to organize them into the "individual" hero jets.
@@robertpace4913 Thank you for your detailed feedback, @robertpace4913. I appreciate the recognition of the common mistakes and understand your point regarding the build title and description. My aim was to explore a creative concept rather than a strictly accurate representation, which is why I took some liberties with the details.
To clarify, I had already mentioned in other comments that I used the wrong F-14 kit because it was what I had in my stash at the time. Unfortunately, I couldn’t afford the money to buy the proper F-14A kit after already spending so much on this build. I also invested in aftermarket parts to enhance the build. If you’d like to support me, I have a Patreon page or you can use the thanks button on UA-cam. I apologize for any mistakes made. I did conduct research to balance historical accuracy with creativity, but I acknowledge there might have been gaps.
The idea to make it a Top Gun build came after I destroyed the original Tamiya decals. At this stage, a scale model is already painted and I don’t have the skills or time to remove it. Then, I saw that Galaxy Models sold some Top Gun figures, but they included the wrong helmet. I didn’t have the skills to modify them to make the perfect helmet as mentioned in your first comment. So this was how this false top gun build was born. I understand that others don’t make so much mistakes. I’m unfortunately a human who makes mistakes. I’m in this hobby for 3 years now. There is still a lot to learn for me.
I hope you understand that the current video and model can’t be changed at this point. However, I’m open to suggestions on how we can address your concerns and find a solution that satisfies you. If you’re looking for highly detailed and accurate scale models, you might find better content from UA-camrs with advanced modeling skills. Thank you again for your insights, and I hope we can work this out together.
@@GeneralPelleScaleModels I like how you edited your feeling there. Your original response is in my email, UA-cam does that. I'll ignore that one and address this, except to say you're overreacting young one (at least young in this hobby). You don't have to change anything about your build. I 1000% agree, it is your kit, paint it Joker colors for all anyone should care. Again, it boils down to a title and description misleading the unknowing. Creative concept, fantastic! Then say that. "I built a late Tomcat as if it was in Top Gun." Hell Yeah! I started trolling you because you didn't discuss, you tried to slam with very well know movie facts. Exceedingly well known. You want to be a part of this community? Take critique with grace and learn from it. Talk to the other builders who have done this over and over. I'm 30 years + building and I still learn from other makers. If you actually want a tip, don't think you do... post your build progress photos on IG before you ever start you video edit. We save each other from mistakes often this way. I recently got saved on my VF-2 build this way, almost put the wrong model of sidewinder on it. If you already do that and get nothing but praise, then you need some OG's in your inner circle.
@robertpace4913 Thanks again for your feedback. I appreciate that an experienced modeler like you is taking the time to give me constructive criticism. My initial response was indeed too harsh, which is why I edited it. Thanks for ignoring that emotional response. I’m aware that UA-cam sends such emails, and I am grateful for your insights.
I am very open to critique, as can be seen in my responses to many other critical comments. I constantly seek feedback from my UA-cam community, as observed in the “Community” tab where I regularly post updates and polls. I will adjust the description, title, and thumbnail tomorrow to remove references to Top Gun, as per your suggestions, since it’s already late today. Unfortunately, I can’t change the model or the video itself, so the mentions of the film will remain there.
I have spoken with other modelers, but I’ve found the OG community, like you called it, to be quite closed. I had an Instagram account for two years where I posted regular updates, but I never received feedback in the manner you described. Nor did I had there any reach. My builds don’t seem to generate the same level of interest as those of the professionals (which is totally understandable for me). I don’t think the hardcore community of professional modelers has much interest in my builds at the moment. Perhaps one day, but for now, this remains a hobby for me. I learn a lot from the publications of professional modelers and try to incorporate my own style. I understand that this may not always be well-received. So I guess for the moment there is no way to get these OG‘s into my, well, inner circle. Thats somehow pity, but of course I can’t force people to communicate with me. So the only way to get feedback for me is indeed here on UA-cam. And I doubt that many of you professionals are watching my small channel. Time is valuable at the end, and why would you waste it with amateur builds. Same as professional soccer players don’t watch games of amateurs.
Thanks again for your feedback. I will continue to learn and improve.