Alex48

Time to start another project and this time its a Skymaster F14 of the IRIAF. The model has been ordered with only the base colours applied so its a blank canvas that I can now fully detail. As with all Skymaster models its an excellent base to build on with good rivet detail all round.

I'll do a small introductory video with my first impressions soon. There has been loads written about this model but very little detail with regard to the assembly. Hopefully others will chime in that are currently building their own model.

My first job is to take it to the talented Phil Noel at Pinnacle Aviation who is a CAA/LMA structural inspector so I can start the process to get a test flight exception certificate from the CAA. I need this by law in the UK as the model will be certain to weigh over 20kg.

A sneak peek at the airframe straight out of the box, I'm impressed with the swing wing engineering my son spent most of the morning with the tx driving them forward and aft, he loved it.......and so did I



Alex

Alex48

Some nice detail on the nose gear however its not yet at a stage where I'd be happy to give it to a client or up to my own standards. I'll respray the gear/gear doors and re do the red. Its a start though.....

The Little Jet Company

WimB

My Feedback: (1)

Hey Alex,

I'll be sure to follow this thread with due attention!! I'm expecting mine in about 12 weeks....

Wim

Alex48

Hi Wim

Which did you go for? I'm in the process of ordering the standard set of wings as I have the full carbon ones with slats, flaps and spoilers. I think it will be interesting to try both setups.

Cheers, Alex

WimB

My Feedback: (1)

Alex,
I chose the #146, with full function wings. Will be powered by twin booster 130+ Tubines... Controle by my graupner MC32, powerbox Royal srs, with the bus sytem. One controller per wing, and one for the tail. JR 8711 all round, except on the slats.

wim

Alex48

Another photo showing the model straight out of the box. It has loads of great surface detail. Its very 'toy' like at the moment but I have plenty of ideas to bring this to life. Starting with the addition of extra painted details, paint wash, flight metal & airbrushed nozzles which should make it a bit more believable.

The gull wing access hatches are opened by pushing forward the inner most strake, you then pull the wire out from the from of the hatch which I use to prop them open with.

The Little Jet Company

smaze17

My Feedback: (60)

Toy like? What could possibly be considered toy like on a model as magnificent as this?

SStricker

Go Alex! I am really looking forward to this build. It will be good to see this kit well documented and expertly built.

I think The toy comment was in reference to the state of weathering as received from Skymaster. When done well, the weathering brings the model to life.

FenderBean

I like the Toy look in my models, I like having my jet look like a small Plastic model with very rich colors. I think its probably best to do it this way for people like me and then for guys who like to weather this can be added to the each persons personal liking, very to easy to add to but cant take away very easy.

Alex48

Thanks Steve, your exactly right regarding the weathering. It's whats I love about this hobby... we can all do our own thing. If you like the fresh box look great, if you don't then you can do something about it.

I couldn't leave a model alone straight out of the box as in my mind it doesn't look right. I also get great enjoyment trying to 'bring them to life', in fact I enjoy this part of the hobby perhaps more than the flying but as I said its great we all get our enjoyment from different things. With this IRIAF Tomcat I specifically ordered it with no markings and just the base colours painted on to allow me to add all the detail. This is exactly how I wanted it to come as it has far more potential like this rather than looking at wonky decals or incorrect spellings which would really annoy me.

Straight out of paint...



After decals, slight weathering and clear coat...



These SM F14's have the tanks pre installed and plumbed. I really cant bring myself to trust whats been done so its a massive job to remove them, put all my preferred tank fittings in then rinse and pressure test. The last two things have no doubt not been done. Its really important to pressure test these tanks as I've had a few that failed plus there's loads of crap inside the tanks that needs flushing out. I drain them through a filter and I'm always amazed at what it catches.

DrScoles

My Feedback: (18)

Ummmm… these are all toys. They don't really serve any other purpose than to entertain the owner. Not sure if there is a more apropos description. Very cool sophisticated toys, but toys nonetheless.

hmjets

I agree,expensive toys...

Alex48

whatever we call them...... I've got a real addiction problem

Alex48

Before I started the build I first wanted to get an idea of weight.

The airframe including pipes & gear weighs 17.1kg then add all the other stuff including some lightweight engines in the form of the Merlin 140XBL's I'm expecting this to come in at 23kg (51lbs) dry. The full function wings add lots of weight and I'll be interested to weigh the standard wings when I receive them. It will be interesting to compare both wings hopefully the full function wings add something more than just 'looks' obviously they will create more lift when the slats and flaps are deployed but weather its worth the trade off in weight I'll have to wait and see.

Cheers, Alex

WimB

My Feedback: (1)

Alex,

just out of curiosity, what does the extra set of wings put you back?

Wim

Alex48

Hi Wim

I'll let you know as soon as Skymaster return from new year. I think my model suffered a little by being sent out just before their holiday as I'm missing the ordnance, linkage kit, air kit and a few other things. I'll no doubt get it all after new year.

Cheers, Alex

ravill

My Feedback: (11)

Too bad Skymaster waited sooooo long to get this tomkitty out.

Back in my "I gotta have everything and fly the crap out of it" days, I was salivating for a nice big tomkitty. Now, the last thing in the world I want is a big complicated, thirsty jet. Ugh.

That said,

I'm glad there are people out there who want them because they are BEE-YOO-TEE-FUL!!

Alex48

A short video with my first impressions of this F14. It was a very wet and windy day when I did it so apologies for the sound etc...

The Little Jet Company

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdS4fzrpYdM

mhadjiky

I will follow this thread.
I have finished my SM F14. I am working on final setup, throws, etc. This weekend I will make all ground checks at our airfield.

smaze17

My Feedback: (60)

Very nice video Alex!! I will be watching with great interest

Alex48

Hi Guys, I haven't had a chance to make much of a start yet however I did get this email from Skymaster:

"Please send back electric cylinders(1pair) ASAP before flying to following address for update:"

Can anyone shed any light on this? Ive not yet sent mine back yet but there's no chance of a flight anytime soon.


Cheers, Alex

Alex48

A 'Build Stream' subscription is now available for this F14, lots of exclusive pictures and videos will be available over the course of the build, all you need is an apple device. I'll still post to this thread but it will be more of a generally overview of the model.

Email me at [email protected] if anyones interested

mick15

The actuators supplied are old generation. The new ones are stronger and don't have an ECU so are plug and play.

m

Craig B.

Hi Alex,

have your our actuators got plastic or metal ends? My understanding is that newer versions will have custom metal end too.

Alex48

Thanks Mick/Craig

The actuator ends have metal screw in fixings however I have to wind them out to stop the wings hitting the stabs when fully swept. This then meant there wasn't enough thread left to be safe so I'll have to get a set made to measure.

Here's a picture of what I have. I'll post them back today...