1/48 Hasegawa F-14B Tomcat - Part V

The next issue I've come across is the gap between the engine fairings and the beaver tail.

I couldn't find a good image of this area that showed the size of the gap, or if one exists so I've decided to fill it a bit with card.

Aires engines, nice as ever but no one will see it. I really only wanted the exhaust nozzles (maybe that an idea for some resin manufacturer) but since I've bought the whole set I may as well use them. I painted the inners Tamiya XF-2 and then ran a black wash through them. Probably a bit dirty compared to references but, like I said no one will see it.

Lovely PE flame holders, the resin engine rear was nice as well

The fit is pretty good, but not perfect. The resin is a little smaller in diameter than the kit parts so some sanding is required. I finally managed to get a nice join on the Beaver tail as well

Ensured the fit is best at the top with a bit of sanding to done at the bottom

Love this water based putty, especially for gaps like the one between the intake and fuselage

Apply liberally

And wipe of with a wet finger or cotton bud, then let dry. Sometimes a repeat application is needed

Another issue with the Hasegawa kit is the length of the vertical stabiliser.

But it's easily fixed with a few swipes of the sanding sticks