FCM Decals 1/48 F-14A Tomcat VF-33 Starfighters Decal First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date Review | August 2008 | Manufacturer | FCM Decals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | F-14A Tomcat VF-33 Starfighters | Scale | 1/48 |
| Kit Number | 48032 | Pros | One CAG and one line aircraft from VF-33 Starfighters |
| Cons | Skill Level | Basic | |
| MSRP (USD) | Approx $10.00 each |
First Look
FCM Decals has an interesting line of aftermarket decals from Brazil. The subjects covered in this line include many Brazilian civil and military aircraft subjects, WWI aircraft, and the occasional look at the aircraft of other nations as well. Here is one near and dear to my interests, the TOMCAT!
In this set, we have a pair of Starfighters:
- F-14A-95-GR, 160381, VF-33, AB/200, CAG Aircraft, USS America, 1992
- F-14A-75-GR, 159429, VF-33, AB/203, USS America, 1983
The printing the FCM Decals line is sharp and clear, with the markings printed on a heavier carrier film that responds well to film softeners like Solvaset. The decal set includes complete stenciling to complete two aircraft though one or two stencils like ejection seat triangles will have to be used from the original kit markings.
Note that while both aircraft are A-model Tomcats, do pay attention to which kit you use. The CAG aircraft is from 1992 and has had several updates installed, most notably the revised gun gas vent doors retrofitted from the F-14B/D. Only the a few of the Hasegawa and the latest Academy Tomcats have the updated gun doors. The 1983 aircraft is in its original configuration, so most of the Hasegawa, the first Academy, and all of the Italeri and Fujimi kits are correct for this aircraft.
For a list of retailers that carry the FCM Decal series, look here.
Thanks to FCM Decal for this review sample.