Fujimi 1:72 F-14A Tomcat "Hello Independence"

ah the venerable Fujimi kit... This is one of the gems in the market, with full engines, stands and a superbly moulded kit.
This kit provides lotsof gimmicks like optional position slats and flaps, 4 different type of nozzles for TF-30 or F-110 engines, openable nose cone with radar dish, "takeoff position" front landing gear, rubber and plastic tyres and some photoetch for the cockpit.. The presence of GE F110 engine nozzles means you can do a 'B' version without trouble. In fact, the Fujimi "D'" boxing uses the exact same mould and sprues, with the exception of the 2 small pieces that make up the 'D's chinpod.

Building:
Whilst the fit is not as good as Hasegawa's, the kit goes together easily in pre-fit. Not much puttying was needed, except at the usual problem areas near the forward fuselage and wing gloves. And do look out for the intake canal housing. Fujimi's tomcat's intake come in 2 long halves that go the entire length from intake lip to exhaust. If the dryfit does not go well sand until it does or you will have a difficult time sanding the seam-line.

My particular kit contains decals for VF-21 and VF-154, both lo-vis, abroad USS Independence during her port call in Yokosuka naval base in Japan. Unfortunately i have already used mine so here's a copy from another site..

cockpit is decals-based but it's been blocked by the photoetch parts. The details are fair enough for a 72 scale, with green LCD screens for some of the displays.. Missile bands for the phoenixes and sparrows are also provided,

Overall:
this is a very good kit that is quite rare nowadays except for the "Re-released" versions such as Black Knight Cag and Bounty Hunters Operation Enduring Freedom. Prices are more expensive compared with Hasegawa's but of course Fujimi gives some extras stuff(like engines) The 2nd best 72 tomcat out there..