Thankyou for your service sailor. I always felt more secure with tomcats flying. Interceptors were just scary to the enemy. I hope these f35 are everything they've talked them up to be.
Not liking that polkadot paint scheme, I know they’re trying to make the plane look weathered due to the salt water attacking the paint, but damn, it just looks like evenly paced dots everywhere!
@@MilitaryVehicleReviews if you have any airbrush, you could tone it down with a highly thinned ("filter") coat of gull gray. Otherwise, it kind of resembles WWII Luftwaffe night fighter camouflage.
I'd apply a bit of future floor polish on the hinges, and let it cure for sometime and it helps giving some friction that still makes it move but will hold itself at the position you want. Works well on the loose jointd of my Leader class transformers figures, so that they stand up or pose as i want it
I spent the early 1980's aboard the USS Eisenhower CVN 69 and was in weapons department and was around all types of ordnance. The Sidewinder and Sparrow missiles should have a yellow band near the front indicating a live warhead and a brown band at the back indicating a live rocket motor. The Phoenix missile is quite correct with the yellow band for the warhead and brown band for the rocket motor.
At this scale and price point it really needs movable control surfaces. Flaps, slats, spoilerons, rudders. The landing gear is great but with all these other features you could make really dynamic poses. Especially utilizing the speed break for landing sequences and the kneeling front gear for catapult launches!
One other thing. I understand the need too want such things, but clearly there are those who paid around $250.00 for this model and now because demand is high, they're selling these upwards of $2500.00. Which is insane and only a fool would pay such a price. No offense, but you can by several highly detailed Radio Controlled F-14 Tomcats for just under $500.00 dollars and these actually fly. Plus the wings swing and they're lighted accurately. And they make the JSI version look puny. $2500? vs $500.00? Freewing makes a really big beautiful flying Tomcat. Check it out. There are others.
Wow, 2500? That is insane. I'd rather just build a down sized in scale, or try to custom build one myself (if I only had the time). Still, beautiful model, nonetheless. Thx for sharing all the details, btw.
Great review 👍🏻 I saw Top Gun II and I just gotta have a F-14 but too bad theres no Su-57 or a F-5/MiG-28 to buy in this size. I got a ”few” JSI UH-1C Hueys and the parts are very solid but my question is are the parts especially the small ones solid and do they klick easy? Bacause some of the parts you install you don’t hear the klick sound 🤷🏼♂️ Thanks
My favorite plane ever. I have been wondering if an 1:18 scale is available. Had already seen the F-18, the Harrier, but damn the F-14 is just gorgeous. Thanks for the awesome review!!!
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To be honest with you, your "unboxing technique" sucks. You have a habit, just like you did in your video of the unboxing of the JSI/merit Harrier jump jet, of ripping out the thin wires holding the parts in to the places they're packed into. That's a good way to break parts and/or scrape or score marks on plastic parts. If you didn't want to take the time to unwrap these wire straps, why didn't you just cut them with a knife or a scissors..?? Your unboxing "technique" leaves the model in a tenuous position for putting the parts back into the box properly for either storage or shipping, if necessary. Food for thought.
@@shirleytwsw No. These models haven't been made in several years. Look on eBay. These models ("JSI/Merit 1/18th scale F-14A Tomcat") are now selling for anywhere from $1,800 to almost $4,000, and anywhere in between. There are essentially three (3) variations of this model: (1), and the cheapest of the three: the "spotted cow" camo'd version that nobody liked or wanted. Grey paint with darker grey "splotches" all over. Horrible livery - nobody liked it. Then, (2), what was referred to as the "JSI Re-paint" version. These are the older "spotted cow" camo'd planes that got sent back to JSI and were repainted in a more pleasing and acceptable solid grey livery with new markings, etc. Those tend to go for a bit more. Finally, (3), the most expensive version: the JSI "Black Knights L.E.D. version", of which only approx. 770 to 880 (the exact numbers are unknown, as various sources are quoting numbers given above, and range as listed) were made. These have lighted cockpits, navigation lights, "afterburner" lights in the engine exhaust nozzles, and perhaps within a few other areas, as well. Those models are currently going for anywhere from around $2,500 on up to around $4,000, generally depending on condition. The one thing that really irritates the hell out of me with this version of the F-14 is that even though it is the rarest and the most expensive version of this model, is that it only comes with ONE (1) Raytheon Aim-54 Phoenix missile...!! Just ONE of the damned things..!! The less-expensive versions of this model come with four (4) of them..!! Right now, there is no one making 1/18th scale Aim-54 Phoenix missiles in resin or any other material. There are 1/13th scale versions being made as "stand-alone" display missiles, but they're too big to be used. So, there you have it. These models originally sold for $295.00, new, from dealers. Look at them now...!! The AV8-B Harrier jump jets are still (relatively) inexpensive as "Hobby Boss" of China is still making 1/18th plastic model kits of this plane, so the JSI/Merit renditions of this model haven't gone up much, as a result. But no one is making any 1/18th scale F-14's anymore, and the prices have literally skyrocketed as a result. Cheers, and good luck in finding one for your budget...!!
I bought one of these when they were first released. As big and cool as it appears to be, it was a whole lot of disappointment. It's incredibly fragile. I had a landing gear snap clean off when I barely touched it. Parts like the nose cone and missiles would not stay in place. And it was just too big with no place to display it properly. I had it for several years before selling it off. I don't have any regrets.
If you look around on the internet, you'll find several "JSI-repaints" of this model. A LOT of people that bought these models (original cost was $300 from a dealer, new) HATED that "spotted cow" paint scheme & took these modes back to their dealers. The dealer's then sent them back to JSI/Merit who then repainted them (with new markings, etc) & re-issued them. The thing that upset me the list was the fact that the more expensive, "Black Knights/L.E.D." version came with only ONE (1) Raytheon AIM-54 Phoenix missile..!! The standard "painted cow" version (& JSI repainted version) came with FOUR (4) of these missiles..! Nobody else makes a 1/18th scale resin Phoenix missile, so if you get the more expensive LED version, and you want more AIM-54 missiles, you're screwed..!!
If I was going to pay that much for this kit, I would want to actually build it myself. The paint scheme is horrible and didn't the Navy switch to the low-visibility grey scheme by the time VF-84 transition to the Roosevelt?
So the little green red and white thing on the missiles is in real life the manual arming switch for the missile. When the aircraft is loaded for a mission or an alert scramble, the ordinance is put on the aircraft but left unarmed and when the aircraft is about to take off, and Ordananceman runs around the aircraft arming all ordinance. Also, the yellow stripes on the missiles indicate a live warhead while the brown stripes indicate a live rocket motor.
Only the Sidewinder has the red and green arming lever. The Sparrow shouldn’t have that, but it should have a number of stripes. And: “ordnance”. An ‘ordinance’ is a law; ‘ordnance’ is stuff that blows up.
5:05 Thats either an AIM-9L or M. You can tell from the forward fins having that double delta shape along with its nosecone shape. The F-14 could carry earlier variants of the Sidewinder too, but the AIM-9C was only ever carried by the F-8 Crusader. Its seeker was specifically designed to work with the F-8s radar. 5:33 Those are MAK-79 Weapons pallets. They could have various different racks, ejectors, and launchers mounted in them as well as those fairings on the front ones had the cooling systems for the AIM-54A and C contained in them. After the AIM-54C+ was introduced though the cooling systems for the phoenix were contained in the missiles themselves so the fairings were just left on for aerodynamic purposes and the cooling systems were taken out. The specific launcher mounted in the MAK-79s for the phoenix was the LAU-93 for the F-14A and F-14B, but the F-14D used a modernized launcher called the LAU-132. 6:14 Thats a LAU-138. Its a combination Sidewinder rail and countermeasures dispenser. AFAIK they were only ever loaded with chaff packets though since the flares for them were problematic to use and very ineffective. 15:07 Some F-14As had LANTIRN and some didnt. Same with the F-14Bs and F-14Ds.
Another great review! Enormous model with incredible detail! The landing gear detail & functionality is superb; even has working landing gear strut suspension & wheel assemblies that rotate on the main stuts for landing configuration! Once again, the overall size of this excellent f-14 model is staggering!
"The Final Countdown" starring Kirk Douglas as Cpt. Matt Yelland and James Farentino as Wing Cdr. Dick T. Owens. Cannot count the times I have seen this movie....👍
I am impressed with the accuracy of the model. I can see why they picked Jolly Rogers logo over something like the Fighting Aardvarks. The Midway museum hosts a Fighting Aardvark Tomcat.
Oh man, I was hoping that you'd do a video on their F-14 :) This thing is so cool, but I have no idea where I'd put it. The cockpit details are jest exceptional, it's a bit of a shame it doesn't come with pilots, but then again I'd be just thrilled to see all those details. I'm working on a 1:48 F-14A at the moment, and I thought that was big enough, but this thing is HUGE, I've been curious over the years as to just how big it is, thanks for the video :D
It's impressive, but not as good as it could be, especially for the price. Like you, I'd want seated crew figures; I loathe the idea that an aircraft model has to be of the thing when it's shut down and parked. Also the cockpit is a bit toyish; there are smaller (1/48. 1/32) models out there with proper recessed instruments with glazing, so the painted on dials are a bit of a disappointment. And finally, I'm surprised that there are no pieces to represent the inflatable cushions under and behind the wings to close the gap between the trailing edges and the fuselage. Once again, if model kits can include them, this should too. Still, it is a beauty -- but then, it should be for the cost.
That would be cool to have a video of the F-14 parked next to the F-16, the F-14 looks giant. The F-14 pilots used to call the wings - ""the tennis court"
I would have to break out the airbrush and do some awesome paint work along with some washes, etc. That thing is massive! Very cool. Would be neat to do an Ali Cat in the desert or gray scheme...
I have to say I'm not too impressed with the detail at this scale and the random spots make it look like a toy. If I got this I'd superdetail it and repaint it.
Boy the fun I would have had with a couple of these & a couple of MIGS manufactured to the same quality of finish as a boy makes me wish I still played with toys oh the the air battles I would have staged
This is a awesome model. The detail is just amazing. I have that too. I paid $180 about 5 years ago. The only problem with all of those incredible details is that is so delicate that you can break it easily. Congratulations for getting one!
Great model. All the detail is amazing. It would be great to display hanging from the ceiling. Or on a glass casi so you can move the wings and canopy. Wish I had one of the models but from The Enterprise CVN 65. A real one would be spectacular.
Most excellent. Iam hopefully coming out to the states as soon as restrictions are over . I would love to pick one of these models up . Where do I go to purchase. Cheers from the uk .
That F14 is a gorgeous ol’ Tomcat. That was my favorite aircraft as a child. Amazing detail. 👍 I had so many favorites A-10 /F-18/Hawker Harrier Junk Jet/F-4 Phantom…not to mention all my favorite WW2 planes holy Toledo. 👋🤩👍
I’m glad someone has a hobby like this an shares it with the world because there is no way I could justify or even think about spending that kinda money. But I think it’s super cool an love learning about it
This looks nice but its nowhere near detailed to what I would expect of a 1/18 scale. The wheel bays are bereft of detail and the cockpit details look like a toy at best. Sorry, but I don't agree with the majority of people here, this looks more like a toy than a scale replica.
I started building 1/32 scale solid wood jets in late winter. Had no clue how but did it anyway. Did not know at the time how much fun it would turn out to be. Ended up buying a portable band saw and a jointer. I find scale drawings on the internet and take them to office max to be enlarged to the size I need. Lots of and I mean lots of hand sanding and shaping. Have built two so far, both F15s and am working on an F4 Phantom and F100 Super Saber, and yes, they get painted and decaled also. Lots to learn as I go but that's the fun part. I had no idea that these 1/18 scale planes were even made. These things are amazing, and I think I might build one or two 1/18 scale also. Does anyone know how much these were when new and where were they sold.
Very very cool... my only issue it with the paint job... especially the airbrushed "wear" for the winds... the airbrushed wear doesn't match the movement of the wings and around the boundary layer duct/outlet...
I checked on eBay or something, this thing is selling over $2,300! Edit: if that makes sense Edit 2: that’s a very detailed model, no wonder it’s so expensive!
Damn! Excellent find, on a museum quality model.. ( because these ain't "toys"! ...by playability, nor price!) I'm guessing, WAY over a few hundred dollars, by now. I had at one point 40 aircraft from BBI, Blue Box, 21st Century, and JSI. Then I got divorced, and shortly after laid off. ( this was over 10 years ago) Damn, that pain, cutting the strings, from thier ceiling mounts,boxing them up, selling them off, one, two, or three at a time, to make ends meet. Forgotten all about them, till I viewed your video. Time to start collecting again! Thank you! 😊
That cammo paint scheme tho? I've never seen that pattern on any US fighter, let alone a Navy plane. It's like they got so much detail in the model and then decided to just take a big dump on it.
_"AIM-9C"_ - Are you sure that's not the L or M variant? C was a short-lived radar-guided sidewinder variant, later reworked into the AGM-122 Sidearm anti-radar-missile
@@MilitaryVehicleReviews The front fins of the missile look more like that of the L or M variant. C:s front fins are different. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AIM-9_Sidewinder#/media/File:AIM-9B-9D-9C_NAN3-71.jpg (the bottom one) AIM-9C:s were only used on F8U Crusaders for a brief period.
Looks a great model but an appalling paint job. Looks like they started to add some weathering and then couldn't be bothered. Shame, was tempted up to that point. Given the light nature of the A model scheme they could have got away with simply not adding the weird dots. Also, I'm no expert but the paint scheme on the tail for the Jolly Rogers was done on the B model not the A I thought? Oh well it was a useful vid and I guess I will keep looking for the right display model for me. Thanks
"VERTICAL STABS" Rudders are attached to the verticals or fins - the parts you held are not rudders just like the wheel is not the landing gear, speaking of, the oleo suspension leg travels or compresses it does not "rotate or pivot" - nomenclature and terminology aside this was another great review, you have introduced me to a whole new world I was not aware of these super-detailed large scale models, I see they are quite rare too so well done on getting hold of them and sharing with us in such detail. Not bad overall, for a non-aviation guy.
I was in VF-84 from 85-89. The red and green marking on the side of the AIM-7 and AIM-9 are supposed to be an armed window. Very nice model, but the random spots are not right. The Tomcat got touch up paint per scheduled maintenance and the highly worn areas would be targeted, giving it a patchwork appearance, also the chains used to tie down the aircraft on the deck were oily and rusty. The chains were handled by most all of the maintenance crew, so anything they touched would get a red rusty smear. Most of the planes had a very ragged out appearance, except for 200 and 201 which were our show birds. They were kept as nice as we could manage for the weekend airshows and sporting event flyovers.
If I’m not mistaken, the area where the wings sweep back into the fuselage were inflatable seals so that when the wings were open, that area would be smooth and faired over. There wouldn’t be an open gap like most models have.
It's true that they had inflatable 'bags', where the wings would sweep over the aft fuselage. However, these were inflated when the wings were swept back, not when the wings were 'open'. This was to fill the gap between the wings and the fuselage, to improve smooth air flow and prevent any turbulence in that area.
Does the company have a website? I've tried locating and searching the internet with no success. I wanted to see what else they have and if they would ever consider making other aircraft.
Leave it to the Chinese to screw up the most famous F-14A livery, by allowing the spotty paint job. Originally these models could be had at under $250.00 US dollars from California. Today, prices range from the absurd $1000 dollars to the ridiculous $2500.00 I saw not long ago for the version with lights. My friend has the 1/32 scale F-14A Tomcat which is a sort of puzzle piece you put together by snapping the entire aircraft together. This version is by far way more accurate and detailed vs the JSI version with its "Cheetah Paint Scheme". Everything including two pilots accurately painted and detailed plus one of the engines is included. And yes, the swing wings do operate. She may be smaller in scale, but what she lacks in size, is more than made up in detail. Not even the Tamiya F-14A is more detailed and the whole aircraft is assembled by snapping it together. This JSI F-14A Tomcat is however, the largest 1/18 model aircraft in existence. It makes the F-18 look puny by comparison. It's cockpit with the lighted version is amazing. Both Pilot and Rio scopes light up green. Nav lights work. No pilots though either, and for $250.00 dollars when this first came out, it should've included pilots and a perfect paint job. My only other major gripe. The plastic landing gear was woefully incapable of supporting the whole aircraft as it was very heavy. Main struts were entirely too fragile and could brake easily if not handled delicately. In the final analysis the JSI is not worth more than $200.00 dollars in any livery. Even with all the mods, at best maybe $225.00, but not such exuberant prices that greedy sellers are asking. The model requires refinishing and metal landing gears, plus pilots with high detail. At least a dozen livery variants and not just a few. Also, aircraft should've been mini crated than boxed. It's packed decently, but like all these plastic Chinese models, it can and will break. You also need tons of room to display it. If you hang it, nothing less than 30 plus pound fishing line and a plan on where too hang it. Beautiful plane but too pricey and too many obvious errors. KB *FLY NAVY*🇺🇸🥂
The Phoenix missile was never used for a kill by the US, outside of target drones which doesn’t count. The Iranian Air Force did score some kills against Iraqi warplanes during the Iran/ Iraq war.
OMG, I've never seen a model that came in a suit case. Very good looking model and unboxing.. As for the decals on Sparrow it depends on when model manufacturer got the pictures to use for their decal set, (they are looking for model scale accuracy over expense of correct decal cost) plus there were many variants of the Sparrow. In all probability it was a warning sign between propellent and rocket motor - there was a "RBF" remove before flight tag at that location. It is amazing the military kept it in service as long as they did - in Vietnam it only had a 10% kill ratio. Sometimes you'd "pickle" all you had just to hope for a hit. Some had a propensity to explode 1,000 feet after launch. However, minor detail for AN AWESOME looking kit.
Ah yes. The fabled 'spotcat'... I gave this model a hard miss due that botched paint finish, and got the Hornet and Viper instead. Fingers crossed that someone decides to remanufacture these models, and decides to refrain from another ham-fisted attempt at weathering.
@@MilitaryVehicleReviews I love that some of the other 1/18 models have been released in kit form. The Sabre, Harrier, FW-190 etc. My fingers are definitely crossed for the F-14 😉
Now thats the real Top Gun F14 skull squadron not the anime Robotech. there's one on display real F14 skull squadron on the deck of USS Lexington in corpus christi tx.
Would be cool to have two pilots and a display stand i always wanted to get one but its so hard to get one good thing I can watch your awesome reviews so I know how it feels to have one
This brings back to my memory the GI Joe skystriker which at one point in my life I would have done about anything to own and you couldn't find them anywhere I remember that specifically my cousin had one and I had like the stealth bomber that Cobra used so we were able to get by but we really wanted to do some double action Sky Striker action and I did eventually get one so it's all good
+Military Vehicle Reviews Do you know what ever happened to the F-15E Strike Eagle that was supposed to be released as part of the series along with the Tomcat, Falcon, and Hornet? I remember seeing an early prototype photo of the F-15E, but for some unknown reason it was never released. I also saw an early prototype photo of the 2 seat SU-27UB Russian Flanker. Do you know if Elite Force is going to release the F-15E and the 2 seat SU-27UB??
![[MUST SEE] Here's the Strongest and Largest Helicopter Ever Built](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/L-KfDVTsn_E/mqdefault.jpg)
I was stationed on the Theodore Roosevelt when the Jolly Rogers were there. Was back in the 90’s.
Nice
Thankyou for your service sailor. I always felt more secure with tomcats flying. Interceptors were just scary to the enemy. I hope these f35 are everything they've talked them up to be.
Wait, you flew one!?
@@tkirby2211 no he didn’t he was just stationed didn’t say anything about him flying one
Not liking that polkadot paint scheme, I know they’re trying to make the plane look weathered due to the salt water attacking the paint, but damn, it just looks like evenly paced dots everywhere!
Yea thought so too... that really looks horrible... i think the tried to make shading that way
I agree, the weathering is so ugly that I won't buy the plane!
@@MilitaryVehicleReviews if you have any airbrush, you could tone it down with a highly thinned ("filter") coat of gull gray. Otherwise, it kind of resembles WWII Luftwaffe night fighter camouflage.
I completely agree, that’s not the way to do it.
Agreed. Looks like it got measles or something
This is the most satisfying model assembly that I've ever seen
Not sure what I noticed but when you popped the canopy open it looks like the ladder doors started to open. 14:35.
They are really bad about staying closed. Any light tap and they open up again.
Your Right .... Good eye ....
it did
Yes, the boarding/deboarding ladder & door assemblies do work on this model.
I'd apply a bit of future floor polish on the hinges, and let it cure for sometime and it helps giving some friction that still makes it move but will hold itself at the position you want.
Works well on the loose jointd of my Leader class transformers figures, so that they stand up or pose as i want it
I spent the early 1980's aboard the USS Eisenhower CVN 69 and was in weapons department and was around all types of ordnance. The Sidewinder and Sparrow missiles should have a yellow band near the front indicating a live warhead and a brown band at the back indicating a live rocket motor. The Phoenix missile is quite correct with the yellow band for the warhead and brown band for the rocket motor.
At this scale and price point it really needs movable control surfaces. Flaps, slats, spoilerons, rudders. The landing gear is great but with all these other features you could make really dynamic poses. Especially utilizing the speed break for landing sequences and the kneeling front gear for catapult launches!
You are describing the deluxe edition....
@@richlo8887 IS IT OUT TO BUY?
One other thing. I understand the need too want such things, but clearly there are those who paid around $250.00 for this model and now because demand is high, they're selling these upwards of $2500.00. Which is insane and only a fool would pay such a price. No offense, but you can by several highly detailed Radio Controlled F-14 Tomcats for just under $500.00 dollars and these actually fly. Plus the wings swing and they're lighted accurately. And they make the JSI version look puny.
$2500? vs $500.00?
Freewing makes a really big beautiful flying Tomcat. Check it out. There are others.
Wow, 2500? That is insane. I'd rather just build a down sized in scale, or try to custom build one myself (if I only had the time). Still, beautiful model, nonetheless. Thx for sharing all the details, btw.
I was shocked to see the prices on ebay, 250 to 450 dollars is reasonable but 2500 dollars is outright extortion
omg... proportionally it looks perfectly like a "adult" version of the SkyStriker. lol. Damn I love me the Tomcat.
Agreed! Did you see the new Haslab GI Joe Skystriker?
link to buy
Great review 👍🏻 I saw Top Gun II and I just gotta have a F-14 but too bad theres no Su-57 or a F-5/MiG-28 to buy in this size. I got a ”few” JSI UH-1C Hueys and the parts are very solid but my question is are the parts especially the small ones solid and do they klick easy? Bacause some of the parts you install you don’t hear the klick sound 🤷🏼♂️ Thanks
My favorite plane ever. I have been wondering if an 1:18 scale is available. Had already seen the F-18, the Harrier, but damn the F-14 is just gorgeous. Thanks for the awesome review!!!
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These are not available for purchase at this time?
To be honest with you, your "unboxing technique" sucks. You have a habit, just like you did in your video of the unboxing of the JSI/merit Harrier jump jet, of ripping out the thin wires holding the parts in to the places they're packed into. That's a good way to break parts and/or scrape or score marks on plastic parts. If you didn't want to take the time to unwrap these wire straps, why didn't you just cut them with a knife or a scissors..?? Your unboxing "technique" leaves the model in a tenuous position for putting the parts back into the box properly for either storage or shipping, if necessary. Food for thought.
@@shirleytwsw No. These models haven't been made in several years. Look on eBay. These models ("JSI/Merit 1/18th scale F-14A Tomcat") are now selling for anywhere from $1,800 to almost $4,000, and anywhere in between. There are essentially three (3) variations of this model: (1), and the cheapest of the three: the "spotted cow" camo'd version that nobody liked or wanted. Grey paint with darker grey "splotches" all over. Horrible livery - nobody liked it. Then, (2), what was referred to as the "JSI Re-paint" version. These are the older "spotted cow" camo'd planes that got sent back to JSI and were repainted in a more pleasing and acceptable solid grey livery with new markings, etc. Those tend to go for a bit more. Finally, (3), the most expensive version: the JSI "Black Knights L.E.D. version", of which only approx. 770 to 880 (the exact numbers are unknown, as various sources are quoting numbers given above, and range as listed) were made. These have lighted cockpits, navigation lights, "afterburner" lights in the engine exhaust nozzles, and perhaps within a few other areas, as well. Those models are currently going for anywhere from around $2,500 on up to around $4,000, generally depending on condition. The one thing that really irritates the hell out of me with this version of the F-14 is that even though it is the rarest and the most expensive version of this model, is that it only comes with ONE (1) Raytheon Aim-54 Phoenix missile...!! Just ONE of the damned things..!! The less-expensive versions of this model come with four (4) of them..!! Right now, there is no one making 1/18th scale Aim-54 Phoenix missiles in resin or any other material. There are 1/13th scale versions being made as "stand-alone" display missiles, but they're too big to be used. So, there you have it. These models originally sold for $295.00, new, from dealers. Look at them now...!! The AV8-B Harrier jump jets are still (relatively) inexpensive as "Hobby Boss" of China is still making 1/18th plastic model kits of this plane, so the JSI/Merit renditions of this model haven't gone up much, as a result. But no one is making any 1/18th scale F-14's anymore, and the prices have literally skyrocketed as a result. Cheers, and good luck in finding one for your budget...!!
What was the original price $$$$ on this
CffwvX3ys
I bought one of these when they were first released. As big and cool as it appears to be, it was a whole lot of disappointment. It's incredibly fragile. I had a landing gear snap clean off when I barely touched it. Parts like the nose cone and missiles would not stay in place. And it was just too big with no place to display it properly. I had it for several years before selling it off. I don't have any regrets.
That’s why you glue it
Lmao they gave a navy jet fragile landing gear😂 the irony
needs a repaint but its awesome
You said to main point, need to repaint.
@@MilitaryVehicleReviews disaster
I thought the same!
If you look around on the internet, you'll find several "JSI-repaints" of this model. A LOT of people that bought these models (original cost was $300 from a dealer, new) HATED that "spotted cow" paint scheme & took these modes back to their dealers. The dealer's then sent them back to JSI/Merit who then repainted them (with new markings, etc) & re-issued them. The thing that upset me the list was the fact that the more expensive, "Black Knights/L.E.D." version came with only ONE (1) Raytheon AIM-54 Phoenix missile..!! The standard "painted cow" version (& JSI repainted version) came with FOUR (4) of these missiles..! Nobody else makes a 1/18th scale resin Phoenix missile, so if you get the more expensive LED version, and you want more AIM-54 missiles, you're screwed..!!
Without stabilizers looks like a Macross VF1
If I was going to pay that much for this kit, I would want to actually build it myself. The paint scheme is horrible and didn't the Navy switch to the low-visibility grey scheme by the time VF-84 transition to the Roosevelt?
that or at a highly detailed radio control ARF ducted fan that can actually fly.
Definitely a great model that must hang from the ceiling and look like it’s in flight !
Do you know how dirty it would get
0
Better in a cabinet or low shelf top. It needs to be appreciated properly. Hanging models kills them.
@@superspit not when you hang them at banking angles, so you can see the plane in it’s all, not just the underside
@@Shannonbarnesdr1 you don't sound like a true modeller. Sorry.
my favorite fighter jet even up to this day.. such an iconic jet.. nice vid, you earned a sub..
Proud to know i have the exact same model in my room hanging looking as if it just took off from an air craft carrier
@@MilitaryVehicleReviews this is my dad's favorite plane
So the little green red and white thing on the missiles is in real life the manual arming switch for the missile. When the aircraft is loaded for a mission or an alert scramble, the ordinance is put on the aircraft but left unarmed and when the aircraft is about to take off, and Ordananceman runs around the aircraft arming all ordinance. Also, the yellow stripes on the missiles indicate a live warhead while the brown stripes indicate a live rocket motor.
Ya beat me to it !! 👍
Only the Sidewinder has the red and green arming lever. The Sparrow shouldn’t have that, but it should have a number of stripes.
And: “ordnance”. An ‘ordinance’ is a law; ‘ordnance’ is stuff that blows up.
Man, this is a MODEL !!! Thank you for all the detail views, and also for your other good works in summary !!! LIKE
Hay my name is Frank and I was born in 1960
5:05 Thats either an AIM-9L or M. You can tell from the forward fins having that double delta shape along with its nosecone shape.
The F-14 could carry earlier variants of the Sidewinder too, but the AIM-9C was only ever carried by the F-8 Crusader. Its seeker was specifically designed to work with the F-8s radar.
5:33 Those are MAK-79 Weapons pallets. They could have various different racks, ejectors, and launchers mounted in them as well as those fairings on the front ones had the cooling systems for the AIM-54A and C contained in them. After the AIM-54C+ was introduced though the cooling systems for the phoenix were contained in the missiles themselves so the fairings were just left on for aerodynamic purposes and the cooling systems were taken out.
The specific launcher mounted in the MAK-79s for the phoenix was the LAU-93 for the F-14A and F-14B, but the F-14D used a modernized launcher called the LAU-132.
6:14 Thats a LAU-138. Its a combination Sidewinder rail and countermeasures dispenser. AFAIK they were only ever loaded with chaff packets though since the flares for them were problematic to use and very ineffective.
15:07 Some F-14As had LANTIRN and some didnt. Same with the F-14Bs and F-14Ds.
not a problem man happy i was able to send it to you!!
Where did you get this from? Tried to find the company, but nothing came up.
@@SauronEye ebay is where I found this one.
Ain't never seen a jet from an American squadron in modern times that has a WWII desert camo.
Lol talk about “over” weathering. Way over!
@@digitalperson108 Yes, a wee bit!
no
One of the worst weathering ever.
That's real paint scheme used by VF84 for the annual RED FLAG exercises held over the Nevada test range.
Another great review! Enormous model with incredible detail! The landing gear detail & functionality is superb; even has working landing gear strut suspension & wheel assemblies that rotate on the main stuts for landing configuration! Once again, the overall size of this excellent f-14 model is staggering!
this. toy. is. so. cool. I. want. to. bay. this
Weathering does not look right, other than that very good!
Now when they get SERIOUS and make a transforming Macross VF-1 Valkyrie, CALL ME!
Yeah, a WORKING and transforming model with scale speed ;D
Count me in 😁
A Valkyrie in 1:18 scale? Mmm, you’re gonna need a bigger mancave.
@@bertvdlast I've got a mancave complex to put it in.
For me is vf-0
And hi you think there is a A-10 and where do you get all of these models they are so cool
This squadron used to be on the USS Nimitz back during the late 70s til late 80's
"The Final Countdown" starring Kirk Douglas as Cpt. Matt Yelland and James Farentino as Wing Cdr. Dick T. Owens. Cannot count the times I have seen this movie....👍
Indeed. The real 201 makes an appearence in the film The Final Countdown in the "splash the zeros" sequence !
Great looking toy, huge scale but honestly I've seen better paint work on smaller 1/72 and 1/48 models.
The Phoenix was about a million at the time. Highly advanced for the time.
Yep developed specifically for the AWG-9 which the Tomcat is built around. There are 62 kills, but all of those are Iranian.
I am impressed with the accuracy of the model. I can see why they picked Jolly Rogers logo over something like the Fighting Aardvarks. The Midway museum hosts a Fighting Aardvark Tomcat.
Oh man, I was hoping that you'd do a video on their F-14 :) This thing is so cool, but I have no idea where I'd put it. The cockpit details are jest exceptional, it's a bit of a shame it doesn't come with pilots, but then again I'd be just thrilled to see all those details. I'm working on a 1:48 F-14A at the moment, and I thought that was big enough, but this thing is HUGE, I've been curious over the years as to just how big it is, thanks for the video :D
It's impressive, but not as good as it could be, especially for the price. Like you, I'd want seated crew figures; I loathe the idea that an aircraft model has to be of the thing when it's shut down and parked. Also the cockpit is a bit toyish; there are smaller (1/48. 1/32) models out there with proper recessed instruments with glazing, so the painted on dials are a bit of a disappointment. And finally, I'm surprised that there are no pieces to represent the inflatable cushions under and behind the wings to close the gap between the trailing edges and the fuselage. Once again, if model kits can include them, this should too. Still, it is a beauty -- but then, it should be for the cost.
That would be cool to have a video of the F-14 parked next to the F-16, the F-14 looks giant. The F-14 pilots used to call the wings - ""the tennis court"
I would have to break out the airbrush and do some awesome paint work along with some washes, etc. That thing is massive! Very cool. Would be neat to do an Ali Cat in the desert or gray scheme...
ESPECTACULAR!!! Hermosa maqueta. Muy buen video. Saludos. Excelent!!!
That is BADASS! I miss the F-14. :(
I have to say I'm not too impressed with the detail at this scale and the random spots make it look like a toy. If I got this I'd superdetail it and repaint it.
Boy the fun I would have had with a couple of these & a couple of MIGS manufactured to the same quality of finish as a boy makes me wish I still played with toys oh the the air battles I would have staged
The random grey dots all over the airframe looks stupid. i would repaint the entire thing because of it.
This is a awesome model. The detail is just amazing. I have that too. I paid $180 about 5 years ago. The only problem with all of those incredible details is that is so delicate that you can break it easily. Congratulations for getting one!
where can i get one?
@@peep_da_parakeet Got mine on ebay. I just saw the same for $2200 and up
I don't think there was ever an A2G version of the Sparrow but there is a ship-launched version that is still in use by numerous navies.
F14 a classic jet and if not a symbol of aviation also my favourite fighter jet
I don’t get it? It’s just a big toy with rubbish detail. Most modellers would just laugh at it.
yea its a thing called .."DIE - CAST" thers nothing rubbish about this one.
Just ordered myself one!! Fantastic video
Great model. All the detail is amazing. It would be great to display hanging from the ceiling. Or on a glass casi so you can move the wings and canopy.
Wish I had one of the models but from The Enterprise CVN 65. A real one would be spectacular.
Wow! What a beauty! Thanks for sharing! Great video,keep the great work!
Gorgeous!!! I am so jealous!!! When you can find these on ebay they go for around $2000
Most excellent. Iam hopefully coming out to the states as soon as restrictions are over . I would love to pick one of these models up . Where do I go to purchase. Cheers from the uk .
That F14 is a gorgeous ol’ Tomcat. That was my favorite aircraft as a child. Amazing detail. 👍 I had so many favorites
A-10 /F-18/Hawker Harrier Junk Jet/F-4 Phantom…not to mention all my favorite WW2 planes holy Toledo. 👋🤩👍
I’m not a collector so I wouldn’t know but is this model really going for around around 2500?
wtf how
If it was remote control it’d be a fair price
I’m glad someone has a hobby like this an shares it with the world because there is no way I could justify or even think about spending that kinda money. But I think it’s super cool an love learning about it
This looks nice but its nowhere near detailed to what I would expect of a 1/18 scale. The wheel bays are bereft of detail and the cockpit details look like a toy at best. Sorry, but I don't agree with the majority of people here, this looks more like a toy than a scale replica.
WOOWWW!!! awesome plane. Maverick & Goose. "I feel the need...the need for speed." - Tom Cruise (Top Gun)
I started building 1/32 scale solid wood jets in late winter. Had no clue how but did it anyway. Did not know at the time how much fun it would turn out to be. Ended up buying a portable band saw and a jointer. I find scale drawings on the internet and take them to office max to be enlarged to the size I need. Lots of and I mean lots of hand sanding and shaping. Have built two so far, both F15s and am working on an F4 Phantom and F100 Super Saber, and yes, they get painted and decaled also. Lots to learn as I go but that's the fun part.
I had no idea that these 1/18 scale planes were even made. These things are amazing, and I think I might build one or two 1/18 scale also.
Does anyone know how much these were when new and where were they sold.
That's awesome! A lot of work but sounds fun. I think these were around $300 new. Now they are super expensive.
viva mexicoooo🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽
Very very cool... my only issue it with the paint job... especially the airbrushed "wear" for the winds... the airbrushed wear doesn't match the movement of the wings and around the boundary layer duct/outlet...
I have 18 of these aircraft, 1/18 scale. The f14, f16, F18…and all the ww2 planes. 👍🏻
Do you have yours displayed ?
@@arghmic I do.didn’t make much sense to keep them in their boxes. But they do take up a lot of space.
I checked on eBay or something, this thing is selling over $2,300!
Edit: if that makes sense
Edit 2: that’s a very detailed model, no wonder it’s so expensive!
I agree very expensive was thinking about buying one for my brother birthday in July until I saw the price on eBay . Holy cow
Great kit, but not the best color. The light grey is correct, but the points black not..
Yeah, that's a massive fail of an attempt at weathering by the folks at the factory.
I like this 1:18 F-14A Tomcat Model🛩😎👫👨✈️👍
The green/red marking on the missile is an arm/safe indicator. There is a handle and when it is switched to red it means the missile is armed.
Does the channel have instagram? if you have what is the name?
Damn! Excellent find, on a museum quality model.. ( because these ain't "toys"! ...by playability, nor price!) I'm guessing, WAY over a few hundred dollars, by now. I had at one point 40 aircraft from BBI, Blue Box, 21st Century, and JSI. Then I got divorced, and shortly after laid off. ( this was over 10 years ago) Damn, that pain, cutting the strings, from thier ceiling mounts,boxing them up, selling them off, one, two, or three at a time, to make ends meet. Forgotten all about them, till I viewed your video.
Time to start collecting again! Thank you! 😊
Thanks for the review but the paintjob is really a bummer... the model and decals are really cool!
Wow! Thats HUGE for me. Can someone send a link for IT?
That cammo paint scheme tho? I've never seen that pattern on any US fighter, let alone a Navy plane. It's like they got so much detail in the model and then decided to just take a big dump on it.
_"AIM-9C"_ - Are you sure that's not the L or M variant? C was a short-lived radar-guided sidewinder variant, later reworked into the AGM-122 Sidearm anti-radar-missile
@@MilitaryVehicleReviews The front fins of the missile look more like that of the L or M variant. C:s front fins are different. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AIM-9_Sidewinder#/media/File:AIM-9B-9D-9C_NAN3-71.jpg (the bottom one)
AIM-9C:s were only used on F8U Crusaders for a brief period.
Looks a great model but an appalling paint job. Looks like they started to add some weathering and then couldn't be bothered. Shame, was tempted up to that point. Given the light nature of the A model scheme they could have got away with simply not adding the weird dots. Also, I'm no expert but the paint scheme on the tail for the Jolly Rogers was done on the B model not the A I thought? Oh well it was a useful vid and I guess I will keep looking for the right display model for me.
Thanks
@@MilitaryVehicleReviews oh really.... Ok that changes things thank you.
"VERTICAL STABS" Rudders are attached to the verticals or fins - the parts you held are not rudders just like the wheel is not the landing gear, speaking of, the oleo suspension leg travels or compresses it does not "rotate or pivot" - nomenclature and terminology aside this was another great review, you have introduced me to a whole new world I was not aware of these super-detailed large scale models, I see they are quite rare too so well done on getting hold of them and sharing with us in such detail. Not bad overall, for a non-aviation guy.
I bought the F-18 Hornet and the ME 262
i dont know how much this costs but i got to be honest. it looks terrible....
That weathering looks kinda weird, but the aircraft looks beautiful! Lovely review
I was in VF-84 from 85-89. The red and green marking on the side of the AIM-7 and AIM-9 are supposed to be an armed window. Very nice model, but the random spots are not right. The Tomcat got touch up paint per scheduled maintenance and the highly worn areas would be targeted, giving it a patchwork appearance, also the chains used to tie down the aircraft on the deck were oily and rusty. The chains were handled by most all of the maintenance crew, so anything they touched would get a red rusty smear. Most of the planes had a very ragged out appearance, except for 200 and 201 which were our show birds. They were kept as nice as we could manage for the weekend airshows and sporting event flyovers.
If I’m not mistaken, the area where the wings sweep back into the fuselage were inflatable seals so that when the wings were open, that area would be smooth and faired over. There wouldn’t be an open gap like most models have.
It's true that they had inflatable 'bags', where the wings would sweep over the aft fuselage. However, these were inflated when the wings were swept back, not when the wings were 'open'. This was to fill the gap between the wings and the fuselage, to improve smooth air flow and prevent any turbulence in that area.
Navy pilots call it the "airbags"
Mines missing a sidewinder. Crew would've been nice too.
Just paint it black and make it a VX-4 Evaluators Tomcat! I have a 4D 1/32 VX-9 Vampires Tomcat in that colour scheme and it looks awesome!
Excelente! Parabéns pelo seu vídeo 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Does the company have a website? I've tried locating and searching the internet with no success. I wanted to see what else they have and if they would ever consider making other aircraft.
Leave it to the Chinese to screw up the most famous F-14A livery, by allowing the spotty paint job. Originally these models could be had at under $250.00 US dollars from California. Today, prices range from the absurd $1000 dollars to the ridiculous $2500.00 I saw not long ago for the version with lights.
My friend has the 1/32 scale F-14A Tomcat which is a sort of puzzle piece you put together by snapping the entire aircraft together. This version is by far way more accurate and detailed vs the JSI version with its "Cheetah Paint Scheme". Everything including two pilots accurately painted and detailed plus one of the engines is included. And yes, the swing wings do operate. She may be smaller in scale, but what she lacks in size, is more than made up in detail. Not even the Tamiya F-14A is more detailed and the whole aircraft is assembled by snapping it together.
This JSI F-14A Tomcat is however, the largest 1/18 model aircraft in existence. It makes the F-18 look puny by comparison. It's cockpit with the lighted version is amazing. Both Pilot and Rio scopes light up green. Nav lights work. No pilots though either, and for $250.00 dollars when this first came out, it should've included pilots and a perfect paint job.
My only other major gripe. The plastic landing gear was woefully incapable of supporting the whole aircraft as it was very heavy. Main struts were entirely too fragile and could brake easily if not handled delicately. In the final analysis the JSI is not worth more than $200.00 dollars in any livery. Even with all the mods, at best maybe $225.00, but not such exuberant prices that greedy sellers are asking. The model requires refinishing and metal landing gears, plus pilots with high detail. At least a dozen livery variants and not just a few. Also, aircraft should've been mini crated than boxed. It's packed decently, but like all these plastic Chinese models, it can and will break. You also need tons of room to display it. If you hang it, nothing less than 30 plus pound fishing line and a plan on where too hang it.
Beautiful plane but too pricey and too many obvious errors.
KB
*FLY NAVY*🇺🇸🥂
4:55 either an AIM-9 G,H, or M, most likely an M
Where did you get it? Can I buy it from Japan?
The Phoenix missile was never used for a kill by the US, outside of target drones which doesn’t count.
The Iranian Air Force did score some kills against Iraqi warplanes during the Iran/ Iraq war.
OMG, I've never seen a model that came in a suit case. Very good looking model and unboxing.. As for the decals on Sparrow it depends on when model manufacturer got the pictures to use for their decal set, (they are looking for model scale accuracy over expense of correct decal cost) plus there were many variants of the Sparrow. In all probability it was a warning sign between propellent and rocket motor - there was a "RBF" remove before flight tag at that location. It is amazing the military kept it in service as long as they did - in Vietnam it only had a 10% kill ratio. Sometimes you'd "pickle" all you had just to hope for a hit. Some had a propensity to explode 1,000 feet after launch. However, minor detail for AN AWESOME looking kit.
Wow that is beautiful can i have that plesssss
Wow that is beautiful can i have that plessssss
LOL....is this the polka dot version?
son mejores los mexicanoooo
Great video, cheers for the upload. I'm thinking 'Highway to the Danger Zone' by Kenny Loggins. I can't wait for Top Gun 2 to be released!
Very cool. Me and my dad put together an F-14 when I was a child 😊
thank you for the reviews, i subscribed and liked the video!
Thank you! 😁
Ah yes. The fabled 'spotcat'...
I gave this model a hard miss due that botched paint finish, and got the Hornet and Viper instead.
Fingers crossed that someone decides to remanufacture these models, and decides to refrain from another ham-fisted attempt at weathering.
@@MilitaryVehicleReviews I love that some of the other 1/18 models have been released in kit form. The Sabre, Harrier, FW-190 etc. My fingers are definitely crossed for the F-14 😉
Overall ot looks good, But i would have to get after it with some modeling and a complete respray, Cant say that I like the weathering that was done.
Now thats the real Top Gun F14 skull squadron not the anime Robotech.
there's one on display real F14 skull squadron on the deck of USS Lexington in corpus christi tx.
Would be cool to have two pilots and a display stand i always wanted to get one but its so hard to get one good thing I can watch your awesome reviews so I know how it feels to have one
I can’t explain how badly i’m trying to get my hands on one 😂
This brings back to my memory the GI Joe skystriker which at one point in my life I would have done about anything to own and you couldn't find them anywhere I remember that specifically my cousin had one and I had like the stealth bomber that Cobra used so we were able to get by but we really wanted to do some double action Sky Striker action and I did eventually get one so it's all good
Well that's a great model with amazing size and shape..thank for efforts man ..much appreciated..did any one know how much this model costs to buy?
Today? About $2500
@@Kanovskiy much appreciated...thanks
+Military Vehicle Reviews Do you know what ever happened to the F-15E Strike Eagle that was supposed to be released as part of the series along with the Tomcat, Falcon, and Hornet? I remember seeing an early prototype photo of the F-15E, but for some unknown reason it was never released. I also saw an early prototype photo of the 2 seat SU-27UB Russian Flanker. Do you know if Elite Force is going to release the F-15E and the 2 seat SU-27UB??
I am now making it a mission in life to obtain one of these.
@@MilitaryVehicleReviews Turns out you’re right. My new mission in life is to make the money required to buy one of these!
@@gcm747 saw the 2500.00 prices huh
love it such an amazing plane But i cringed when you called the missles rockets XD