Early Hi-Viz USN Tomcats

[+1977Frenchie]

Hi All,

 

Currently doing these 5 skins with the Early Hi-Viz Scheme :

 

VF-51

VF-111

VF-124

VF-142

VF-143

 

The VF-111, VF-142 and VF-143 are done (still need some testing)

 

VF-124, i'm doing the 1989 version and things are going pretty well (the one with two yello lines)

 

VF-51, done but i saw on some pictures that the lines on the tails are reds and saw pictures of them with 5 colors... Is this different years or CAG/CO versus line birds?

 

So any pictures/inputs would be appreciated in order to complete them.

 

Thanks!

[+Swordsman422]

During this period, VF-51's CAG jet had the rainbow stripes on the black tails. All other jets had just red stripes.

[Caesar]

Not sure if you're planning to do real bureau and modex numbers for VF-142 and -143, but if so, this is a good place to start:

 

http://www.gonavy.jp/CVW6-AE1976.html

 

Looks like they were Block 80 aircraft for the most part.  You might be able to ascertain the missing BuNos with photos or by referencing the Mass Accumulation of Tomcat Stuff site:

 

http://anft.net/f-14/f14-serial-04.htm#80

 

For example, looks like AE103 (not listed at the GoNavy site) was BuNo 159435 around the time of the first cruise.

 

EDIT:

 

Nevermind; I geeked out and figured them out:

 

VF-143:

100 - 159434

101 - 159430

102 - 159438

103 - 159435

104 - 159441

105 - 159444

106 - 159447

107 - 159450

110 - 159456

111 - 159454

112 - 159457

113 - 159443

 

VF-142:

200 - 159446

201 - 159433

202 - 159439 (probably)

203 - 159437 (later MiG killer with VF-32)

204 - 159440

205 - 159445

206 - 159452

207 - 159448

210 - 159451

211 - 159431

212 - 159449

213 - 159436 (possibly)

[+1977Frenchie]

Thanks Swordsman, this is what i thought about the rainbow versus red stripes. So i'm almost done with the VF-51 too.

 

Just have to do little tweaks on the VF-111 and getting done with the VF-124 (just have to finish drawing the Tail sign.

 

As for the Bureau Numbers, don't know if i will do them (maybe others would love to do them if i did not). I have a great book dated from 1991 with every bureau numbers per squadrons of the USN and USMC aircrafts and helo's they had then. Maybe i will get my head in it if i have the time and heart to do so :)

 

As for now, here is some tease for your eyes :)

 

VF-51 CAG

 

VF-142

 

VF-143

[+Swordsman422]

Looking good. Just remember, VF-143 used the 100 series modex. Same with VF-51.

 

I kinda stopped doing individual BuNos unless A) the aircraft was particularly famous or B) they just happened to be on the decals I was already building from and accurate already or nearly so. Putting them on the numbers list next to the modex is easy. But just remember, these are your skins and it's up to you how much work you feel you need to put in to make them good.

 

I forgot to mention also, I really dig the detail you put into the gun gas vent. Bear in mind that the block 80 jets still used the original 7-hole ggv. 

Edited May 17, 2017 by Swordsman422

[DEVIL11]

Weren't all CAG numbers in the 1234 hundreds or something

[+Swordsman422]

Generally speaking, CAG jets used the 00 modex number and CO jets used the 01. There are exceptions. VF-102 after upgrading to the F-14B, VF-103 after the disestablishment of VF-74. These are very rare, however, and I don't think I've seen an example from before Desert Storm. During the 70's/80s, the CAG and CO jets were always 00 and 01.

[Caesar]

Lookin' good!

[+1977Frenchie]

Some work done tonight :)

 

Corrected the plane numbers for VF-51, VF-111, VF-142 and VF-143. VF-124 still need to be done.

 

As for the skins, VF-51 (CAG and LINE birds), VF-124, VF-142 and VF-143 are 98% completes. Some work to still be done on the VF-111 one...

 

Screenies of the others skins done :

 

VF-51 ''Line'' :

 

VF-111 :

 

VF-124 (proud of this one!) :

 

 

 

[+1977Frenchie]

Wanted to finish last night, but fell asleep with my 4 year old son :)

 

Anyway i finished the tail numbers for all 5 skins. As for the skins, i made a decal for the whole tail and make the placement tonight.

 

Then i will have to test every aircraft to see if there is a error in the numbering sequences then release the pack.

 

Will not do the bureau numbers on the aircrafts as it's too time consuming (i passed a lot of time on skinning recently) and need to get other things done ;)

 

So stay tuned!

[jeanba]

Those are the tomcats I like !

[DEVIL11]

I Love the fact that only CAGS/CO jets have all the colorful jets well the line jets don't

[+1977Frenchie]

Little update.

 

All skins first intended completed, BUT as usual i did more then expected. I also did the VF-124 special scheme of 1987 and i'm working on the 1976 as for now. When done will release the whole thing.

 

1987 (completed)

 

1976 (WIP)

[+1977Frenchie]

Final tests made last evening and everything is ok.

 

1976 and 1987 schemes completed for the VF-124 special birds.

 

Looking to upload the pack when i'll be back home tonight.

[+1977Frenchie]

Just finished the VF-124 1978 skin and decal...

 

Testing this one tonight then i will release the pack.

 

I promised :)

[+1977Frenchie]

I made the final checks on these skins and everything is fine by now. Uploaded the file moments ago. Soon to be yours to enjoy!