U.S. Navy F-14 Tomcats

Part 2: Pacific Coast Squadrons

Detail & Scale
Digital Colors & Markings Series

Reviewed by Floyd S. Werner Jr.

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The F-14 conjures up images of ‘Top Gun’ and ‘The Final Countdown’.  The Tomcat has captured the imagination of modelers and civilians alike.  Bigger, faster, and able to carry more ordnance than its replacement the F-18, the F-14 was retired from service but still holds a place of honor.  With the recent release of the Tamiya F-14 and the impending release of the AMK F-14D, there has been a resurgence for F-14 references. 

This is a second volume in the Detail & Scale Color & Markings Digital series.  The first volume of the Color & Markings series covered the Atlantic Squadrons flying F-14s so now the picture is completed with this volume covering the Pacific Fleet, Reserve, training and evaluation squadrons.  The digital books are in the same vain as the printed ones but are significantly more complete with more photos and cost less.  There are over 700 photos on 450 pages in this digital book alone. 

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If you haven’t used a digital book before they are quite unique.  The benefits of the book are numerous.  First off the book can be updated by the author at any time.  Whenever you sign in the book will automatically update.  There are two versions available, in iPad and Kindle format.  They are exactly the same and operate the same. 

The chapter breakdown is Chapter 1 for Stencils and Standard markings.  Chapter 2 is the meat and potatoes of the book and features the US Navy Pacific Fleet Squadrons.  Chapter 3 is the Pacific Reserve Squadrons.  Chapter 4 is the Adversary Tomcats.  Chapter 5 is the Test & Evaluation F-14s, including NASA.

Besides always up to date with new information, the digital book has a bunch of benefits that you just can’t do in printed format.  The first is the ability to enlarge the photos by simply touching the photo.  They enlarge to the size of the monitor.  Then you can also enlarge that photo up to 200%, which is ideal for a modeler. 

You can also jump right to a chapter or page simply by using the Table of Contents.  The bottom of the TOC page also shows thumbnails so you can jump directly to a page. 

Typical of Detail & Scale books there are numerous photos of every unit and the drawings by Rock Roczak.  The pictures are full color and vibrant.  There are notable contributor’s to this publication.   

Each squadron’s history is covered.  In addition to the history, the evolution of the unit’s camouflage and markings are next.  Special emphasis is given to the CAG aircraft which are normally the more colorful ones. 

Let’s see what is in the digital book.  The first section is on Tomcat Stencils and Standard Markings.  This follows the changed made in the stencils from one type of camouflage to the next.  Any decal manufacturer could have a field day with this chapter alone. ALL the stencils that could be applied to the F-14 are included with the proper font and colors.

The next chapter starts the look at the actual 15 Pacific Fleet Squadrons.  The history of the F-14 in each of the squadron timelines shows you who had the Tomcat from when to when.  Each squadron is arranged chronologically in reference to the markings.  This makes it easier to find a particular era aircraft, for example Desert Storm.  All the squadron badges are included in the beginning of the chapter.  You can tap any unit patch and get taken directly to the applicable squadron. 

The evolution of the camouflage and markings throughout the life of the Tomcat is illustrated perfectly for each squadron.  There were some interesting paint schemes in the Tomcat’s history.  Besides the Light Ghost Grey over White (boring) and grey schemes, there is a Ferris type scheme, then the temporary blotched grey camouflage, even a brown, tan, green and gray camouflage that I’ve never seen before.  There are some interesting stories included in the captions and unit histories.  One that stands out is ‘Miss Molly’ of VF-111. 

The next chapter deals with the Reserve Units.  And this is followed up by the Adversary and Test/Evaluation Units and finally NASA.

If you can’t find a subject in this digital book then you won’t build a Tomcat.  There are some beautiful markings and paint schemes.  Of course, the Adversary Tomcats from Top Gun are quite colorful, including an ‘IRIAF’ complete with Iranian insignia.  Don’t forget there are some colorful paint schemes on the NASA F-14s as well.

The benefits of the digital book is the huge amount of pictures that can be accessed and the ability to enlarge them.  The normal parameters of page count and color photos don’t apply to digital format.  The amount of photos, details about the units and the paint schemes are in keeping with the great tradition of Detail & Scale publications.  This volume, along with the first one, are essential reference material for the modeler and historian.  If you love the F-14 Tomcat then you’ll NEED to add this to your digital library.  The inexpensive price will certainly be attractive to everyone.  The ability to have the whole book on the work bench while working is an invaluable tool.  I enjoyed the whole experience with the digital book.  Another great reference book from Detail & Scale. 

Thanks to Detail & Scale’s Rock Roczak for the review copy. You can download yours from iTunes. I use my iPad for reading these books and it works great. It is stored in the Cloud so I can also read it on iBooks on my phone while I’m out and about.

Review Copyright © 2018 by Floyd S. Werner Jr.
This Page Created on 13 February, 2018
Last updated 13 February, 2018

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