48037 Tomcat Sunset #3 is the second of the two sheets in the Yellowhammer Models Tomcat Sunset series. 

As does YHD48036, Tomcat Sunset #2, this sheet also provides two sets of markings worn by the VF-31 Tomcatters’ F-14Ds which were displayed during the Tomcat Sunset ceremonies at Naval Air Station Oceana over the period 20 to 23 September 2006. 

The individual machines are:

• Bureau number 163904 modex 102.  The machine is finished in the tactical paint scheme finish of FS35237 dark blue/grey over FS36375 light compass grey.  Her markings are all lo-viz and comprise a large leaning twin-tailed tomcat logo associated with the F-14 with the words “U.S. NAVY’S LAST FIGHTER” across the top of the logo and 1970-2006 across the bottom for the vertical stabilizers.  The Grumman logo also features on the vertical stabilisers.  The only colour on the bird comes in the form of the squadron’s Felix trailing a red white and blue flag to be applied to the drop tank.

• Bureau number 164342, modex 100, the CAG bird.   This option also wears the tactical paint scheme finish of FS35237 dark blue/grey over FS36375 light compass grey but being the CAG bird features full colour markings.  She displays yellow tipped black vertical stabilisers and black painted canopy framing/anti-glare panels fore and aft.  The yellow tips are supplied as decals.  Full colour national markings and safety stencil markings as well as the vertical stabilisers do a lot to lift the visual appearance of this bird.  The outer faces her vertical stabilisers wear the full colour Felix emblem incorporating a Safety E within the bomb as well as symbols representing three other awards.  The first and last of which look to be the Arleigh Burke Award and U.S. Fleet Forces Command Golden Anchor respectively.  The centre one is a mystery to me but I’m sure that someone out there in hyperspace can identify it.  The Felix is a two-part decal with the black of the Felix applied over a yellow circle.  Colour also extends to the inner surfaces of the vertical stabilisers with the addition of large Carrier Wing Eight insignia. The squadron zaps for the drop tanks on this option also sport colour.  As well as the red, white and blue flag, you also get four sets of flames.  The later marking is a two-piece affair with a separate red and yellow flame decal to be applied over the white part of the zap.  The bomb is also blue on this marking.

Complete markings are provided for both options. 

 

 

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

---

The decal sheet is accompanied by an A-4 sized placement guide.  One side of the page shows left hand side profiles for both options whilst the rear shows upper surface views of both options. 

The decals themselves are thin, sharply printed and in perfect register. 

The two decal sheets (the flames for the squadron zap are supplied on a separate smaller sheet) and the placement guide come packed in a clear plastic zip-loc bag. 

My comments for this sheet remain the same as for the first.  If you are a fan of the Tomcat don’t delay purchasing either of these two new sheets from Yellowhammer Models as they will quickly disappear. 

A nice sheet from Yellowhammer Models. 

Recommended.