[Elmer]

Originally Posted by smartd

Yes, you are correct Rush, the Tomcatters did have black noses.

I didn't realize how old my source book is (squadron/signal publ no. 32, cpyrght 1977); it claims VF-41 as the only black nosed Tomcat Squadron in The Fleet. Maybe the Tomcatters went to black noses after 1977? Anyway, not often you see a black nosed Tomcat. I still dig it.

[David Hingtgen]

That book is so old the Jolly Rogers hadn't even deployed yet with the F-14. VF-31 didn't have any Tomcats yet---nor did the Sundowners, etc. There were only like 8 squadrons then that had them, and the nose probe had just been introduced---VF-41 and 84 were the first to get them. But it's a great reference for early F-14's.

As time went on, VF-31 became known for being the black-nosed F-14 squadron, as VF-41 only ever had it for a year or two, while VF-31 kept it on the CO plane until their last F-14D.

[Elmer]

Originally Posted by David Hingtgen

That book is so old the Jolly Rogers hadn't even deployed yet with the F-14. VF-31 didn't have any Tomcats yet---nor did the Sundowners, etc. There were only like 8 squadrons then that had them, and the nose probe had just been introduced---VF-41 and 84 were the first to get them. But it's a great reference for early F-14's.

Yeah... I looked at the language in the book; it says (with a caption of pictures for AJ202 and AJ203) "VF-84 will take it's Tomcats to sea on USS Nimitz." Also says the squadron received the new block 95 aircraft. New! Man I wish I could go back in time for a bit. Anyway, the front cover depicts a painting of BuNo. 160382, F-14A-95-GR, AJ202 VF-84 in flight, launching a Phoenix.

I must have been 12 or 13 when I bought it. This reference book and The Final Countdown hooked me on VF-84's livery for life! I have CW's AJ202, but the BuNo. is 160401, block 95.

[SKUNKY]

I have that book too..it's so old that when it first came out, Jim was still having to pay full fare to ride the bus.

[Cardinal]

Originally Posted by lanslide

Are you guys gonna get one?

I've pre-ordered it and this will be my first CW F14 Tomcat . I think that the Black Aces livery is excellent and this particular model will most likely be sold out on pre-order given the limited release (I believe that The Flying Mule has also indicated this in his latest newsletter ).

As another thread indicated "ya snooze, ya lose" ...

[SKUNKY]

Cardo, just paint the nose gray and it'll probably look alright.

[Cardinal]

Originally Posted by SKUNKY

Cardo, just paint the nose gray and it'll probably look alright.

Black nose on that F14 is a mark of distinction and looks mighty fine, ayuh!

[firefighterpilot1]

Not a fan of the Black Aces livery. I prefer the modern one of the FOV Tomcat. Sure I'd love some low-vis cats too but the high-vis is nicer when all you collect are Tomcats.
Some Tomcats I would love to see made by CW.

The Dragon version is discontinued and we'd all prefer a CW


again, we'd all prefer a CW over Dragon's and especially over the Witty Wings



I just love this paint scheme. (better than the newer one with the skull)



and so I don't have to buy the Witty Wings version

[smartd]

Not a bad selection, but I would like the Tomcatters with the red tail, The Swordsmen with the yellow tail and, of course, the Pukin Dogs.

[tank nut]

This is my fav tomcatter