[RJLee]

Overhead view (patches not included). FOV on the left, Witty on the right. The two models are roughly comparable from this angle; Witty probably captures the shape of the airplane better. However, more detail is apparent on the FOV model, from the HUD-green windscreen to the overall panel lines and micro-stenciling. By comparison, the Witty lacks surface detail and seems overly clean. Apart from silvered leading edges and the nonslip panels on the intake "shoulders," it has sort of an injection-mold feel to it.

[RJLee]

Underside view, FOV on top, Witty on the bottom. (Apologies for the low image quality -- had to degrade the image substantially to get under the 97K file size limit.)

The difference in surface detail is most stark here, with the Witty being almost entirely clean. The FOV is a little chunky (note the large peg holes in the rear Phoenix pallet), but makes up for it in panel detail, ordnance markings, and red-colored door edges. Unfortunately the Witty suffers badly in comparison.

(To be fair, since the Witty comes with fixed gear, it's not clear when you'd ever see this view.)

[RJLee]

Another quarter-view of the Witty. The nose gear is well done, and is superior to the FOV (which is terrible). Rudders are movable. On each drop tank you can see a low-visibility VF-32 marking, which is a nice touch that the FOV lacks. The Sidewinder rail is also more accurate for the time period than FOV (though I'm not sure if VF-154's F-14As were retrofited with the newer launch rails).

[admin]

Wow, I just think that FOV wins hands down, without question. I know about the whole "panel line to scale" argument, but the detail is so much better on the FOV. I say no contest.

[STARMAN 352ND]

WOW...The FOV looks good to me too.
That is the first time i have seen that one up close like that.
Does it have a good stand with it too?
JP

[RJLee]

Finally: a direct side-view comparison.



Witty: Good overall airframe shape, vertical tails are better replicated than FOV's. Sharp color markings. Visible seams in some areas. Relative lack of surface detail , combined with bright white missiles, makes it seem "plasticky" under certain lighting conditions. Inaccurate undernose pod and what looks to be a somewhat shrunken gunport. Feels a little brittle at times, though not as brittle as your typical Dragon; tailhook and speedbrakes work. Appears to have been hijacked by elves.



FOV: Beautifully and crisply captures the shape and lines of a mature F-14, right up until the vertical tails (which appear to have been bent in a minor traffic accident). Nose gear is bad (the open area behind the wheel appears to have been filled solid!). Surface detail is fantastic -- the panel lines are probably too dark on a scale basis but work really well to evoke a "weathered" look at normal viewing distances. Most seams hidden well. Exceptionally heavy construction -- the gear is inserted in large pieces that include the doors and all, in an almost lego-like manner. The tradeoff is that there are few moving parts other than the wings, horizontal stabs, and the canopy. Comes with a very large collection of air-to-air ordnance, but unfortunately no bombs or targeting pod.

Overall, I do think both are very good models, and sitting on a shelf both are very nice examples of the best that diecast has to offer. It's just that FOV -- perhaps learning something from their last F-14, which was the worst in the scale -- has got a bit more polish at this point. Hopefully Witty won't be long in catching up.

[RJLee]

Originally Posted by STARMAN 352ND

Does it have a good stand with it too?
JP

It comes with a funny clear acrylic stand, which (unlike Dragon's plastic stands) is very sturdy, even for a model as heavy as this. The funny thing about this stand is that it fixes the airplane into a banking left-hand climb -- you don't have a choice as to aircraft attitude. The result looks sort of like an F-14 in the few seconds after a catapult launch.

The stand hooks into the tailpipes and also into a small slot in the belly (you can see it behind the two Phoenix missiles). Unfortunately that means when you have it on the stand, the rear Phoenix pallets must be empty and you can't have a TARPS pod.

I like Witty's metal stands better overall, but the FOV stand has its charms. Here's what the thing looks like:

[admin]

I've never seen either of these two models in person. Are the FOV panel lines inked, and how does Dragon Model's f-14 compare with these two?

[Old Crow]

Is the VF-154 the only FOV F-14 available currently?

[planenuts]

Didn't I read on the old forum that FOV was bringing out a VF-41 F-14 I'd like to compare it with Dragon.

I want a VF-41 F-14....and I want one this century Skunky....do you have anything to add?