1:72 scale Forces of Valor F-14 Tomcat

06-26-2003, 12:03 PM

I'm not sure what to make of this model. The box clearly states "NOT INTENDED AS A TOY - FOR COLLECTORS PURPOSES ONLY." However, they were also available for pre-order on www.KBToys.com for US$19.99 about a month ago and are also clearly marked in a smaller font as being "FOR AGES OVER 8."

What stands out about this plane are all of the recessed panel lines that I am assuming have been obsessively outlined using markers. And I'm not just talking about the plane itself, the underwing ordinance is too! Unlike the 1:72 scale offerings from Corgi, Dragon Wings, and Air Command (Sun Star), Forces of Valor (Unimax Toys) likes to weather its aircraft.

Unlike the picture available at www.forcesofvalor.com the ordinance is comprised of:

Two (2) auxiliary fuel tanks
Six (6) AIM-7 Sparrow (not 8)
Two (2) AIM-9 Sidewinder
Four (4) AIM-54 Phoenix (not 6)

The weapons have tabs that fit into slots either on the plane, the four detachable underwing pylons, or the four detachable Phoenix belly mounts. The plane cannot be outfitted with all of the weapons, so make a choice between the Phoenix and Sparrow missiles. Apparently, the landing gear is built-in, so fold them in-or-out to your heart's content. A clear, plastic stand is available if you want this Tomcat to fly with its two pilots in the cockpit.

This Tomcat is a 1991 Persian Gulf War-era U.S. Navy VF-84 "Jolly Rogers" jet. There will be a competitive fly-off between this model and the upcoming Revell-Monogram #3654. Since Revell-Monogram still does not have pictures of its actual model available at www.revell-monogram.com it's hard to determine if it will be a VF-84 or a VF-103 "Jolly Rogers" plane.

David Hingtgen · 06-26-2003, 04:46 PM

I'll wait for DW's---looks much nicer, and DW's 1/72 missiles are better than anyone elses. This particular F-14 fails big-time in the landing gear. I do like the "lots of missiles" though.

06-27-2003, 12:38 AM

With more and more manufacturers in the 1:72 scale fighter jet market, I guess that it could get to the point where very strong opinions are voiced, such as in the 1:400 scale forum. With that being said, the Forces of Valor models are much too homely for me. I think that I'll let someone else give them a happy home.

06-26-2003, 12:03 PM	#1
gavman Guest Posts: n/a	1:72 scale Forces of Valor F-14 Tomcat I'm not sure what to make of this model. The box clearly states "NOT INTENDED AS A TOY - FOR COLLECTORS PURPOSES ONLY." However, they were also available for pre-order on www.KBToys.com for US$19.99 about a month ago and are also clearly marked in a smaller font as being "FOR AGES OVER 8." What stands out about this plane are all of the recessed panel lines that I am assuming have been obsessively outlined using markers. And I'm not just talking about the plane itself, the underwing ordinance is too! Unlike the 1:72 scale offerings from Corgi, Dragon Wings, and Air Command (Sun Star), Forces of Valor (Unimax Toys) likes to weather its aircraft. Unlike the picture available at www.forcesofvalor.com the ordinance is comprised of: Two (2) auxiliary fuel tanks Six (6) AIM-7 Sparrow (not 8) Two (2) AIM-9 Sidewinder Four (4) AIM-54 Phoenix (not 6) The weapons have tabs that fit into slots either on the plane, the four detachable underwing pylons, or the four detachable Phoenix belly mounts. The plane cannot be outfitted with all of the weapons, so make a choice between the Phoenix and Sparrow missiles. Apparently, the landing gear is built-in, so fold them in-or-out to your heart's content. A clear, plastic stand is available if you want this Tomcat to fly with its two pilots in the cockpit. This Tomcat is a 1991 Persian Gulf War-era U.S. Navy VF-84 "Jolly Rogers" jet. There will be a competitive fly-off between this model and the upcoming Revell-Monogram #3654. Since Revell-Monogram still does not have pictures of its actual model available at www.revell-monogram.com it's hard to determine if it will be a VF-84 or a VF-103 "Jolly Rogers" plane.

06-26-2003, 04:46 PM	#2
David Hingtgen Complete Wacko! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Iowa Posts: 3,989	I'll wait for DW's---looks much nicer, and DW's 1/72 missiles are better than anyone elses. This particular F-14 fails big-time in the landing gear. I do like the "lots of missiles" though. __________________ *We need more TWA twin-stripes!*

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

06-27-2003, 12:38 AM	#3
gavman Guest Posts: n/a	Sent to the Boneyard With more and more manufacturers in the 1:72 scale fighter jet market, I guess that it could get to the point where very strong opinions are voiced, such as in the 1:400 scale forum. With that being said, the Forces of Valor models are much too homely for me. I think that I'll let someone else give them a happy home.