Grumman F-14B Tomcat w/Shipboard Towing Tractor

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TAMIYA 61129 Grumman F-14B Tomcat w/ Shipboard Towing Tractor – 1:48

Scale plastic model kit in 1:48 scale featuring the Grumman F-14B Tomcat, complete with a shipboard towing tractor, four crew figures, and extensive diorama accessories to recreate a realistic aircraft carrier flight deck scene.

The F-14B completes TAMIYA’s 1:48 scale F-14 Tomcat lineup (joining Kit No. 61114 F-14A, No. 61118 F-14D, and No. 61122 F-14A Late Model Carrier Launch Set). This release features a newly designed carrier towing tractor, flight deck crew figures, and a wide array of ordnance and display accessories.

Highlights & Model Features

Grumman F-14B Tomcat

• Scale & Dimensions: 1:48 scale | Length: 398 mm | Wingspan: 408 mm (wings fully forward)

• Variable-Sweep Wings: Fully movable wing mechanism

• Cockpit: Detailed F-14B layout featuring Head-Up Display (HUD), instrument panels, and side consoles

• Engines & Details: Accurately reproduced General Electric F110-GE-400 engine compressor fan faces and exhaust nozzles

• Sensors & Antennas: Features the AN/AXX-1 TCS chin pod and AN/ALQ-126 ECM antenna fairings under the wing gloves

• Landing Gear & Boarding Ladder: Boarding ladder on the port side can be depicted partially open; nose gear angle is adjustable using alternate parts

Shipboard Towing Tractor

• Dimensions: Length: 98 mm (with air starter unit) | Width: 37 mm

• Steerable Axle: Front wheels can be set straight or turned (interchangeable post-assembly); dual wheels on rear axle

• Equipment Options:

  • Removable MSU-200NAV mobile air starter unit (attached via poly-caps)

  • Alternative rear ballast weight attachment

  • Magnetically attached driver's seat for quick swapping between occupied and parked configurations

  • Realistically molded air hoses

Figures & Diorama Accessories

• 4 Figures Included: 1 tractor driver, 2 deck crew members, and 1 Plane Captain seated in the cockpit operating the brakes

• Diorama Parts: Wheel chocks, ALBAR towbars, tie-down chains, and a printed flight deck base sheet

• Ordnance Options:

  • 2 × AIM-9L/M Sidewinder missiles

  • 2 × AIM-7M Sparrow missiles

  • 4 × GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs

  • 4 × GBU-16 Paveway II laser-guided bombs

  • 4 × Mk.82 500 lb unguided low-drag bombs

Decals / Marking Options

• VF-102 “Diamondbacks” – CAG aircraft

• VF-103 “Jolly Rogers” – Commanding Officer (CO) aircraft

• VF-143 “Pukin’ Dogs” – CAG aircraft

Historical Background

The Grumman F-14B Tomcat represented a crucial upgrade in the operational capability of the US Navy’s carrier-based fighter force. Originally entering service in 1987 as the F-14A Plus before being re-designated as the F-14B in 1991, its major enhancement was the integration of General Electric F110-GE-400 engines. Delivering up to 50% more thrust, these powerplants dramatically improved catapult launch performance and dogfight agility.

During the 1990s, the Tomcat transitioned from a fleet air defense fighter to a formidable multi-role strike aircraft. Capable of carrying both unguided and laser-guided munitions, the addition of the LANTIRN targeting pod starting in 1996 allowed Tomcat crews to designate ground targets independently day or night—earning precision-strike Tomcats the popular moniker “Bombcat”. Until its retirement in 2006, the F-14B served with distinction in high-profile squadrons including VF-102, VF-103, and VF-143.

Shipboard Towing Tractors are the unsung workhorses of carrier flight decks. Engineered with a tight turning radius to maneuver under the wings of parked aircraft, these compact vehicles use front and rear tow hitches to pull or push 30-ton Tomcats using rigid ALBAR towbars. Equipped with either an MSU-200NAV mobile air starter unit for engine turn-overs or a heavy rear ballast weight for maximum traction, they remain vital to carrier flight operations.

not build or painted
no glue or paint incl.