My 1/144 scale diorama depicts the launch of an F-14B Tomcat of FV-103 “Jolly Rogers” in November 2004 from the deck of USS John F. Kennedy in support of ground operations in Iraq. The F-14 is a model from Revell. I used Goffy Models aftermarket sets for the wings in launch position, laser guided bombs and targeting pod. The carrier deck and vehicles were from a Dragon kit. The deck crewmen are pewter sets from Japan. I modified these and painted them to accurately reflect deck crewmen in 2004. I used Fightertown Decals for the F-14 and Starfighter Decals for the vehicles and some of the deck markings.































Erik

Great little diorama.
Awesome considering it is 1/144!!!

Just a couple of suggestions (from a newbie, so treat them accordingly): the deck is perhaps a tad too uniform (missing streaks/worn look) and I am not sure the cart in the back would stay so close to the blast deflector/shield, but it does help balance the composition.

PS=Could you better specify where you got the deck crew?

Nicola,

Thanks for the comments. The deck, when seen in person, is less uniform looking than in the photos. It looks more faded and worn. I agree the deck vehicle may be a bit too close, when compared to the real thing. Since I had limited space to work with, I felt the compostion as a whole was more important. The deck crew are from Century Wings.

Erik

good job sir love the jolly's

Great diorama Erik, Very good detail for the scale.

Excellent work. I remember 'building' the same same kit when I was much younger (teens) not a scratch on what you have there. One tip though, personally I think the deck looks fine for early cruise condition (which aircraft condition says most likely) but the catapult rails should be a more metallic steel.

see pics (incidently of the USS Kittyhawk, 1997)