When this kit came out in the 1980’s, it was a quantum leap over any other Tomcat on the market. The detail was outstanding in an injection molded kit. This kit has been much-maligned in recent years, but comparing to modern moldings is unfair. This is one of my favorite kits, and I’ve built over 50 of them in my modeling years.
Cockpit (A-): The cockpit is extremely well executed. While not perfect, it stool looks great after some painting and dry-brushing. At the very least, it looks “busy”. The GRU-7 seats were better than any other kit seat on the market, and they still look decent even by today’s standards.
Shape (A-): The Monogram kit, like most from this company, captures the lines and look of the Tomcat very nicely. The nose on recent reissues has shown it’s age and taken on a Coke-bottle look, but 5 minutes with a sanding stick and it’s taken care of.
Surface Detail (B+): The raised lines are excellent and mostly correct. The nozzles are decent, although the burner cans are a bit shallow and narrow. The only thing that could make the surface detail better would be if the lines were engraved.
Fit (C): One thing Monogram is not known for is great fit. The Tomcat is no exception. The parts break-down leaves one scratching their head, wondering just what the kit designers were thinking. The intake/fuselage fit needs copious amounts of filler, and the engine tunnel/lower fuselage fit leaves a sizeable step, needing lots of filling and sanding. Some short-cuts can be taken that help these areas, though, and the fit is not insurmountable.
Ordnance (A-): This kit contains some of the best, if not the best, AIM-9’s on the market. They are outstanding. The AIM-7’s are attached to the pylon, which makes painting hard. There are also no external fuel tanks. Overall it’s a very good set of ordnance.
Pros: Great detail, low price, outstanding ordnance.
Cons: No fuel tanks, wheels aren’t correct, no ECM blisters for Block 135, fit is tough.
Overall Score: 7.5/10
