It’s starting to get awful crowded in the Grumman hangar. We learned today of a newcomer to the model making space, TSM Model Wings, which is a brand new division of TSM Models that plans to test the diecast aviation space in a big way. To mark the occasion, they plan to kick things off with a pair of 1:72 scale F-14 Tomcats that were employed in the smash hit feature film, “Top Gun.” Amazingly, its been 30 years since the film was released to its adoring public, and comes at an especially important time, since a sequel is already in the works and expected to make its theatrical release in 2017.
Two of the central aircraft depicted in the film are being replicated – the first flown by “Maverick” and “Goose” while the other was piloted by “Iceman” and “Slider”. Additionally, several combat accessories are also in the works, including a flight deck, tow tractors, fire fighting equipment and even several flight deck crewmen. Currently, we anticipate the aircraft to buzz the tower some time in January, while the accessories are earmarked for a December release.
The modelling world, diecast and other, is surfeit with F-14 models, in my view. A truly iconic a/c such as the Tomcat surely it can be overdone…give it a rest!