1:72 F-8 FN/P ARMAMENT SET

Armycast F-8 FN/P Armament Set in 1:72 scale

A resin armament set from Armycast for models of the Vought F-8 Crusader carrier fighter in the versions designated FN and P. It is not an airplane kit — it is a set of add-on parts that you add to a finished or part-built plastic model. Cast resin allows finer shaping of the weapon pylons and the stores than a base box usually offers.

The real subject

The Crusader was designed as a pure fighter and became famous as one of the last American aircraft whose armament still relied on cannons. Besides the gun armament in the forward fuselage it carried short-range guided missiles on side pylons by the cockpit. Machines in French naval service were adapted for a different mix of armament than US Navy aircraft, and export examples differed in their fit as well. It is precisely these differences between the versions that make modelers reach for a separate armament set.

Building and painting tips

Wash the castings in lukewarm soapy water and let them dry thoroughly. Cut the thin weapon parts off the casting blocks only just before gluing, so that they do not deform. Make the joints with super glue, ideally a gel, which gives you time to settle the position. Paint the stores separately from the model and attach them only once the varnish has dried, otherwise the fine edges will be damaged. A dark wash running into the recesses suits picking out the small engraving.

Who the set is for

• builders of Crusader models in 1:72 scale
• anyone interested in the armament of Cold War carrier fighters
• modelers for whom the weapons from the original kit are not enough
• those who build versions outside the US Navy standard

This is an add-on set, not a complete model. The kit, glue and paints are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.