1:48 F-8E

The real subject

The Vought F-8 Crusader was an American single-seat carrier fighter with a single jet engine. What made it famous was the unusual design of its wing, whose front section lifted to a greater angle before landing and before a catapult launch from a carrier; the fuselage meanwhile stayed almost level, so the pilot had a view forward. Its main armament was cannons backed up by guided missiles, which is exactly why the Crusader is called the last fighter that really still relied on guns. The F-8E version was the most heavily armed of the line and served with the Navy and with the Marine Corps.

What the set contains

This is a set of photo-etched parts in 1:48 scale, meant as an accessory for a kit, not a whole model. The pieces are held on a thin metal fret, from which they are separated before the build. The extent of the set and the kit it is drawn for are given in the manufacturer's instructions.

Building and painting tips

Separate the pieces with a sharp blade on a hard surface; never snap them out. Make the bends along the marked grooves, best of all with a bending tool or over the edge of a steel ruler. Metal will not bond with polystyrene cement: use cyanoacrylate glue in a tiny quantity, and on larger areas a two-part glue, which leaves time to position things accurately. Degrease the pieces before painting and apply a primer. Finish the parts that will disappear inside the assembled model only as far as they will remain visible.

Terms of supply

The kit of the aircraft, the paints, the glue and the tools are not included in the delivery, unless stated otherwise.