1:48 F-8E Crusader

The real subject

The Vought F-8 Crusader served as a carrier-borne fighter with the US Navy and the Marine Corps. Its most striking design feature was the variable-incidence wing: before landing the whole wing was raised by several degrees, so that the aircraft flew at a high angle of attack while the fuselage stayed closer to level and the pilot could see the deck. It was powered by a Pratt & Whitney J57 turbojet with an afterburner. The armament consisted of four 20 millimeter cannon supplemented by guided missiles, a combination that became an exception at a time when purely missile armament was coming in. The F-8E version was one of the most numerous and could also carry armament on underwing pylons.

What the set contains

This is a kit to be glued and painted; in 1:48 scale the finished model comes out about thirty-four centimeters long. The parts count and the choice of marking options are given in the manufacturer's instructions.

Building and painting tips

Decide in advance whether you will build the wing in the raised position for landing or in the position for flight, because the seating of the parts has to be adapted to that. Finish and paint the cockpit before you close up the fuselage. Clean the excess material and the manufacturing marks off the parts and sand the mating surfaces. Wash and degrease the surface before painting, apply the paint in thin coats and put the masking down before you spray.

Who it is for

The set suits modelers interested in carrier aviation of the 1960s. Paints, thinner, glue and tools are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.