1/32 Trumpeter F8F-1 Bearcat

VNAF 1st Fighter Squadron F8F-1

by Tuan Tonthat

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The F8F Bearcat was the first fighter operated by the VNAF (South VN Airforce) and were ex-Armee de l'Air aircraft relinquished by the French during 1956.  The kit was built out of the box. I opted to build a VNAF bird as VNAF are often underlooked. Insignia decals are basically those of the US but retouched to be VNAF's. The Phoenix logos on the cowling are hand painted since I am so computer illiterate, not knowing how to make decals heheheh. I used Model Master Alluminum Plate Buffing Metalizer to airbrush the entire F8F.  The Lambretta scooter is a 1/32 diecast model and the 1/35 M38A1 Utility Truck is by Skybow.

By 1960, VNAF started to receive Skyraiders to replace the obsolete Bearcats. Some were retained for static display. This dio depicts one of them.

Hope y'all enjoy!

Tuan

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Photos and text © by Tuan Tonthat