The
F-8 Crusader is a mythic fighter, together with the Super Sabre and the Phantom.
Its participation in the Vietnam conflict was significant, being used by both
the Marine Corps and the Navy in the Close Air Support and Air Interdiction
role. This later put the Crusader under the spotlights, with some thrilling
air-to-air gunfights between the F-8 and Vietnamese Migs. The Crusader gained
the title of “The Mig master“, with 18 confirmed kills, using only its four
20 mm canons and short range AIM9 Sidewinders. The latest aircraft in the US
inventory (a RF-8J) made its final flight with the Navy Reserve in March 1987.
On the other side of the Atlantic, the French Navy (l’Aéronavale) who bought
42 F-8E(FN) extended its life until November 2000, while the Philippine Air
Force used 25 aircraft in the 80’s for a short period of time.
The
kit
Surprisingly,
only two “serious” models existed in 1/48 scale, the short lived Esci and
the Revell-Monogram. The later was released several times but despite a rather
good shape it suffered from problems like rather poor fit and wrong
representation of the main landing gear to name a few. Experienced modelers
were able to turn this kit into a contest winner, but it required a lot
of work.
Then
comes Hasegawa.
The
kit is moulded in 119 parts, of the usual Hasegawa quality.
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The
surface presents both engraved lines and raised panels that will look very
convincing once painted and weathered. I dry fit the parts, there is no problem
I could see at first glance. I assembled the airframe with tape, this Crusader
does look like a real Crusader.
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Clear
parts are very thin, the canopy could be positioned open. The only problem
is the hinges that seem to be too short. It is a bit difficult to fix it
but not impossible and only a minor detail regarding the overall quality
of the kit. |
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The
leading edge of the intake lip is moulded with the fuselage halves and like the
Hasegawa A-7 Corsair series, a two-part intake housing sits mid-way down the
nose. The resulting seam must be filled with a mixture of epoxy-putty and wate,
but I found the fit not that bad…
A
major disappointment to me is the airbrake that is poorly represented in the
closed position. Opened airbrake on parked aircrafts is very common because of
the hydraulic pressure drop and I really like this configuration, together with
dropped flaps and folded wing tips.
Landing
gear
This
was the weakest point of the Revellogram kit. Hasegawa did a very good job,
especially with the main gear. The rear wheel wells are a separate, 3 pieces
part that look very close to the real thing. One detail I really like is that
Hasegawa did not mould unrealistic wires and plumbing, leaving the modellers the
choice to add the level of detail of their own. The front well is realistically
deep and the front wheel is nicely separated from the strut." The two
"horns" on the front wheel strut must be removed as they are for the
F-8J, not the F-8E.
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Cockpit
It
consists of a tub, the instruments panel and the MB MK-F5 ejection seat. Knobs
are raised moulded but instruments decals are also provided. Nothing amazing,
but nothing bad!
The
wing and stabilizer
The
wing does offer several nice options, like separated leading edges and flaps, as
well as the possibility to raise the wing with a detailed fuselage engine duct.
Alas, there is no provision to have the wing tips folded, if you want to show
that configuration you are for some cutting work… The stabilizers are thin enough and could be position at any
angle you want.
Miscellaneous
The
jet nozzle is beautiful with some afterburner details that cry out for a
dry brush. The armament only consists of eight LAU-7 Zuni fuselage pods
that are nicely done. There are two under
wing pylons for the USMC version, but if you want some air to air missiles
and bombs, as usual with Hasegawa, you will have to check your spare box
or possibly buy one of the Hasegawa weapons sets.
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Decal
Sheet
Markings
are provided for four very high viz aircraft . You get markings for a pair of
CAG birds from squadrons VF-191 “Satan’s Kittens” and VF-194 “Red
Lightning’s” of CVW-19, USS Ticonderoga. Markings for the squadron commander
birds of these squadrons are also provided. The decals are from the usual
Hasegawa quality and look very clean and well printed. If you want other
markings, the aftermarket choice is huge and more will probably come out with
this new kit release.
Conclusion
At
last! This popular aircraft lacked a good reproduction for years, thank you
Hasegawa San for this release. I paid $ 27 (or € 27) from Hobby Link Japan, a
few more for shipping and the f…… import taxes but I am extremely happy with
the kit. The small canopy fit problem and the lack of a good airbrake should not
distract you from buying this kit, the Crusader is a spectacular aircraft, so
will be the build kit. I hope there will be new versions of the F-8, like the
RF-8 and the peculiar French F-8E(FN) with its different wing and over-sized
stabilizers. I bet the aftermarket industry will find it a subject of choice for
improved resin details sets like the cockpit and the rear wheels well….
Highly
recommended.
Pascal
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