This Crusader represents the
same F-8E that Cmdr. Richard Bellinger flew when he got his first Mig
kill over Vietnam in 1966. I did this model for a theme build on my
modeler group.
This F-8E model was
re-scribed due to poor exterior detail in the mold. Painting was done
with a primer coat then airbrushed with Testors Model Master Acrylics
and finished off with Krylon Clear Matte Finish after decaling. Decaling
this model was NOT an easy task! Decals were old and very hard to work
with and required a ton of Future just to make them adhere to the model
surface. I ruined three Star and Bars decals just getting the one onto
the fuel probe door. If you look and notice the scuff plates, they were
done from scratch. Panel lines were accented using a No.2 pencil which I
had to keep re-sharpening. Canopy was masked with Black Magic mask for
Monogram 1/48 F-8 and cockpit interior was done with the Eduard F-8E
photo etch set, the rest of this model was done out of box and
no other aftermarket enhancements.
Click on
images below to see larger images
All in all
this was a great build and actually went a lot faster than some
Revell-Monogram models I built recentl y.
This kit really tested my skill
and patience. I had heard some horror stories about this kit, but it
went together a lot better than I expected from an old model kit. I would
build this kit again in spite of the flaws and problems. Great kit to
really test how good a modeler you are. I think I passed the test.
Enjoy!
Rand
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