Vintage 70's 1/48 ESCI F-8E Crusader

by Rand Johnson

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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 recently.  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 

Photos and text © by Rand Johnson